The Slippery Nipple is a layered shot that looks as good as it tastes. Two ingredients, thirty seconds of careful pouring, and you get a two-tone shot glass with a creamy butterscotch flavour that goes down far too easily. It has been a party favourite since the 1980s and remains one of the most requested shots at events we serve across London. Here is how to make it, how to nail the layering technique, and what variations are worth trying.
Pour 15ml butterscotch schnapps directly into a clean shot glass. The schnapps forms the heavier base layer, so it goes in first. De Kuyper Butterscotch is the industry standard, but Teichenne or any butterscotch schnapps works.
Take a bar spoon and hold it upside down (dome side up) with the tip resting against the inside of the glass, just above the surface of the schnapps. This is the key to a clean layer.
Pour 15ml Baileys Irish Cream very slowly over the back of the spoon. The spoon breaks the flow and disperses the Baileys gently across the surface. It will float on top of the schnapps because it has a lower specific gravity.
Serve immediately. The layers will hold for roughly 60 seconds before the Baileys begins to sink and blend with the schnapps. For a round of shots, pour all the schnapps first, then go back and layer all the Baileys.
Layering relies on specific gravity. Each spirit and liqueur has a different density based on its sugar and alcohol content. Heavier liquids sink, lighter ones float. Butterscotch schnapps is denser than Baileys, which is why the schnapps goes in first and the Baileys floats on top.
The bar spoon technique is non-negotiable for clean layers. Without it, the Baileys will plunge straight through the schnapps and mix on impact. Hold the spoon as close to the surface as possible and pour at a slow, steady rate. If you are making a batch for a party, use a squeeze bottle for the Baileys, it gives you more control than free-pouring from the bottle.
Slow down. The Baileys should take 3-4 seconds to pour, not 1.
Chill both bottles beforehand. Cold liquids layer better because they are denser.
Any residue or water droplets in the glass will break the surface tension and mix the layers.
Schnapps first, then Baileys. Reversing the order means the denser liquid will sink straight through.
| Variation | Change | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| With grenadine | Add a drop of grenadine on top | Red spot sinks through for visual drama |
| Blow Job shot | Replace schnapps with Kahlua, add whipped cream | Coffee flavour, different texture |
| Buttery Nipple | Replace Baileys with Irish cream + extra butter extract | Richer, more intense butterscotch |
| Slippery Nipple Martini | Scale to 50ml/50ml, serve in a martini glass with ice | Cocktail-length version for sipping |
| Frozen Slippery Nipple | Blend both with ice | Milkshake consistency, summer party serve |
The grenadine variation is worth trying at home. After layering the Baileys, use a straw or cocktail stick to drop a single drop of grenadine onto the centre of the Baileys surface. It sinks through and creates a red tendril effect that looks striking in the glass. Our bartenders at The Sesh Bars often use this as a finishing touch at hen parties and birthday celebrations across London.
Slippery Nipple shots are one of the most popular party shots at events we serve. They work particularly well at hen parties, milestone birthdays, and house parties, any event where the crowd wants something fun, sweet, and photogenic. Our bartenders prepare them in batches so an entire table can shoot together.
For wedding receptions and corporate events, we can include Slippery Nipples as part of a custom shot round timed to a toast or speech. Layered shots add a visual element that guests remember, they look professional and taste indulgent without requiring rare or expensive ingredients. Check our packages and pricing for all-inclusive options that cover shots, cocktails, and classic serves.
If you are running a dry hire bar and supplying your own drinks, a bottle of butterscotch schnapps and a bottle of Baileys will produce roughly 20 shots at under £1 each. We supply the shot glasses, bar spoons, and the bartenders who know how to layer them perfectly every time. Our mobile bar hire London service covers all the equipment and staffing so you just bring the bottles. See our cost guide for budgeting.
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