Baileys And Coffee

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Celebrate the wearing o’ the green—and grin—with a sweet and creamy Baileys and Coffee.

When one mentions cocktails or mixed drinks, what do you think of? Or rather, what’s the first thing that jumps into your head? Martini glasses perhaps, or maybe a frosty cold shaker, filled with something crisp, potent and relaxing. Some of you out there might have images dancing through your brain of tall glasses, filled with ice, whiskey and ginger ale. Or rum mixed with a dark cola for a summertime classic. The point is, cocktails are usually always cold.

But that’s true of every adult beverage. In the 1940s, the Irish Coffee was invented, and has been a stalwart and reliable favorite the world over ever since. Now that particular concoction is comprised of Irish whiskey, of course, brown sugar and fresh coffee. That team-up is greater than anything Marvel Comics gave us when we were kids. And sometimes it gets mixed up with tonight’s recipe.

The Baileys and Coffee drink is just what the name implies… Some hot joe spiked with a healthy dose of Irish cream liqueur. Some folks will think that this is an Irish Coffee, but that would be incorrect. This simple, sweet and robust tasting sipper is different altogether, save for the coffee.

I suggest making both if you’re having a second cup at home. Then you’ll see where they differ. And you can say it’s all in the name of research, which is always important.

What Is The Best Irish Cream Liqueur To Use In A Baileys And Coffee?

When you get right down to it, this drink is a simple mixture of freshly brewed coffee and a sweet, boozy Irish cream liqueur. There are some really good brands on the market, like my new favorite, Five Farms. But since we’re making a Baileys and Coffee, we’ll stick to Baileys, the classic and reliable brand my Irish grandmother swore by. Whenever she would partake, that is.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Grab your favorite coffee mug, or for a more sleek presentation, a heat-resistant glass one. Pour your concoction in and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, then sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.

What is the best coffee to use in this recipe?

I’m a coffee lover and connoisseur, and am very much in love with light and medium roasts. Nespresso, Lavazza, Peet’s and Bones are in constant rotation in our home, and any will do beautifully in a Baileys and Coffee.

Other Coffee Cocktails Worth Trying

It’s been a tough week so far, and it’s only Wednesday. You need a pick-me-up, something to shake the cobwebs and workday blahs away. And if you’re finished at the office and already at home, maybe a little drop of something extra too, just to wet your whistle. Try out some of these powerful, punchy and beautifully bitter elixirs.

• Coffee Nudge – Liqueur, brandy and java make a lovely combination.
• Buena Vista Irish Coffee – The San Francisco treat that popularized this cocktail in the States.
• Mexican Coffee – Tequila brings an earthy pepperiness to this cup o’ joe.
• Long Island Iced Coffee – This strong sipper is cold, crisp and caffeinated.