I created this Iced Coffee with Kahlúa and Baileys as a luxurious, coffee-forward cocktail. It’s bold, sweet, and creamy—with just enough spirit to feel indulgent without overpowering. Perfectly polished for brunch or relaxed evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the coffee’s bittersweet notes merge with rich Irish cream and coffee liqueur. It’s lightly boozy, decadent, and refreshing—especially when served over plenty of ice. No stirring needed—just sip and savor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Freshly brewed strong coffee, cooled
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Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
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Baileys Irish Cream (or another Irish cream liqueur)
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Ice cubes
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Optional: whipped cream or heavy cream
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Optional garnish: chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans
Directions
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I brew strong coffee ahead and chill it fully—this ensures the drink stays cold and doesn’t dilute too fast.
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I fill a tall glass or tumbler with plenty of ice cubes.
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I pour in about 4 oz of cooled coffee.
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I add 1–1½ oz Kahlúa, then 1–1½ oz Baileys—for a smooth, creamy balance.
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I stir gently to combine; the drink becomes beautifully milky and refined.
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If I’m craving extra creaminess, I shake or whisk in a splash of heavy cream or layer a dollop of whipped cream on top.
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For garnish, I sometimes add chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few coffee beans for texture and aroma.
Servings And Timing
This recipe is for 1 large or 2 small servings, depending on glass size.
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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No cook time needed
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Total time: about 5 minutes
Variations
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I use cold brew instead of brewed coffee for smoother, less acidic flavor.
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I swap in almond- or oat‑based Irish cream liqueur for a dairy‑free version.
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I drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before adding liquid for sweet contrast.
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I stir in a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for more depth.
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I shake everything with ice in a cocktail shaker and serve straight up (chilled, no ice) for a martini-style treat.
Storage/Reheating
I enjoy this drink fresh. If needed, I mix it and store it briefly in the fridge—then stir before serving to reset the texture. I don’t store it long, since the cream thickens and separates over time.
FAQs
How strong is this drink?
It’s moderately strong depending on the liqueur ratio. I typically use 1–1½ oz each for a balanced, drinkable cocktail.
Can I make it non-dairy?
Yes—I use oat‑milk coffee, dairy‑free Irish cream (or add coconut cream), and Baileys Almande or rum‑based coffee liqueur.
Is it better served cold brew or iced coffee?
Cold brew offers a smoother, less acidic base, which I prefer for cocktails. But well-chilled brewed coffee works great too.
Can I make it in a batch?
Absolutely. I double or triple the recipe in a pitcher, keep it chilled, and pour over ice as needed.
Conclusion
I love making this Iced Coffee with Kahlúa and Baileys when I want something elegant, refreshing, and indulgent with minimal effort. It’s the perfect coffee-infused cocktail to wake me up—or wind me down—whenever I’m in the mood for something rich, sweet, and creamy.
Enjoy it ice-cold, lightly sweetened—or raised—with garnishes and good company.
Iced Coffee with Kahlúa and Baileys
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small servings
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixed, served over ice
- Cuisine: American / Café-cocktail
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Iced Coffee with Kahlúa and Baileys is a luxurious coffee cocktail blending bold, chilled coffee with smooth Irish cream and coffee liqueur. It’s creamy, lightly boozy, and perfect for brunch or relaxing evenings.
Ingredients
4 oz freshly brewed strong coffee, cooled
1–1½ oz Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
1–1½ oz Baileys Irish Cream
Ice cubes
Optional: splash of heavy cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Optional garnish: chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans
Instructions
- Brew strong coffee and chill completely to avoid dilution.
- Fill a tall glass or tumbler with ice cubes.
- Pour in the cooled coffee.
- Add Kahlúa, then Baileys.
- Stir gently to combine, creating a creamy, refined layer.
- If desired, add a splash of heavy cream or top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans.
- Serve immediately over ice.
Notes
Use cold brew instead of brewed coffee for smoother, less acidic flavor.
Opt for dairy‑free Irish cream (like Baileys Almande) and plant‑based cream if needed.
Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring for a sweet contrast.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for aromatic depth.
To serve martini-style, shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
