Nutcracker Shot | 12 Shots of Christmas
Named for the hazelnut and almond liqueurs it envelops in smooth half and half, the Nutcracker shot will put a wide smile on everyone’s face who drinks it!
This is the eighth post in my 12 Shots of Christmas series. On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: one Nutcracker shot, one Tootsie Roll shot, one Eggnog shot, one After Eight shot, one Snowball shot, one Black Forest Cake shot, one Chocolate Raspberry Kiss shot and a shot named Peppermint Patty!
The flavor explosion from the combined Amaretto, Frangelico and light cream makes this shot a treat to drink. (It doesn’t hurt the eyes either, does it!)
As we know, the difference between a cocktail and a shot is that you sip a cocktail but you down the whole shot at once.
And with a layered shot, as you drink it, you taste each ingredient separately. Then the flavors combine and you are left with a cohesive taste treat.
How fun is that?
Helpful tips
- If you are going to layer this shot, either use a cocktail spoon or regular iced coffee teaspoon – for the thin, tall shot glass, I have to use the iced coffee teaspoon because the cocktail spoon is too wide to fit in the glass
- Always place the spoon bowl side up in the glass, against the side
- Using a pourer controls the pour, which is critical to layering any shot. But if you do use a pourer, just know that you will have to eyeball your quantities because in that case, they’re coming straight out of the bottle, unmeasured
- As with all layered shots, you need to place the heaviest liquor on the bottom and work your way up to the lightest
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How to make the nutcracker shot
This recipe is for one shot. To make multiple shots, you can double or triple the recipe.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Frangelico, Amaretto and light cream. Also, get a shot glass and a cocktail spoon.
Step two
Pour in half an ounce of Amaretto.
Step three
Since Amaretto and Frangelico are very close in weight and color, there isn’t the most clear delineation of layers. But I layer them as usual.
Place the spoon bowl side up in and against the side of the glass. Slowly pour half an ounce Frangelico over the bowl of the spoon.
Step four
Put the spoon back in the glass and slowly pour half an ounce of the light cream over the bowl.
The cream will infiltrate the Frangelico a little, but I think it makes for a pretty shot.
Let’s look at the tall glass filled with this delicious shot!
All that is left is to shoot the shot.
I hope you enjoyed this Nutcracker shot recipe!
What is your favorite hazelnut cocktail? Leave me a comment as I’d love to know.
Other popular nutty cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Nutcracker Shot
Ingredients
- .50 ounce Amaretto
- .50 ounce Frangelico
- .50 ounce light cream (or half & half)
Instructions
- Pour Amaretto in the glass
- Place the spoon bowl side up in and against the side of the glass. Slowly pour the Frangelico over the bowl of the spoon
- Place the spoon in the glass again and pour the light cream over the bowl
- Shoot the shot
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- If you are going to layer this shot, either use a cocktail spoon or regular iced coffee teaspoon – for the thin, tall shot glass, I have to use the iced coffee teaspoon because the cocktail spoon is too wide to fit in the glass
- Always place the spoon bowl side up in the glass, against the side
- Using a pourer controls the pour, which is critical to layering any shot. But if you do use a pourer, just know that you will have to eyeball your quantities because in that case, they’re coming straight out of the bottle, unmeasured
- As with all layered shots, you need to place the heaviest liquor on the bottom and work your way up to the lightest
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Hazelnut and almond are my absolute favorite flavors. Great recipe!
Thanks Krissy! It is a wonderful combo!
Mmm… I must give this a go this Holiday season! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Thank you Julia! I hope you enjoy it!
I happened to have a bottle of frangelico on my shelf for AGES so thank you for finally giving me something fun to make it with! Going to try it tonight for a party!
Woohoo, Tracy! I hope you enjoy it!
Now these would be a great addition to any Christmas party! What a brilliant idea!
Thanks Cliona!
Love the Italian flavours in this shot. Amaretto and Frangelico are 2 of my favourite liqueurs! Have you ever tried Nocino, made with walnuts?
Thanks Jacqueline! I haven’t tried Nocino, though I do have a friend that makes it every year, but she lives in France. I’ll have to look for it!
This needs a variation for those of us who can’t do cream. Not sure what the substitution might be, but I’m sure you’ll think of something. Hah! I love the nut liqueurs.
I bet almond milk would layer. I’ll try it out.