Name: Baileys Coffee
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces brewed coffee.; 3 ounces Baileys Irish Cream.; Whipped cream for topping.; Ground cinnamon.; Ground nutmeg.

A frothy cup of coffee topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder sits on a saucer next to coffee beans and jars in a softly blurred background. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share one of my favorite ways to end a dinner party that always gets rave reviews. This Baileys Coffee is pure comfort in a mug combining rich coffee with creamy Irish cream and topped with clouds of whipped cream. Every time I serve it people's eyes light up at that first sip.

Why You'll Love It

There's something magical about how the warm coffee mingles with that smooth Irish cream creating this incredibly rich and comforting drink. It's like dessert in a cup but so much easier to make. I love serving this when friends come over it always feels special without any fuss.

What You'll Need

Freshly brewed coffee: Use your favorite coffee, regular or decaf, for the base.
Baileys Original Irish Cream: Adds the signature creamy and nutty flavor.
Sweetened whipped cream: A light, airy topping that melts into the drink.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: For a warm, spiced garnish.

Let's Make It

Brew the Coffee: Start with your favorite coffee nice and hot. I use my French press but any brewing method works beautifully.
Mix It Together: Pour that steaming coffee into your favorite mug add a generous splash of Baileys and watch them swirl together.
The Finishing Touch: Top it all off with a cloud of whipped cream and that magical dusting of spices.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I'll serve this over ice in summer or add a drizzle of caramel sauce when I'm feeling extra indulgent. For those who like a bit of heat a tiny pinch of cayenne adds such an interesting dimension.

A close-up of a glass cup filled with layered coffee topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder, sitting on a saucer with scattered coffee beans in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Party Perfect

When I'm hosting I love setting up a little coffee bar with all the fixings. Everyone gets to customize their drink and it becomes this fun interactive experience. Plus the aroma of fresh coffee mixing with those warm spices just sets the perfect mood.

My Secret Tips

Here's what I've learned through countless mugs of this goodness: use really good coffee it makes such a difference. Keep your Baileys and coffee ratio balanced and always have fresh whipped cream ready to go.

Keeping It Fresh

While this drink is best enjoyed right away sometimes I'll mix up the coffee and Baileys ahead of time for parties. Just reheat gently when needed and top with fresh whipped cream. The flavors actually develop beautifully.

Holiday Magic

During the holidays I love adding special touches like chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes on top. Sometimes I'll even rim the mugs with chocolate and festive sprinkles it makes everyone smile.

A top-down view of a glass of frothy coffee topped with cinnamon, placed on a saucer, surrounded by coffee beans and a striped cloth. | recipesbyclare.com

Everyone Can Enjoy

For my friends who don't drink alcohol I make a version with Irish cream flavored creamer. It's just as delicious and everyone feels included in the experience.

Perfect Pairings

This coffee is heavenly with dessert. I love serving it alongside chocolate cake or butter cookies. The creamy coffee complements sweets so beautifully.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I'll experiment with different cream liqueurs like Kahlúa or RumChata. Each brings its own personality to the drink and keeps things interesting.

Extra Special

For those really special occasions I'll drizzle caramel or chocolate inside the mug before adding the coffee. It creates these lovely sweet surprises as you sip.

Make It Dessert

Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into an amazing dessert coffee. The ice cream slowly melts creating this incredibly rich and creamy treat.

Spice It Up

I love playing with different spice combinations in my coffee before adding the Baileys. A pinch of cardamom or a dash of pumpkin pie spice can transform the whole experience.

A clear glass cup of coffee topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder, placed on a decorative plate with scattered coffee beans in the foreground. | recipesbyclare.com

Finding Your Sweet Spot

The beauty of making this at home is controlling the sweetness. Sometimes I'll use unsweetened cream or add a touch of honey. It's all about finding what you love.

Morning Delight

On lazy weekend mornings especially during the holidays this coffee feels like such a treat. I'll serve it with pancakes or waffles for an extra special breakfast.

Family Friendly

The kids love their special version made with chocolate milk and whipped cream. They feel grown up having fancy coffee with the adults.

Pretty Touches

Little garnishes make such a difference. Sometimes I'll add chocolate curls or crushed toffee bits. It's these small details that make people feel special.

Summer Sipping

When the weather's warm I love making this over ice or blending it into a frappe. Topped with whipped cream it becomes the perfect summer treat.

A glass of cappuccino topped with foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon sits on a saucer, accompanied by coffee beans and a striped cloth in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use decaf coffee?: Yes, works well with either regular or decaf coffee based on your preference.
→ What spices work best?: Cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional. Can also use just one or add other warm spices like cardamom.
→ What type of coffee should I use?: Any brewed coffee works. Strong coffee stands up better to the sweet Irish cream.
→ Can I make this iced?: Yes, use cold brew or chilled coffee and serve over ice. Still delicious but different from traditional hot version.

Baileys Coffee