This Baileys coffee is a perfect blend, offering a taste of smooth Irish cream mingled with robust coffee, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It’s gluten-free and has a vegan option.
I’ve posted some green recipes lately, like this Mint Lemonade and this Green Ice Cream Recipe. Both are naturally green and a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without the booze.
But my favorite way to celebrate the holiday is with Irish cream! I feel a little absurd even posting this as it’s just Baileys and coffee, but I’m sharing it, anyway, in case anyone else out there isn’t aware of what a simple, easy treat this is.
Please don’t run off. 😉 I promise to share a proper recipe next week!
You only need 1/4 cup of Baileys for this recipe, but once you have a bottle, you can also make these Baileys Brownies, which are great for St. Patrick’s Day dessert.
Ingredients
All you need to make this recipe is Irish Cream and brewed coffee. As well as cocoa powder and whipped cream, if you’re feeling fancy.
For measurements, scroll to the recipe box at the bottom of the page.
Brewed coffee
You can use any roasted coffee you’d like.
You could go for a milder blonde roast or a more robust, dark roast. To understand the difference, check out Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans.
Do I have to use Baileys Irish cream?
No, you can use any brand of Irish cream.
I use Baileys or Carolans in most of my Irish cream recipes, like these Mini Irish Cream Cheesecakes, and don’t notice a difference in the final product.
Is Baileys gluten-free?
According to Baileys, “The ingredients used in Baileys are gluten-free. On the basis of this, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no traces of gluten in Baileys. As we are not qualified to give medical advice, persons requiring a gluten-free diet should consult their medical adviser before consuming Baileys.”
They’re being cautious because whiskey is made from barley, one of the gluten-containing grains. However, when whisky is distilled, all gluten is destroyed.
According to Beyond Celiac, “Pure, distilled whiskey (or whisky), even if made with wheat, barley, or rye is considered gluten-free. Most whiskeys are safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process.”
But you need to decide what’s best for you! For more details, read Is Baileys Gluten-free?
Dairy-free and vegan option
It’s easy with this Vegan Baileys copycat! It’s creamy and sweet with just the right consistency. So, if you want a recipe that tastes super close to Baileys, this is it.
If you don’t want to make your own, you could use Baileys Almande, which is their dairy-free and vegan version.
Also, you’d need to skip the whipped cream.
Whipped cream
The whipped cream is optional but adds an extra indulgence that some days require.
If you’re really into Irish cream, you could even add a subtle Baileys flavor to the whipped cream, like I did in this Baileys Iced Coffee recipe.
You only need 1/2 cup of cold heavy cream and 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of Baileys.
Just add the heavy cream to a large bowl, and using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat on medium until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Add the Baileys and continue to beat on medium until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Then, it’s ready to serve. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This whipped cream recipe has a subtle Baileys flavor and isn’t too sweet.
If you prefer a sweeter whipped cream, add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to the heavy cream and beat, then add the Baileys as suggested above.
You must use heavy cream if you’re making the Baileys whipped cream. Whipping cream, half-and-half, etc., will not work as the cream won’t thicken enough while whipping.
Top it off
A sprinkle of cocoa powder on top of your Baileys coffee adds a subtle visual element and a finishing touch to the drink, but it can be omitted.
More Baileys
I hope you’ll enjoy this Baileys coffee. If you make it, please comment below to let me know what you think. Thanks! 🙂
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- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Ready in:
- Yield: 1
Ingredients
- 6 oz (3/4 cup) hot brewed coffee
- 2 oz (1/4 cup) Baileys (Vegan Baileys for a vegan drink)
- whipped cream
- cocoa powder (omit for vegan)
Directions
- Add the Baileys to your cup.
- Top with the coffee.
- If desired, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
