Iron Butterfly Cocktail Recipe
Iron Butterfly Nutrition Facts
Calories:300
Fat:10g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Iron Butterfly is a popular cocktail that has been around for decades. It's a creamy, dessert-like drink that is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and indulgent cocktails. The Iron Butterfly is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or at parties and gatherings. It's a hit among those who love creamy and sweet cocktails.
How Iron Butterfly Tastes?
The Iron Butterfly is a rich and creamy cocktail with a sweet, indulgent taste. The combination of vodka, Irish cream, and amaretto gives it a smooth and velvety texture, while the hint of coffee liqueur adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Interesting facts about Iron Butterfly
- The Iron Butterfly is often served in a martini glass, adding to its sophisticated appeal.
- Despite its creamy texture, this cocktail is quite potent due to the combination of vodka and Irish cream.
- The name 'Iron Butterfly' is also the name of a famous rock band from the 1960s.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Irish cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Amaretto: 1 oz(30ml)
- Coffee liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
A few good options for Iron Butterfly are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The vodka here is the strong, silent type; it brings the 'iron' to the butterfly without overpowering the drink. At 1oz, it's just enough to give the cocktail a kick without turning it into a heavyweight. Skip the vodka, and you've got a less potent, creamier affair - not a butterfly but maybe a caterpillar.
Mary Mitkina
Irish Cream
This one's the smooth talker of the group, adding a velvety texture and a slight whiskey undertone. It's the creamy heart of the cocktail, and 1oz ensures it's heard without drowning out the others. Omitting it's like forgetting the icing on a cake - sure, you still have a cake, but why would you want to?
Emma Rose
Amaretto
The sweet whisper of almond from the Amaretto cozies up nicely to the other ingredients. It's like that person who walks in and suddenly it's a party. At 1oz, it adds sweet complexity without over-sweetening the mix. Without it, you're missing a layer of flavor — it's a butterfly with one wing.
Alex Green
Coffee Liqueur
Now, this is the jolt of energy that gives the drink its character. It weaves in rich coffee flavor that's necessary for balance. At 1oz, it keeps the party going but doesn't turn it into an all-night raver. If you skip this, you're left with a drink that's lost its buzz - a decaf Iron Butterfly, if you will.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Iron Butterfly Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add all ingredients.
- Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your Iron Butterfly.
- Chill your martini glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Chocolate Desserts: The rich, creamy flavors in the Iron Butterfly complement the sweetness of chocolate, especially dark or bittersweet varieties.
- Nuts and Cheese Plate: The nutty notes from the Amaretto pair well with a variety of nuts and cheeses, like almonds and aged cheddar.
- Coffee-Flavored Treats: Since the cocktail has coffee liqueur, it naturally pairs with coffee cake or tiramisu.
Drink Pairings
- Espresso: To amplify the coffee notes in the cocktail, pair it with a strong espresso.
- Stout Beer: The creamy and rich profile of a stout can match well with the Iron Butterfly's flavor profile.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Iron Butterfly
If you don't have Irish Cream, you can substitute it with a mix of heavy cream and a dash of whiskey. If you don't have Amaretto, you can use a nut-flavored liqueur.
Explore all drinks starting with I here
And of course - twists🍹
Espresso Iron Butterfly
- Add a shot of espresso for a real coffee kick.
- The espresso will deepen the coffee flavor and add a bit of texture to the cocktail, making it more suitable for coffee lovers.
- It's like turning your cocktail into your morning alarm - it'll wake you right up!
Vanilla Iron Butterfly
- Use vanilla-flavored vodka instead of regular vodka.
- The vanilla adds a smooth, aromatic sweetness that can make the Iron Butterfly more dessert-like.
- Imagine your cocktail wearing a vanilla perfume; it's the same beautiful butterfly but with a new, sweet scent.
Spicy Iron Butterfly
- Add a dash of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick as garnish.
- This gives a warm, spicy twist to the cocktail, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- It's the Iron Butterfly with a little bit of fire under its wings, taking off to flavor town.
In case you forgot basics how to make Iron Butterfly
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Iron Butterfly
What is the origin of the name 'Iron Butterfly' in this cocktail?
The name 'Iron Butterfly' is believed to be derived from the popular 1960s rock band of the same name. However, the cocktail doesn't have a direct connection to the band or its music.
What kind of vodka is best for making an Iron Butterfly?
It is recommended to use a high-quality, smooth vodka. The brand is up to your personal preference.
Can I make an Iron Butterfly without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Iron Butterfly by excluding the vodka and using non-alcoholic substitutes for the Irish Cream and Amaretto.
How can I make a vegan Iron Butterfly?
You can replace the Irish Cream with a non-dairy cream and a small amount of non-alcoholic Irish Cream flavoring.
More similar recipes to Iron Butterfly!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Godfather
The Godfather cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the amaretto. It is a strong and warming drink, perfect for sipping slowly.
Godmother
The Godmother cocktail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly nutty drink with a hint of warmth from the vodka. It is well-balanced, with the amaretto providing a rich, almond-like sweetness that complements the strong, clean taste of the vodka.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Cement Mixer
The Cement Mixer has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sour taste. The texture is thick and curdled, which can be off-putting to some.
Nutty Irishman
The Nutty Irishman is a creamy, sweet, and rich cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. The combination of Irish cream and hazelnut liqueur creates a delightful nutty flavor, while the whipped cream adds a luxurious, indulgent finish.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Black Russian
The Black Russian has a rich, velvety taste with a slightly sweet and bitter flavor. The combination of vodka and coffee liqueur creates a smooth, strong, and bold cocktail.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.