Creamy Bailey’s Irish Coffee Cocktail
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Leprechauns will be beating down your door for this Creamy Bailey’s Irish Coffee. The good news is making Irish coffee at home is super simple. This classic coffee drink made with coffee or espresso and Bailey’s Irish Cream to give you the perfect little zip!
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Creamy Bailey’s Irish Coffee Cocktail
Who doesn’t love a cup of coffee that comes with an extra kick? The perfectly sweet and creamy Bailey’s Irish coffee will pick you up and throw you down.
This mix of freshly strong brewed coffee, velvety smooth whipped cream, and a dash of bailey’s Irish cream is a trio that dreams are made of. So whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, shower, or just want to spice up your morning coffee you’ll want to remember this Irish coffee cocktail.
The History of Irish Coffee
Irish coffee’s origin dates back to the 1940s when Joe Sheridan first invented the cocktail at his coffee shop in an airport in Limerick, Ireland. He was asked to whip up something to refresh a group of passengers who had returned after a flight had failed to reach New York due to some nasty winter weather, and he knew just what would do the trick.
His concoction of coffee and Irish whiskey, topped with a sweet whipped cream topping was a hit with the passengers soon became known as Irish coffee. While the drink began to grow in popularity throughout Ireland, it didn’t make its way to the United States until the 1950s when a travel writer requested an Irish coffee at a coffee shop in San Francisco.
How To Make The Best Irish Coffee Cocktail
(full printable recipe at the end of this post)
Making drinks at home can often be more hassle than it’s worth, but luckily making Irish coffee at home is as simple as can be. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, this Bailey’s Irish coffee can be whipped up in a flash.
To start simply preheat an Irish coffee glass or regular coffee mug then fill the warm mug 3/4 full with coffee. Once the coffee is poured add brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
Finish off the cocktail by adding the Irish cream and stir to incorporate. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg and serve hot.
Can I Make My Own Whipped Cream?
It’s not Irish coffee without the cream. While you can certainly use store-bought, there’s nothing better than homemade whipped cream! It’s super easy to make.
How to Make Homemade whipped cream:
Add one tablespoon of sugar to a cold mixing bowl. Then add one cup of heavy whipping cream and whip with an electric mixer on high until the cream thickens and forms peaks.
NOTE: The original Irish Coffee Recipe calls for lightly whipped cream, but if you want to pile the cream high, you should whip to stiff peaks.
Variations of Irish Coffee
Ever since the original Irish coffee recipe gained popularity different variations have popped up to add diversity to this delicious coffee cocktail. I personally love the bailey’s Irish coffee version, but if you want to switch things up a bit, be sure to try out a few of these other Irish coffee versions.
Original Irish Coffee Recipe – Fresh brewed strong coffee, brown sugar, and a jigger of good Irish whiskey. Top with a collar of lightly whipped cream by gently pouring over the back of a spoon.
Baileys Irish Coffee Recipe – This version uses Baileys Irish Cream instead of (or in addition to!) whiskey and is sweeter with a fuller body than the original.
Buena Vista Irish Coffee Recipe – Replace the brown sugar with two sugar cubes and top with lightly whipped cream.
Kahlua Recipe – Add Kahlua instead of Bailey’s, hot coffee, and Irish Whiskey.
Irish Cream Coffee Recipe – Half Irish whiskey and half Baileys. Topped with a Maraschino cherry hat.
Tips For Making Bailey’s Irish Coffee
- The coffee is the main show in this recipe, so be sure to use quality fresh strong brewed coffee or espresso that you will enjoy. If you don’t like how the coffee is brewed, you won’t like the cocktail.
- Irish coffee is a hot drink, it should be served in a warm mug. Heat the mug by filling it with hot water while you get the coffee or espresso ready.
- If you make your own whipped cream and it comes out too stiff, pour a little liquid cream into it and fold gently
- Try topping the Baileys Irish coffee with fresh cinnamon or nutmeg. The warm spice will melt into the cream, and the coffee and adds a whole other level of complexity to the flavor profile.
- For an extra flavor boost, top the whipped cream with shaved chocolate.
Don’t Miss More Cocktail Recipes Perfect For Spring
Espresso Martini – This dangerously drinkable cold coffee cocktail mixes vodka with espresso and vanilla syrup or Kahlua for the perfect pick-me-up cocktail.
Boilermaker Beer Cocktail – A Boilermaker recipe that combines beer, whiskey, and lemon that’s sure to be a game-day fan favorite!
Blackberry Dark and Stormy Cocktail – Light and fruity, and just boozy enough to make the perfect summer drink.
Ginger Peach Bourbon Smash – Fresh peaches, ginger beer, and bourbon come together in one light and refreshing fruity cocktail.
Sangria Mexican Mule – A tequila-based version of the classic Moscow Mule along with red wine and berries. Making it fruity, zingy and a guaranteed win.
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Tools Used To Make This Bailey’s Irish Coffee Cocktail
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When making cocktails at home I love to recreate the bar experience as much as possible. These Irish mug glasses always make me feel like I’m grabbing drinks at my favorite Irish pub.
There’s nothing worse than trying to stir a drink with a spoon that’s too short which is why I love having my cocktail spoons around. The extra-long handle makes it easy to mix up any cocktail!
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Bailey's Irish Coffee Cocktail
Leprechauns will be beating down your door for this Creamy Bailey's Irish Coffee. Making Irish coffee at home is super simple. The classic coffee drink made with coffee or espresso and Bailey's Irish Cream to give you the perfect little zip!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces freshly brewed hot coffee (or 2 shots of espresso+ hot water)
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- fresh or store-bought whipped cream, optional
- cinnamon or nutmeg, optional
Instructions
- Prehead an Irish coffee glass or regular coffee mug
- Fill the warm mug 3/4 full with coffee.
- Add brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Add Irish cream and stir to incorporate.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg and serve hot.
Notes
Homemade Whipped Cream Add one tablespoon of sugar to a cold mixing bowl. Then add one cup of heavy whipping cream and whip with an electric mixer on high until the cream thickens and forms peaks.
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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 8 ounesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 252Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 28gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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Did you use a frother before adding the whipped cream?
no, I just stir, but you can certainly use a frother.