As the holidays approach, it’s time to branch out from your usual bottle of wine to something that will actually surprise your guests. Enter Baileys, the Irish cream liqueur made with cream, Irish whiskey and cocoa. It works wonders in a whole slew of wintry drinks (like eggnog and hot cocoa), plus pairs beautifully with many of the season’s sweet flavors, like chocolate and coffee. We’re here to answer all of your Irish cream Qs and provide recipes for 20 Baileys cocktails that are guaranteed to be a hit.
20 Baileys Cocktails to Shake Up at Home
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Published Oct 26, 2021
What Can I Mix Baileys With?
Its sweet flavors and creamy texture lend themselves particularly well to bold bevs with notes of chocolate and espresso. (That’s why Baileys is called for in so many hot cocoa and coffee recipes.) By that same token, it also works in tea-based beverages and with other dark liqueurs and beers, like Kahlúa and Guinness. Irish cream can also be combined with vodka, tequila, whiskey and rum in a variety of classic cocktails, like mudslides, espresso martinis or white Russians.
Ready to get shaking? Let's get started.
20 Baileys Cocktail Recipes
1. Baileys Chili Chocolate Martinis
Sugar, spice and everything nice: These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little cocktail. Don’t skip the chic cayenne pepper rim.
2. Baileys Almande Iced Latte
Don’t drink dairy? No worries—Baileys has an almond milk-based alternative. Use it to spruce up your morning iced coffee, along with a splash of vanilla.
3. Baileys Affogato
If you’ve never tried affogato (aka espresso-doused vanilla ice cream) before, you’re in for a treat. The Baileys adds an extra layer of decadence to the dish.
4. Baileys Almande Unicorn Smoothie
Three layers of fruit purée meet refreshing coconut water and a glug of rich almond Irish cream. How cute is the berry-topped unicorn horn?
5. Baileys Eggnog Latte
Not only is the eggnog infused with Baileys, but so is the whipped cream on top. Finish each mug with a sprinkle of nutmeg (or add a dash of spiced rum or bourbon if you’d like it boozier).
6. Espresso Martini
This old-school cocktail is having a major renaissance. Fancy the O.G. recipe up with a splash of milky Irish cream.
7. Baileys Almande Strawberry Pineapple Frozen Cocktail
Psst: You know what would taste *really* good in this fruity sipper? A generous dose of coconut rum.
8. Baileys Coffee And Donut Milkshake
PSA: There are torn donut holes blended into the frozen coffee. Need we say more? (If so, the glass is laced with dulce de leche and hot fudge to boot.)
9. Root Beer Rum Creams
We’re so tempted to turn these babies into ice cream floats. Feel free to substitute cola for root beer if you’d like.
10. Sugar Cookie Martini
Complete with a vanilla frosting rim covered in holiday sprinkles, this liquid dessert gets its kick from white chocolate liqueur.
11. Best Irish Coffee
All Irish coffee calls for is Irish whiskey and hot joe. Add Baileys and it’ll take over for your usual milk and sugar, since it’s both creamy and sweet.
12. Cinnamon White Russian
Cinnamon simple syrup gives this classic a spicy makeover. Add Baileys in place of half the cream the recipe calls for.
13. Frozen Irish Mudslide
Irish whiskey, Kahlúa and Baileys unite for a frozen cocktail that’s basically a grown-up chocolate milkshake.
14. Saint Nick Special
Sure, the drink boasts whiskey, java and Baileys. But we’re drooling most over the homemade coconut milk hot fudge.
15. Baileys Mint Chocolate Chip Pops In Hot Americano
The creamy pops are infused with Irish cream, fresh mint, condensed milk and peppermint extract. Drop one in a shot of hot espresso and watch your drink transform into a latte before your eyes.
16. St. Nick’s Naughty & Nice Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie
Depending how naughty you want to be, add Baileys, peppermint schnapps and Kahlúa to taste. (And top that bad boy with a massive whipped cream crown while you’re at it.)
17. Iced Eggnog Lattes
Supplement this virgin drink with Baileys, Kahlúa, chocolate liqueur or bourbon to your liking.
18. Adult Hot Chocolate
Chalk this cold-weather essential’s nuanced nutty flavor up to Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur. Pass the mini marshmallows, would ya?
19. Frozen Irish Cream Cappuccinos
The ingredients are blended until smooth and creamy, hence the bev’s foamy head. Feel free to serve it hot instead with a steamed milk topper.
How Should I Drink Baileys?
Should Baileys Be Refrigerated?
The dairy-based liqueur should be kept in the fridge once it’s opened, so it doesn’t go bad. If the bottle’s never been opened, you can leave it on your bar cart until you’re ready to use it.
Can I Drink Baileys Straight?
Yup! Many enjoy a few fingers of Baileys over ice. If you don’t want it to get diluted, serve it straight up instead of on the rocks by stirring it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then straining it into your preferred glass.
