Ingredients
- .5 oz Almond Liqueur
- .5 oz Raspberry Liqueur
- .5 oz Milk
Instructions
Chill Ingredients:
- Pour 0.5 oz almond liqueur, 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur, and 0.5 oz milk into a chiller filled with ice.
Mix:
- Mix well to chill the ingredients.
Pour:
- Pour the chilled mixture into a shot glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact history of the Tully's Nuts and Berries shot isn't etched in stone. Most likely, it popped up in casual bars sometime in the late 20th century, a product of bartenders experimenting with popular sweet liqueurs and creamy textures. No one's exactly sure who first mixed these three together, but it caught on.
This shot falls into the broad category of dessert or candy-like shooters. It's a cousin to other creamy, sweet concoctions that aim for pure indulgence, like a Buttery Nipple or a Slippery Nipple. The combination of specific nut and berry liqueurs gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from more generic sweet shots.
You're not going to find this on any "craft cocktail" menu, and that's just fine. This is a party starter, a celebratory pour, or a sweet cap to a casual night out. It's built for dive bars, house parties, or anywhere the vibe is relaxed and the drinks are flowing freely.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet, creamy hit with distinct notes of marzipan-like almond and juicy, slightly tart raspberry. The milk smooths everything out, making it feel almost like a liquid dessert. It's a straightforward flavor experience, designed to be pleasant and approachable without any challenging bitterness or complex aromatics.
With two liqueurs around 15-28% ABV and milk, this shot typically lands around 15% alcohol by volume. That means a single shot has roughly one-third the alcohol content of a standard 12-ounce beer. It's deceptively mild going down, so treat it with a bit of respect, especially if you're planning more than one.
The technique
Building a Tully's Nuts and Berries is as simple as it gets. Grab your chiller or a shaker, dump in the almond liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and milk over ice. Give it a quick, hard shake until it's properly chilled, then strain it into a shot glass. Serve it up as soon as it hits the glass.
The only real "technique" here is making sure it's ice-cold. A lukewarm creamy shot is a sad shot. Really work that ice in the chiller or shaker to get a good chill, then get it into the shot glass and into someone's hand before it warms up.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Amaretto is the standard call here. Disaronno is a popular, reliable choice.
- Skip
- Almond extract. It's too concentrated and lacks the sweetness and body of a proper liqueur.
- Why
- It's the "nut" in the name, providing the essential sweet, nutty foundation for the drink. Without it, you've just got berries and milk.
Raspberry Liqueur
- Use
- Chambord is the classic high-end choice, but any decent raspberry liqueur like DeKuyper Razzmatazz will get the job done.
- Skip
- Raspberry syrup or cordial. You need the alcohol and the specific flavor profile of a liqueur to make this work.
- Why
- This provides the "berries" and the bright, fruity counterpoint to the almond. It also gives the shot its signature color.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Blueberry Twist
- A different berry, same sweet shot
- Swap the raspberry liqueur for a blueberry liqueur. You get a similar fruity sweetness with a different color and a slightly earthier berry note.
Creamy Dream
- Richer, more decadent texture
- Instead of milk, use heavy cream or half-and-half for an even richer, more decadent texture. It turns the shot into a truly luxurious sip.
Long Drink Version
- Stretch it out for sipping
- Pour the chilled mixture into a small rocks glass filled with ice and top with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda. This stretches it out and makes it a lighter sipper.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try Frangelico for a hazelnut twist, or even a coffee liqueur if you're feeling adventurous and don't mind a different flavor profile.
Strawberry liqueur or even a cherry liqueur can stand in for a similar fruity sweetness.
Heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative like oat milk or almond milk will work for creaminess.
Any cocktail shaker with ice will do the trick. Just make sure it's sealed tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Tully's Nuts and Berries?
A Tully's Nuts and Berries shot contains almond liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and milk.
Is Tully's Nuts and Berries a sweet drink?
Absolutely. It's designed to be a sweet, dessert-like shot.
How strong is a Tully's Nuts and Berries shot?
It's moderately strong, typically around 15% ABV, similar to a glass of wine but in a much smaller serving.
What kind of almond liqueur should I use?
Amaretto is the standard choice. Disaronno is a common and good quality option.
Can I make a batch of Tully's Nuts and Berries?
Yes, you can pre-batch the liqueurs and milk, keep it chilled, then shake with ice just before serving.
What's the best way to serve this shot?
Serve it ice-cold in a shot glass, immediately after chilling.
Is this shot dairy-free?
No, it contains milk. For a dairy-free version, use an alternative like oat milk or almond milk.
What's a good occasion for a Tully's Nuts and Berries?
It's a solid choice for parties, celebrations, or as a sweet nightcap.
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