Nutty Fix Shot

Nutty Fix (aka Russian Qualude) Layered Shot Drink

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
331 Calories
16g Fat
18g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 331
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 45mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 25mg 2%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 127mg 3%

The nutty fix is more popularly known as a Russian qualude. It is a popular drink that can be made as a layered shot or a tasty highball. There are a few recipes for making it, with vodka as the common ingredient. However you take your nutty fix, it's a pretty good drink.

This recipe for a nutty fix creates a layered shooter with equal parts of hazelnut liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka. Frangelico is the most popular hazelnut liqueur and Baileys might be your top pick for Irish cream. There are other options for both liqueurs, so feel free to explore the liquor store shelves. However, different brands of the same liqueur may have different densities. While the layers should form fine, you may need to switch the order of the pour with some combinations.

When it comes to the vodka, the choice is yours. However, there really is no need to spend a lot of money on it because this is, after all, a shot and it will go down quickly. Look for a bargain vodka, there are some great ones out there that might surprise you.


Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pour the hazelnut liqueur into a  1 1/2-ounce shot glass.

  3. Float the Irish cream on top of the first layer.

  4. Float the vodka on top of the second layer.

  5. Serve and enjoy.


  • Chill all of your liquors prior to pouring these shots so the layers are well-defined.
  • Make this drink in any size of shot glass you like: Each layer should fill a third of the glass.

Recipe Variations

  • This drink is commonly served on the rocks so it can be enjoyed slowly. These versions tend to be creamier and build on that hazelnut-vodka base with the addition of coffee liqueur and milk. To make it, pour 1 ounce each of vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Frangelico over ice in a chilled highball glass. Top with milk or cream and stir well. Alternatively, shake the ingredients then strain over fresh ice.
  • Some versions of the shot shake 1/3 ounce each of hazelnut and coffee liqueurs, Irish cream, and vodka, then strain the mix into a shot glass.
  • Amaretto is a common substitute for the drink's hazelnut liqueur.

How Strong Are the Nutty Fix Drinks?

Layered shots are often very strong because there's no ice dilution. This makes the nutty fix shooters close to the combined bottling strength of the liqueurs used. Its alcohol content is around 23 percent ABV (46 proof). The highball version is lighter but still weighs in at 16 percent ABV (32 proof).