Adding Baileys Irish Cream to your coffee is a quick and simple way to elevate your brew. Best enjoyed after a meal in the evening, this combination is creamy, mildly alcoholic, and seriously indulgent.
So, How much Baileys should you add to your coffee to achieve the perfect balance?
Typically, one to two ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of Baileys should be added for every eight ounces (240 milliliters) of coffee. However, this ratio may need to be adjusted depending on your taste, the coffee used, and whether any extra cream is added.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the best ratio of Baileys to coffee is and how to make a delightful after-dinner Baileys coffee with step-by-step instructions.
What’s the Best Ratio for Baileys Coffee?
The ideal ratio of Baileys Irish Cream to coffee depends on your palate. Some people prefer a creamier coffee with a stronger alcohol taste. Others prefer a stronger coffee taste with a light creaminess and alcohol content.
With that said, the “ideal ratio” is one to two ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of Baileys for an eight-ounce (240 milliliters) cup of coffee.
If you prefer a creamier, more alcoholic coffee, add more Baileys. If you prefer a less creamy and alcoholic beverage, add less Baileys. If you want to reduce the alcohol content but retain the creaminess, add one ounce of Baileys and one ounce of heavy cream.
For stronger coffees, especially those made with robusta coffee beans, you may want to increase the amount of Baileys used or add cream to curb the bitterness of the coffee.
What You Need to Make Baileys Coffee
Baileys coffee is a simple alcoholic coffee cocktail that only has two elements — Baileys Irish Cream and coffee. However, the quality and type of coffee used, as well as the brewing method, greatly affect the taste of the final cup.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect cup of Baileys coffee:
Ingredients:
- Baileys Irish Cream
- High-quality coffee beans
- Water
- Whipped cream (optional)
Equipment:
- Coffee grinder
- Coffee maker (espresso machine, drip coffee maker, or French press)
- Heat-proof glass (or coffee mug)
- Shot glass
- Spoon (for stirring)
Best Coffee to Mix with Baileys Irish Cream
Your favorite coffee is the best coffee to mix with Baileys Irish Cream. After all, it’s your brew. With that said, it’s best to opt for a high-quality dark roast coffee if you want the flavors to shine through the sweet, rich creaminess of the Baileys.
We recommend an arabica and robusta blend such as our Saigon OG (Arabica x Robusta x Peaberry) for the best balance. This blend provides rich bitter tones, nutty chocolatey notes, and smooth sweetness. It pairs perfectly with Baileys.
Grinding your own coffee produces the best cup of Bailey's coffee. However, we understand that not all of you have the equipment or the time to grind your own beans. If you decide to use pre-ground coffee, make sure to opt for a high-quality dark roast that’s ground properly for your brewing method.
How to Make Baileys Coffee: Step-by-Step
Making Bailey's coffee is simple. You can make a cup by adding a splash of Baileys to your favorite cup of coffee. However, if you want the best experience, follow the recipe below.
Here’s how to make the best cup of Baileys coffee:
1. Grind the Coffee
First, grind your coffee. If you’re using an espresso machine or moka pot, finely grind the coffee to a texture similar to table salt. If you’re using a drip coffee maker or French press, coarsely grind the beans.
2. Brew the Coffee
Brew your coffee as you would normally, taking care to brew the perfect, full-bodied cup with a smooth and creamy crema. Make sure to leave plenty of room in your coffee mug or glass for the Baileys.
3. Add the Baileys Irish Cream
Next, take one to two shots (one to two ounces) of Baileys and add it to the coffee. Room-temperature Baileys is best for coffee — refrigerated Baileys will cool down the brew too much.
Stir the coffee to combine.
4. Top with Whipped Cream (Optional)
Whip some heavy cream until stiff peaks are formed, or use a can of whipped cream to top the coffee with a thick and creamy head. Garnish with a few coffee beans, grated chocolate, or a dusting of brown sugar.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve and enjoy the coffee while it’s hot. Always drink responsibly.
FAQs: Baileys Coffee
Want to learn more about Bailey's coffee and other alcoholic coffee cocktails?
Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below.
1. Is Irish Coffee Made with Baileys?
No. Irish coffee is made with Irish whiskey, strong black coffee, brown sugar, and lightly whipped cream.
The cocktail is layered — sugar, whiskey, black coffee, and cream. It’s stronger and less creamy than a Baileys coffe,e which is typically stirred to combine the alcohol, coffee, and cream elements.
2. What Liquors Pair Well With Coffee?
Several liquors pair well with coffee. You can make alcoholic coffee cocktails with most spirits, but these are the best:
- Irish Whiskey
- Rum (dark or spiced)
- Brandy
- Vodka
- Cognac
- Tequila (Reposado or Añejo)
- Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Amaretto (almond liqueur
- Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
- Tia Maria (coffee liqueur)
- Amaro (Italian herbal liqueur)
- Galliano (vanilla-flavored liqueur)
- Crème de Cacao (chocolate liqueur)
3. Is Kahlúa the Same as Baileys?
No. Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur made from 100% arabica coffee beans. It’s typically added to cocktails to add sweet, alcoholic coffee notes. Baileys Irish Cream is a creamy liqueur with a lower alcohol percentage and dairy element.
4. What’s the Best Coffee to Mix with Baileys?
The best coffee to mix with baileys should be a dark roast. The sweet, smoothness of arabica coffee works incredibly well but the rich creaminess of Baileys can overpower the coffee taste.
We recommend an arabica and robusta blend such as Cafely’s Saigon OG (Robusta x Arabica x Peaberry) for the perfect balanced cup of Baileys coffee.
5. Can You Use Baileys in Iced Coffee?
Yes. You can add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to iced coffee to give it a sweet, alcoholic edge. Simply add one to two oz. (30 to 60 mL) when making an eight-ounce (240 mL) glass of iced coffee.
6. How Do You Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Baileys Coffee?
Baileys don’t make a non-alcoholic version of their Irish cream. However, other brands do. Replace the Baileys in your coffee with a non-alcoholic Irish cream liqueur such as TWISST Caramel CREAM for a sweet, creamy coffee that's similar.
7. What Alcohol is in an Espresso Martini?
An espresso martini is a popular chilled coffee cocktail that contains chilled espresso, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa), and vodka.
8. Can You Make a Baileys Coffee Using Decaf Coffee?
Yes. If you want to enjoy the alcoholic effects of Bailey's coffee without the caffeine hit, swap out regular coffee for a high-quality decaffeinated blend.
9. What Is the Best Glassware for Serving Baileys Coffee?
The best glassware to serve Baileys coffee is a traditional Irish coffee glass. These heat-proof cocktail glasses are the perfect size and shape for serving Baileys coffee. However, you can use a regular coffee mug or heat-proof glass — it will taste the same.
10. How Do You Store Baileys After Opening?
Baileys Irish Cream should be stored in a cool, dark place after opening. Refrigeration is not required — it will last in your liquor cabinet for up to two years after opening, according to Baileys.
