Try the top Baileys drinks and Irish cream cocktails, like a classic Mudslide, Espresso Martini, White Russian, and more! These simple recipes make creamy drinks perfect any time of year.
Did you know the top selling liqueur worldwide is Baileys Irish Cream? This stat actually surprised me when I first learned it, but it makes sense: the rich, creamy chocolate and vanilla notes and fruity finish of Baileys make Irish cream drinks pretty irresistible.
Beyond the obvious classic drinks like the Mudslide and White Russian, I’ve found that Irish cream can add depth to coffee cocktails like Baileys Coffee or an Espresso Martini. You can even layer it into a B52 shot. After reviewing all my cocktail recipes, here are my top Baileys drinks and Irish cream cocktails to make with this popular liqueur!
Top Baileys Drinks and Irish Cream Cocktails
The most popular Baileys drink is the Mudslide! This Irish Cream cocktail is creamy and sweet shaken up with coffee liqueur and Irish cream and served in a cocktail glass. You can also make a froze version by blending it up with vanilla ice cream.
This twist on the classic White Russian replaces regular cream with Irish cream, adding chocolate and vanilla notes that complement the coffee liqueur. This drink comes together in about two minutes! The Baileys adds body and sweetness, so you don't need any sweeteners: just pour and enjoy.
If you love coffee cocktails, this Baileys version of the Espresso Martini is a must-try. I add Baileys along with freshly brewed espresso, Kahlua, and vodka for a fun spin on this classic. The Irish cream compliments the bitter coffee and creates a foam topping: just make sure to shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to get that perfect frothy top.
The classic Irish coffee is sweeter and creamier when you use Baileys instead of Irish whiskey and sugar. Since it's heavy on the coffee, this tastes like a treat without being too heavy. The Baileys brings chocolate and vanilla notes that complement the coffee.
This Irish cream drink is perfect for any chocolate lover: the Chocolate Martini! This drink is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass. It’s got Irish cream and creme de cacao for maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. Mix this up as an after dinner drink to impress guests, or anytime you need a sweet treat in cocktail form.
Hot chocolate becomes even better with a splash of Baileys! This is a great cozy evening drink that's a bit more indulgent than regular cocoa: the Irish cream adds depth and warmth that makes this perfect for cold nights by the fire.
The B52 is a classic layered shot that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. I actually like serving it as a slow-sipping cocktail in a stemmed glass rather than as a shot: the combination of Kahlua, Baileys, and orange liqueur is too good to shoot back quickly!
What Makes Irish Cream Special
Baileys Irish Cream is a liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa that’s manufactured in Ireland. It was invented in 1973 and went on to become the top selling liqueur worldwide. The name Baileys was inspired by a restaurant called Baileys Bistro that was near their offices (read more here).
There are a few types of Baileys Irish Cream outside of the original: Baileys Almande is a vegan Baileys made with almond milk. There are also flavor variations: Salted Caramel, Strawberries and Cream, Espresso Creme, Red Velvet, Apple Pie, etc.
Other Irish Cream Brands: Baileys is the most famous brand, but I’ve experimented with Carolan’s, St. Brendan’s, and several craft Irish creams. They all work in these recipes, though some are sweeter or have more prominent whiskey notes. Use whatever you have or prefer.
How to Store Irish Cream and Shelf Life
Irish cream has a surprisingly long shelf life thanks to the alcohol content. Keep it in the refrigerator once opened, where it stays good for about 6 months. Check the bottle for the specific expiration date.
Unopened bottles can sit in your pantry for up to 2 years. I try to write the opening date on the bottle with a permanent marker (but sometimes I forget!). If you notice any off flavors or textures, it’s time to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Several brands now make dairy-free Irish cream using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream. The texture and flavor are close to the original, and they work in all these recipes.
Not always: the Baileys Hot Chocolate and Baileys Irish Coffee are specifically meant to be served hot. However, the shaken cocktails like the Mudslide and Espresso Martini should always be served cold.
Irish cream works in any cocktail that calls for cream, adding extra flavor and sweetness. Try it in a Brandy Alexander or Grasshopper for a delicious twist.
Most Irish cream liqueurs are around 17% ABV (34 proof), which is relatively low compared to spirits. These cocktails are strong enough to feel like adult beverages but are relatively low alcohol.
Classic Mudslide with Baileys
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeHere’s how to make a mudslide! This mudslide recipe makes that classic drink starring vodka, Kahlua and Irish cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ounce* vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
- 1 ½ ounces Baileys Irish Cream, or other Irish cream
- 1 ½ ounces heavy cream (or 2 scoops vanilla ice cream and ½ cup ice*)
- For the garnish: Shaved chocolate (optional), chocolate sauce for the rim (optional)
Instructions
- Classic Mudslide: If desired, spread the chocolate sauce on a plate and carefully dip in the cocktail glass rim. Place the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.
- Frozen Mudslide: Place the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, vanilla ice cream and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
Related Drinks to Try
- Best Irish Whiskey Cocktails: Irish whiskey has a signature smooth, mellow flavor with fruity and vanilla notes. Try everything from the Irish Mule to an Irish Whiskey Sour.
- 10 Dessert Drinks for After Dinner: Irish cream is classic in after dinner drinks. Here are a few more creamy cocktails to enjoy, like a classic Grasshopper and Brandy Alexander.
- 10 Coffee Cocktails Worth Trying: Irish cream is often paired with coffee or Kahlua. Try these tasty coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini and more.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/xSpqbDC
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