How to Make a Baileys Coffee with Whipped Cream & Chocolate

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine coffee with creamy liqueur without it tasting overly sweet or unbalanced, this Baileys coffee recipe is your answer. It’s a classic mix of espresso, dairy, and Irish cream liqueur that’s popular in bars and homes alike—and it’s simpler than you think.

To make a balanced Baileys coffee, you only need five core ingredients: 120cc of black coffee, 60cc of milk, 30cc of Baileys Original Irish Cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. No additional sweetener is required—the Baileys provides enough sweetness on its own.

What Is Baileys Coffee?

Baileys coffee is a sweet, dessert-style coffee drink that blends freshly brewed black coffee with Baileys Original Irish Cream—a liqueur made from Irish whiskey, cream, chocolate, and spices. The drink often includes steamed milk, ice cream, and chocolate shavings for texture and richness. It’s served cold or over ice, typically as a dessert coffee or after-dinner treat.

Why Baileys Works With Coffee

Baileys is engineered to pair naturally with coffee. Its base of Irish whiskey and fresh cream complements the bitterness of coffee, while added chocolate and spices add depth. Unlike many coffee liqueurs, Baileys is smooth, lightly sweet, and doesn’t overpower the coffee flavor. That balance is why it’s a go-to ingredient in coffee cocktails worldwide.

What You’ll Need for Baileys Coffee

• Black coffee: 120cc (freshly brewed, any roast)
• Milk: 60cc (whole milk preferred for texture)
• Baileys Original Irish Cream: 30cc
• Vanilla ice cream: 1 scoop (about 1 ball)
• Chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate: a small handful

How to Make Baileys Coffee Step by Step

Mix the black coffee, milk, and Baileys in a glass or cup. Stir well until evenly combined. Then add the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the ice cream for garnish. That’s it—no syrup, no additional sugar, no complicated technique. The Baileys and ice cream provide all the sweetness and creaminess you need.

More Ways to Drink Baileys

Baileys isn’t just for coffee. One popular non-coffee way to enjoy it is the “Baileys Swing” cocktail. In a large glass, add 3 large or 6 small ice cubes, then pour 50ml of Baileys. Gently shake or stir the glass to mix. The result is a smooth, creamy drink with a gentle alcohol warmth, popular among women for its easy-drinking profile. It’s best paired with nuts like almonds or pistachios rather than spicy or savory snacks, which can clash with its sweet, creamy profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add sugar to Baileys coffee?

No, you don’t need to add any sugar or sweetener. Baileys Original Irish Cream is already sweet, and when combined with the vanilla ice cream, the drink has a balanced level of sweetness without needing extra.

Can I use a different type of coffee?

Yes, you can use any black coffee you prefer. Whether it’s espresso, filtered coffee, or even instant, the recipe works as long as you use 120cc of black coffee. The roast level or origin doesn’t significantly affect the final taste due to the strong flavors of the Baileys and ice cream.

What kind of milk is best for this coffee?

Whole milk is ideal for the richest texture, but you can substitute with skim milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative. The 60cc measurement stays the same, though the mouthfeel may vary slightly.

Can I make Baileys coffee without ice cream?

Yes, you can skip the ice cream, but it won’t be as creamy or dessert-like. The ice cream adds both texture and sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugar. If omitting it, you might consider a dash more Baileys or a spoon of whipped cream for similar richness.

Is Baileys coffee a strong alcoholic drink?

Not especially. While it contains Irish whiskey via the Baileys, the overall alcohol content is diluted by the coffee, milk, and ice cream. It’s more of a dessert drink than a hard cocktail, though it still contains alcohol and should be consumed responsibly.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Liqueur Drinks

For a Baileys coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes that cut through the creaminess, or the Colombia Narino for balanced caramel and nuttiness that complements the liqueur. Alternatively, the Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling offers earthy depth to match the chocolate elements in Baileys. All three roast profiles work well as a base espresso or filter coffee in this dessert-style drink. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.