Nutty Irishman Drink Recipe

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 11/6/23
Layered nutty Irishman shooter

 The Spruce Eats

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 drink

The Nutty Irishman is a tasty and very popular drink that can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you are in the mood for a layered party shot, a smooth and creamy sipper, or some spiked coffee, this is a delicious, easy, and versatile mixed drink.

Among all of the Nutty Irishman recipes available, there are two common elements: Frangelico and Irish cream. From there, some recipes add the kick of Irish whiskey, while others prefer hot coffee. The key to any good nutty Irishman, though, is that perfect pairing of nutty and creamy.

Each of these drinks can be mixed up quickly. Serve them at a St. Patrick's Day party or simply enjoy one on your own. No matter which way you take it, the Nutty Irishman is a winner.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for nutty Irishman shooter recipe gathered

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  2. Pour the Frangelico into a shot glass.

    Frangelico poured halfway into shot glasses

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  3. Float the Irish cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a bar spoon.

    Irish cream being poured over a bar spoon on top of Frangelico in a shot glass

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  4. Serve and enjoy.

    Two-layer nutty Irishman shooter

     The Spruce Eats

Recipe Variations

  • Rather than serving the Nutty Irishman as a layered shooter, simply pour each liqueur directly into a shot glass. Or shake the liqueurs up and strain them into a frosty shot glass.
  • If you want an extra kick, add Irish whiskey. Keep the three ingredients equal by pouring 1/2 ounce of each. Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass.
  • Yet another fun option is to serve the Nutty Irishman in a cocktail glass. Any of the variations can work out well—even the layered one—and it makes an excellent dessert cocktail.
  • If you enjoy a White Russian, skip the coffee liqueur and pour Frangelico instead. Simply pour about 1 ounce each of Irish cream, Frangelico, and cream into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice (or skip ice if serving in a chilled glass). You can also build the drink directly in the serving glass and give it a good stir.
  • For the cream, half-and-half is one of the best options because it is neither too thick nor too light. If you want a thicker drink, go with heavy cream. For a lighter drink, light cream or even whole milk will do.
  • Skip the extra cream and pour a shot of whiskey or vodka instead. Keep the Frangelico and Irish cream and serve it on the rocks. Irish whiskey is a natural choice that's preferred for the Nutty Irishman. For an interesting twist, you can also try an espresso vodka.
  • The flavors of the nutty Irishman are perfect for creating a hot coffee cocktail. One of the best recipes combines a full 1 1/2-ounce shot of Irish whiskey with 1 ounce each of Irish cream and Frangelico. Top that with as much coffee as you like or go with a freshly pulled double shot of espresso.

Tips

  • Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur, is the most popular nut-flavored liqueur on the market and a great addition to any bar. There are other hazelnut liqueurs available, so feel free to pour any you find as a substitute.
  • Irish cream is also essential in the modern bar, and there are some great brands available. Baileys is the most popular, though you might want to try others like Carolans or Molly's as well. RumChata is another great cream liqueur substitute.

How Strong Is a Nutty Irishman?

The strength of your Nutty Irishman depends on how you choose to make it. For instance, the layered shot has no dilution, so it's pretty strong at 20 percent ABV (40 proof). Adding cream and diluting it with ice for a lowball drops that down to 11 percent ABV (22 proof), while adding a shot of vodka or whiskey to that is equivalent to the layered shot. The hot coffee version will be somewhere around 18 percent ABV (36 proof).

What Is the Best Way to Drink Frangelico?

The hazelnut liqueur can be enjoyed served on the rocks for a sweet, nutty after-dinner sip or mixed with soda. Because of its nutty flavor, Frangelico pairs nicely with coffee and espresso, dairy (like cream or milk), and cream liqueurs like Bailey's. It can also make a nice pairing with hard liquor like whiskey, which has nutty aspects, or neutral vodka.