Baileys Coffee
Creamy and decadent, Baileys Coffee is a simple after dinner coffee cocktail to make at home. Calling for three ingredients, this Irish Cream coffee drink is a restaurant-quality treat! Makes 1, but can easily be doubled.
Love a coffee cocktail? Don’t miss The Boyfriend Irish Coffee and The Melty Cold Brew Shake!
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Coffee drinks are totally my jam, but they were not something I got into until I was older.
We have my friend Valorie to thank for this coffee drink obsession, and she’s shared several delightful recipes here featuring coffee paired with alcohol.
Check out The Ginger Pomegranate Experiment, African Sunrise and The Siciliano! She also wrote The Ultimate Guide of Gifts for Coffee Lovers, so y’all know she knows her stuff.
And this year, I’m adding Baileys Coffee to the list of coffee drinks TSP has to offer because it is utterly delightful, incredibly simple to make and de-freaking-licious.
This isn’t Valorie’s recipe, but I sure thought about her and our coffee drink experiments as I developed this one!
Why I love this recipe:
This Irish Cream coffee drink honestly tastes like something I’ve had at a restaurant before, and I love a good post-dinner drink that’s not port.
It’s warming and comforting with the deliciousness of something that feels fancy and potentially complicated, but it’s incredibly simple to make!
Here are a few thoughts on why this Irish Cream Coffee is something you want to make at home:
- Remember after-dinner drinks at restaurants? This tastes like one of those but has the simplicity that makes it easy to mix at home.
- It’s slightly sweet and has a nutty aftertaste, which is the perfect way to end any day.
- It’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a sipper on cozy winter days or want something to sip after a warmer day, Bailey’s Irish Coffee is irresistible.
Other coffee drinks and treats: Cranberry Pumpkin Cold Brew Coffee Drink | Coffee Cake Muffins | Cold Brew with Homemade Vanilla Mint Creamer | Vegan Peanut Butter Espresso Cookies | Classic Irish Coffee
What you need to make this Irish Cream Coffee recipe
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- Coffee pot, a French press or your favorite coffee maker
- Jigger or measuring cup that shows ounces
- Mugs — I used a hot drinks glass, but you could easily use an Irish Coffee glass or a regular coffee mug for this recipe, too
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you need to grab from the store:
- Your favorite brewed black coffee — I used decaf here because I can’t drink regular coffee after noon, haha! Use your favorite coffee beans to brew the coffee, though you could use instant coffee in a pinch.
- Baileys Original Irish Cream… or homemade Irish Cream liqueur if that’s your jam
- Sweetened whipped cream — because this ups the creamy indulgence of this coffee drink! Just make sure it’s lightly whipped because we want it to melt into the hot coffee drink.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg — to add some spice on top of the whipped cream
Variations on this recipe:
If you love this classic cold weather cocktail, you might love these renditions on it:
- Serve it cold on hot days. Start off with iced coffee, then pour in a splash of Baileys to make a Baileys iced coffee. Top with the whipped cream or swirl in some heavy cream to get that same creamy effect and flavor.
- Add some sweetness directly to the warm coffee with a scoop of brown sugar or splash of simple syrup if that’s your personal preference.
- Add a drizzle of salted caramel for a bonus sweet note to your coffee.
How to make Baileys Coffee
If you haven’t already, brew your coffee. No, really. I’ll wait while you do it. 😉
Next, pour your hot coffee into a coffee (or Irish coffee) mug.
Pour in the Irish cream, and give it a stir. Give it a taste, too!
Top with homemade sweetened whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, then enjoy immediately.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
This Baileys Coffee would be a delightful thing to sip on St. Patrick’s Day or after a dinner party when guests are still hanging out. You could also serve this goodness on Christmas morning or an at-home brunch… no judgment!
After all: there is no better time than the present. And no matter when you serve it, it’s always a delicious treat!
Here are a few thoughts on making Irish Cream coffee for a crowd.
- If you’re serving it after dinner, have decaf on hand in case any guests might want that. (I’m the guest who needs this, to be honest.)
- Make your whipped cream in advance. This goodness can hang out in an airtight food storage container in the fridge all day, so make it early, and let it chill out until it’s serving time.
- Turn it into an Irish Cream Coffee Bar! Instead of making them for guests, allow them to pour their own coffees and add their own toppings. Just be sure to remind them that they’ll need 2 parts coffee to every 1 part of Irish Cream. Offer velvety hot chocolate for the kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is! It adds a delicious creaminess to coffee.
No. The brand states that the liqueur is safe at room temperature for 24 months after opening.
No. Irish Cream is a combination of cream with whiskey and spices.
No. Irish Coffee calls for Irish whiskey, not Irish Cream. You can grab my Irish Coffee recipe here.
Tips for making the best make Baileys Irish Coffee
- Remember the ratio for the drink! It’s 2 parts coffee to 1 part Irish Cream.
- Speaking of coffee, this creamy cocktail recipe can be made with caffeinated coffee or decaf for any time of day. It all depends on your taste!
- Don’t forget the toppings! We love sweetened whipped cream in this coffee drink. I’ve added a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, too. I think it would also be delicious with some chocolate shavings or even colorful sprinkles if that’s your thing.
Here’s how you can make it…
Baileys Coffee
EQUIPMENT
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Ingredients
- 6 oz. brewed coffee
- 3 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Sweetened whipped cream for serving
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish
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We’ll email a link directly to you so you can come back to it later! Plus, you’ll receive new recipes delivered to your inbox each week.
Instructions
- In a heat-safe mug, combine the brewed coffee and Irish cream.
- Stir with a spoon, then add a helping of sweetened whipped cream on top of the coffee.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and/or nutmeg, and enjoy warm.
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Coffee drinks are my jam, too, and this one is fantastic!
We just loved this coffee after dinner. We felt like we were on vacation. It’s perfect for guests too!
A personal favorite of mine and my husbands, love this recipe — love ALL your drink recipes!
I have to admit, I am a black coffee girl — but I do enjoy a little splash of Baileys every now and then. I followed your recipe and I am in LOVE. That little sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream?!? Takes this over the top! YUM!