The Sticky Toffee Shot is a decadent, dessert-inspired cocktail that delivers all the indulgence of sticky toffee pudding in a quick, elegant form. This small but mighty drink combines butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, vodka, and heavy cream, then dresses up beautifully with a garnish of caramel drizzle and crushed toffee. It is rich, creamy, and layered with sweet, buttery notes that satisfy the sweet tooth while offering a subtle boozy kick.

Unlike heavier dessert cocktails that come in tall glasses, the Sticky Toffee Shot is meant to be enjoyed in just a few sips. It provides the flavor and indulgence of a dessert without the heaviness, making it ideal for parties, after-dinner treats, or festive gatherings where you want something sweet and memorable.

This drink doesn’t just taste incredible—it also looks stunning. The caramel drizzle inside the glass and the golden sprinkle of crushed toffee create an appealing presentation that’s perfect for serving guests. Whether you’re preparing a tray of them for a celebration or just treating yourself, this shot is designed to impress both visually and flavor-wise.

In this article, we will walk through the recipe in detail, explore variations, discuss serving ideas, and provide expert tips. By the end, you’ll not only be able to make the perfect Sticky Toffee Shot but also understand how to adapt it for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love the Sticky Toffee Shot, but here are some highlights that make it truly stand out:

A Dessert in a Glass: It captures the essence of the famous British sticky toffee pudding and transforms it into a rich, boozy shot.
Quick and Simple: With only four main ingredients plus a garnish, this recipe comes together in under five minutes.
Party-Perfect: The Sticky Toffee Shot looks elegant and can be made in batches, making it ideal for entertaining.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet but not overwhelming, creamy yet light enough to enjoy without feeling too heavy.
Customizable: The recipe is easily adaptable—you can add chocolate, coffee, or even salted caramel twists.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 oz butterscotch schnapps – Provides the signature buttery caramel flavor.
1 oz Irish cream liqueur – Adds creaminess and hints of chocolate and coffee.
½ oz vodka – Balances sweetness with a subtle kick of alcohol.
½ oz heavy cream – Creates a velvety smooth texture and rich finish.

Garnish

Caramel drizzle – Adds both sweetness and presentation.
Crushed toffee – Enhances the toffee theme and gives a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Chill the Shot Glasses

Begin by placing your shot glasses in the freezer for about 5–10 minutes. Chilled glasses ensure the drink stays cold and enhance the creamy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Garnish

Swirl caramel drizzle along the inside of the shot glass for a decorative touch.
For extra flair, dip the rim in caramel sauce and then into crushed toffee for a crunchy finish.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, vodka, and heavy cream.

Step 4: Shake Well

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The ice chills the mixture while blending the cream smoothly with the spirits.

Step 5: Strain and Pour

Strain the liquid into your prepared shot glasses. The caramel drizzle should create elegant streaks inside the glass.

Step 6: Add the Final Garnish

Sprinkle a small amount of crushed toffee on top. For extra indulgence, add a light drizzle of caramel before serving.

Variations

Salted Toffee Shot

Add a pinch of sea salt or use salted caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty balance that enhances the butterscotch flavor.

Chocolate Toffee Shot

Add ½ oz of chocolate liqueur to bring in a rich, cocoa undertone that pairs beautifully with caramel.

Coffee Toffee Shot

Swap the vodka for coffee liqueur to create a toffee latte-style drink with extra depth.

Layered Toffee Shot

Instead of shaking, carefully layer the ingredients by pouring Irish cream slowly over the back of a spoon onto the schnapps, then add vodka and cream for a striking layered presentation.

Frozen Toffee Shot

Blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy, frozen version perfect for summer gatherings.

Cocktail Note

The Sticky Toffee Shot is designed to mimic dessert flavors while maintaining the lightness of a cocktail. It should be made fresh and consumed quickly to enjoy the full creaminess and cold temperature. If left to sit, the cream can separate, and the caramel garnish may begin to melt, so timing is key.

Serving Suggestions

As a Dessert Shot: Serve immediately after a meal as a sweet finish instead of traditional dessert.
Party Tray Presentation: Line up several Sticky Toffee Shots on a serving tray with extra crushed toffee sprinkled around for decoration.
With Dessert Pairings: This shot pairs exceptionally well with sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake, brownies, or caramel-drizzled ice cream.
Coffee Companion: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee for a sweet boozy treat.

Tips for Success

Use fresh heavy cream for the best texture and flavor.
Always shake with ice to blend the cream smoothly with the spirits.
Chill glasses in advance for a professional finish.
Prepare garnishes ahead of time if making shots for multiple guests.
Store extra crushed toffee in an airtight container to save time for future batches.

Prep Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per shot, approximate)

Calories: 185
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the Sticky Toffee Shot without vodka?
Yes. If you prefer a sweeter, less boozy version, simply omit the vodka and keep the schnapps, Irish cream, and heavy cream.

Q: Can I make these shots ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare them fresh. However, you can pre-mix the schnapps, vodka, and Irish cream in advance, then add the heavy cream and shake with ice just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have butterscotch schnapps?
Caramel liqueur or toffee-flavored liqueur makes an excellent substitute.

Q: Can I serve this as a full cocktail instead of a shot?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients, serve in a rocks glass over ice, and top with caramel drizzle and crushed toffee.

Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes. Replace the schnapps with butterscotch syrup, the Irish cream with non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored creamer, and leave out the vodka.

Conclusion

The Sticky Toffee Shot is the perfect combination of indulgence, elegance, and simplicity. With just a few ingredients, it transforms into a creamy, caramel-flavored drink that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique after-dinner treat, or simply craving a dessert-like cocktail, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Its adaptability makes it even more appealing—you can make it richer with chocolate, give it a salted caramel edge, or turn it into a coffee-enhanced creation. With its irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation, the Sticky Toffee Shot is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your cocktail repertoire for years to come.