Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
Nutty Irishman
Updated: February 6, 2026
Published: March 10, 2025
My Curated Tastes is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Nutty Irishman might be a drink, or a shot to be precise, but this also makes a wonderful dessert or after dinner drink. A sweet and creamy concoction that is served in a chocolate-hazelnut rimmed glass and is topped off with a decadent piece of candy (Ferrero Rocher to be exact) screams dessert to me. And on St. Paddy’s Day, the perfect ending to a fun night. This rivals my homemade Irish Cream Liqueur in popularity around here, but you can try both and decide.
Key Takeaways
The Nutty Irishman is a decadent dessert cocktail that blurs the line between drink and treat. This creamy, indulgent shot combines Irish cream liqueur with cold brew coffee and a touch of heavy cream, all served in a tall shot glass rimmed with chocolate-hazelnut spread and chopped hazelnuts. Crowned with a Ferrero Rocher candy, it’s as much a visual delight as it is delicious. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or as an after-dinner indulgence, this cocktail delivers rich flavors of chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee in every sip.
Why This Recipe Works
The Nutty Irishman succeeds because it thoughtfully balances richness with refreshment. The cold brew coffee cuts through the sweetness of the Bailey’s Irish Cream (or my homemade Irish Cream), preventing the drink from becoming cloying while adding a sophisticated bitter edge. The splash of heavy cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel without overwhelming the other flavors. The chocolate-hazelnut rim isn’t just decorative—it delivers an immediate flavor hit that primes your palate for what’s coming. By serving this as a shot rather than a full cocktail, the recipe incorporates built-in portion control, making it feel like an indulgence you can enjoy guilt-free. The Ferrero Rocher garnish is the masterstroke, transforming a simple shot into an experience that engages multiple senses.
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
Bailey’s Irish Cream – The foundation of the drink, providing creamy sweetness and the essential Irish character. Its blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa creates the base flavor profile.
Cold Brew Coffee – Adds depth and balances the sweetness while providing a smooth, less acidic coffee flavor than regular brewed coffee. The cold temperature also helps keep the drink properly chilled.
Heavy Cream – Contributes to the velvety texture and rounds out the flavors, creating that signature dessert-cocktail richness.
Nutella Hazelnut Spread – Serves double duty as both the adhesive for the rim and a flavor enhancer, reinforcing the nutty theme while adding chocolate notes.
Hazelnuts (chopped) – Provide textural contrast and amplify the hazelnut flavor introduced by the Nutella, while making the presentation more sophisticated.
Ferrero Rocher Candy – The crowning glory that ties all the flavors together—chocolate, hazelnut, and wafer—while elevating the drink from cocktail to dessert experience.
Want to share this infographic?
HOW TO MAKE A NUTTY IRISHMAN
- In a shaker filled with ice, just add your Bailey’s Irish Cream (or go wild and make your own Irish Cream using my Irish Cream Liqueur recipe), cold brew, and a splash of heavy cream and shake well until ice cold. Let that chill for a moment while you prepare your glasses.
- Next, place the Nutella on a small plate and spread it out slightly. Chop the hazelnuts and put them on another plate. Dip the rims of your two tall shot glasses into the Nutella, and then roll in the nuts creating a chocolate and nut rimmed glass (YUM!).
- Strain the drink evenly into the two prepared shot glasses.
- Next, unwrap two Ferrero Rocher Chocolates and skewer them with plain toothpicks. Place one on top of each glass. And there you have it, Nutty Irishman. Absolutely delish!
SUBSTITUTIONS IN THE NUTTY IRISHMAN RECIPE
To keep this a bit lighter, you could use just milk or even skim milk in place of the cream. You don’t have to use cold brew (I buy mine in a can or grab one at Starbucks). You could just use cooled coffee (with or without caffeine). Obviously, you could rim your glass with plain, melted chocolate (but expect itto drip a bit) and use any chopped nut you like or omit completely if allergic.
Want to keep it light? Omit the candy. But honestly, this is the perfect little treat. It has perfect built-in portion control too. So, go ahead, indulge and enjoy! It is only St. Paddy’s Day once a year!!
If you are looking to pull together your own St. Paddy’s Day celebration, check out my St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Menu for more recipes and a full menu.
Nutty Irishman Cocktail – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A traditional Nutty Irishman contains:
Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys-style cream)
Hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico)
Optional coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
These liqueurs give the drink its signature nutty, creamy flavor.
No, a Nutty Irishman is considered a moderate-strength cocktail. Because it uses liqueurs instead of hard spirits, its alcohol content is lower than drinks made with vodka, whiskey, or rum. It’s smooth and easy to sip.
Most modern Nutty Irishman recipes do not contain straight Irish whiskey. Instead, they rely on Irish cream liqueur, which already includes Irish whiskey blended with cream and sugar.
Some variations may add whiskey for extra strength.
Yes! You can make a non-alcoholic Nutty Irishman by using:
Hazelnut coffee syrup
- Irish cream-flavored creamer
- Chocolate syrup
- Milk or half-and-half
This creates a similar flavor profile without alcohol.
Yes, a Nutty Irishman can be served hot and is especially popular in winter. To make a hot version:
- Add the liqueurs to hot coffee or hot chocolate
- Top with whipped cream
- Sprinkle with cocoa powder or nutmeg
It’s a comforting alternative to Irish coffee.
A Nutty Irishman tastes creamy, nutty, and slightly chocolatey, with hints of coffee and vanilla. The hazelnut liqueur adds warmth, while the Irish cream provides richness and smoothness.
Yes, the Nutty Irishman is often considered a dessert cocktail because of its sweet, creamy profile. It pairs well with chocolate desserts, cookies, brownies, cheesecake, and holiday treats.
Yes, you can mix Nutty Irishman cocktails in advance for parties. Combine the liqueurs in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving to ensure even consistency.
Add ice or whipped cream just before serving.
A Nutty Irishman is typically served in:
- Rocks glass (over ice)
- Martini glass (chilled, no ice)
- Coffee mug (for hot versions)
Choose based on whether you’re serving it cold, straight, or hot.
Popular garnishes include:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder
- Crushed hazelnuts
- Chocolate drizzle
Garnishes make the drink more visually appealing for social media and Pinterest.
Yes! For a dairy-free version, use:
- Dairy-free Irish cream (almond or oat-based)
- Plant-based milk or creamer
This works well for vegan and lactose-intolerant guests.
An Irish Coffee is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. A Nutty Irishman uses Irish cream and hazelnut liqueur instead and is sweeter, creamier, and more dessert-like.
Yes! Blend the ingredients with ice to make a frozen Nutty Irishman. This works especially well for summer parties and adds a milkshake-like texture
A typical Nutty Irishman contains 200–300 calories per serving, depending on the brands used and whether cream or whipped toppings are added. It is considered an indulgent cocktail.
Yes, this cocktail is especially popular during Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and winter holidays because of its creamy, comforting flavor and Irish-inspired name.
If you don’t have hazelnut liqueur, try:
- Amaretto (almond flavor)
- Vanilla liqueur
- Chocolate liqueur
The flavor will change slightly but still taste delicious.
Separation can happen if:
- Ingredients are very cold
- Low-fat cream is used
- The drink isn’t shaken or stirred well
To fix this, shake well with ice and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Nutty Irishman in tall 2-ounce shot glasses, ice-cold and freshly shaken. Present it on a small cocktail napkin or decorative plate to catch any drips from the rimmed glass. For larger gatherings, prepare the glasses in advance and keep the shaken cocktail mixture chilled, then pour and garnish just before serving to ensure maximum visual impact.
When to Serve a Nutty Irishman
Ideal Occasions: This cocktail shines at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as a festive finale, but its versatility extends well beyond March 17th. It’s an excellent choice for holiday parties, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve when guests appreciate indulgent dessert drinks. Consider serving it at dinner parties as a combined dessert and after-dinner drink, saving your guests from choosing between the two. The Nutty Irishman is also perfect for intimate gatherings where you want to impress without the fuss of plating individual desserts. Its small serving size makes it ideal for cocktail parties where guests are sampling multiple drinks throughout the evening. For bridal or baby showers with an afternoon tea vibe, it offers a sophisticated sweet note to end the event. The drink’s theatrical presentation also makes it a hit at milestone birthday celebrations for adults who appreciate the finer things.
Did you like this recipe? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave a rating. Looking for other Irish inspired drinks? Try these

Nutty Irishman
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 Oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 4 Oz. Cold Brew Coffee
- Splash heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. Nutella hazelnut spread
- 2 Tsp. Hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 2 Ferrero Rocher candy balls, unwrapped
- 2 Plain wood toothpicks
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, add the Bailey’s Irish Cream, cold brew, and splash of heavy cream. Shake well for about one minute to chill drink. Let sit while you prepare the glasses.
- Place the Nutella on a small plate and spread slightly. On a second plate, placed the chopped nuts. Dip the rim of each tall 2 oz. Shot glass into the Nutella and then dip into the chopped nuts creating a nutty rimmed shot glass.
- Strain the drink evenly between the two glasses.
- Using a plain toothpick, skewer two Ferrero Rocher candy balls and top each glass with a skewered treat. Enjoy.

Meet Diane
Hi! I’m Diane. I started this site as a passion project. I love to cook, entertain, travel and laugh. (Who doesn’t love a good laugh?) Of course, being from New York, sarcasm rules!
More About Diane
mycuratedtastes@gmail.com
This Week’s Finds
See the latest deals, newest products and fabulous new finds for the kitchen, dining room and beyond.


