How to Make a Baileys Coffee (Step-By-Step Recipe)
I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of sweet liquors, creams, or anything too dessert-like in my drinks. I usually skip the liqueurs section entirely. But this combo coffee and Baileys caught me by surprise!
It happened at a small ski lodge, after a long and freezing day. Someone handed me a mug of hot coffee with a splash of Baileys, and I hesitated.
But the first sip? Smooth, just boozy enough to feel warm all the way down. Since then, I’ve learned to make a Baileys Coffee at home whenever I want a comforting drink.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Baileys Coffee step-by-step. You’ll learn what ingredients to use, the simple method, tools you’ll need, and tips. So let’s start brewing!
What Is Baileys Coffee?
At its core, Baileys Coffee is exactly what it sounds like: freshly brewed hot coffee spiked with a shot (or two) of Baileys Irish Cream. The result is a warm, boozy drink that is both delicious and easygoing.
You get the bitterness of coffee balanced with the creamy vanilla-chocolate notes of the liqueur.
What’s the best time to drink it?
Well, this drink works year-round. I’ve had it on a snowy December night when everything outside felt frozen but the mug in my hands was warm and perfect.
But I’ve also sipped it slowly on a lazy Sunday morning in spring. It’s like a dessert drink, a brunch staple, and a nightcap all rolled into one.
Notes: So if you’re looking for a new option on your usual brew, Baileys Coffee might become your favorite.
Baileys Coffee (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Equipment
- Coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine
- Heat-proof mug or Irish coffee glass
- Spoon and measuring tools
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed hot coffee (strong or espresso-style)
- Baileys Irish Cream (classic or one of their fun flavors like Salted Caramel or Espresso Crème)
- Optional: sugar, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon
- Optional: a splash of coffee liqueur if you want it stronger
Instructions
- Step 1) Brew Your Coffee: Use your favorite method to make 1 cup of strong coffee or pull 2 shots of espresso. If you're feeling fancy, a dark roast works best because it stands up nicely to the Baileys.
- Step 2) Add Baileys: Pour in 1 to 2 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream right into your hot coffee. Next, give it a gentle stir so everything blends without losing too much heat.
- Step 3) Sweeten (Optional): Depending on your sweet tooth, you might want to add a little sugar, vanilla syrup, or even a touch of maple syrup. I skip this if I’m using a flavored Baileys (it’s sweet enough already).
- Step 4) Garnish and Serve: Top it off with whipped cream if you’ve got it. I also love a little chocolate drizzle or cinnamon on top. This turns the whole thing into a dessert. You should serve immediately while it's still warm.
Video
Notes
Extra Tip
Warm your mug with hot water first and dump it before you add the coffee. This keeps the drink hotter longer and feels a bit more like the café version.Tips for the Perfect Baileys Coffee
I’ve made a lot of Baileys coffee over the years and these tips make all the difference between café-level mug and a weirdly off-tasting drink. If you’ve ever wondered why your homemade version didn’t quite hit the spot, one of these might be the fix.
1 – Use Hot but Not Boiling Coffee
This one’s key: if your coffee’s boiling hot, it can mess with the flavor and even cause the alcohol in the Baileys to lose its kick.
I learned that the hard way one winter morning when I poured Baileys into a newly brewed pot of French press. It smelled great but tasted flat. That’s why you want your coffee around 150–160°F to keep that creamy warmth without dulling the booze.
2 – Try Different Baileys Flavors
There’s more to Baileys than the classic bottle! I’ve tried Salted Caramel (my favorite in iced versions), Vanilla Cinnamon, and even the Almond Milk version, which is surprisingly smooth and dairy-free.
Switching up the flavor keeps the drink fresh and fun especially if you’re serving guests or want something a little different for brunch.
3 – Don’t Over-Sweeten
Baileys is already sweet. Like, really sweet. I used to add sugar out of habit and couldn’t figure out why it tasted like melted candy.
If you want a little extra something, go with a dash of vanilla or cinnamon instead, it lifts the flavor without making it too syrupy.
Last Thoughts
So, what’s your favorite twist on Baileys Coffee? Drop it in the comments. I’m always on the hunt for new combos to try. Now just brew, pour, garnish… and voilà.
