Get ready to shake up your coffee routine with my rich and silky Baileys Irish Cream Latte recipe. Simply made with just 3 ingredients and only about 5 minutes of prep time, this deliciously boozy coffee drink is guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite!
I have a serious penchant for DIY-ing my way through the kitchen, and when St. Patrick's Day rolls around I always make a batch of my homemade Baileys Irish cream. As with most things that are scratch-made, this rich chocolate and espresso-flavored liqueur is even better than what you can buy in stores.
Since coffee and craft cocktails are two things I love, I couldn't think of a better time of year to fuse the two into one by making a bodaciously boozy Baileys Irish cream coffee cocktail. And friends, let me tell you - it's irresistible!
Featuring bold espresso, frothy milk, and a generous glug of Irish cream, all topped with a silky cloud of whipped cream, this Baileys and coffee is the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Want to double down on the festivity? Try serving this spiked coffee drink with my boozy Irish cupcakes!
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Why You’ll Love This Baileys Latte Recipe
- Baileys and coffee is a dynamic duo as classic as chocolate and peanut butter. If you enjoy the original Irish coffee (coffee, Irish whiskey, and a splash of Baileys), you’ll love this richer, creamier interpretation.
- Spot-on proportions: I find that many latte recipes are overly milky - so much so that you lose the rich espresso flavor you came for. My recipe, while still creamy, keeps the coffee component prominent. And while you're welcome to use less Baileys, I've determined that a full 2 ounces is the perfect amount to make sure the Irish cream flavor plays a starring role.
- This Baileys coffee latte is a great low-lift way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. If you’re sneaking in a little fun for breakfast, you may as well round it out with a slice of Irish coffee cake, too. (I wouldn't judge you for indulging in this combo any time of day.)
- It's equal parts coffee, cocktail, and dessert — the perfect dinner party three-fer.
- With its boozy warmth and classic Irish cream flavor, this is also a great drink to have on rotation during the holiday season!
Recipe Ingredients
- Whole Milk - If you order a latte from almost any coffee shop, the default milk option is whole unless you specify otherwise. It’s not hard to see why — the higher level of fat provides a creamier mouthfeel. For an extra rich, silky option, use half and half to make a breve Irish latte. If you want to lighten it up, swap in a lower-fat dairy or the plant-based milk alternative of your choice.
- Espresso - Using bold, bona fide, freshly brewed espresso is key for a coffee shop-style latte. I used my Mr. Coffee One-Touch espresso machine (the latte feature makes this recipe even easier!), but a basic Nespresso will do the job just fine at one-third of the price. For an extra budget-friendly option, you can’t beat a Moka pot, which allows you to brew espresso on the stovetop. If none of the above are an option, you're welcome to use either strongly brewed conventional coffee, or cold brew concentrate for an iced version.
- Irish Cream Liqueur - I love my 7-ingredient homemade version, but feel free to swap in whatever store-bought brand you prefer.
- Optional Garnishes - While not required, you’re welcome to dress up your drink with whipped cream (or chocolate whipped cream?!?), some dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder. I promise you won’t be mad if you do!
How to Make a Baileys Latte
Step 1: Use a standalone milk frother or an espresso maker with a frothing wand to heat and froth the milk. If you don't have either, warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, just until bubbles start to form on the surface. Then, use a stick-style frother or whisk rapidly until frothy. (Here are some excellent tips for getting frothy with minimal elbow grease.)
Step 2: Pour the frothed milk into your favorite latte glass, reserving some of the foam.
Step 3: Brew the Espresso and mix it with the Baileys until well combined. Add to the frothed milk, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve. Top your Baileys latte with the reserved foam. If you're up for a splurge, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Then drink up!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use the plant-based milk of your choice, preferably full-fat and/or a “barista blend”, which is specially formulated to froth well; I like Oatly's Barista Edition. You can also make or buy vegan Baileys (Baileys Almande), and top it all off with a dollop of my vegan whipped cream.
- Baileys Iced Coffee Latte: For a frosty version, cold froth the milk as I do for my iced caramel latte, flash chill your espresso (or use cold brew), and add chilled Irish cream straight from the fridge.
- Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Swap in Baileys pumpkin spice liqueur for the original to make an autumnal treat. Don’t forget to serve it with my pumpkin scones — this combo would be the perfect late-afternoon pick-me-up!
- White Chocolate Baileys Latte: Rather than sweetening this latte entirely with Irish cream, mix in some white chocolate syrup. My peppermint white mocha recipe has a great DIY syrup option.
- Copycat Starbucks Irish Cream Latte: Want the Baileys Irish cream coffee vibe without the booze? Use some store-bought or homemade Irish cream syrup to flavor your latte!
What Can I Serve With This Boozy Irish Cream Latte?
I tend to save my happy hour drinks for the evenings or weekend brunches. Since Baileys has plenty of chocolate, coffee, and alcohol undertones, I think it pairs especially well with my one-bowl Guinness brownies, my chocolate espresso cupcakes, or a slice of this rich chocolate cake as a post-dinner treat.
If you’re looking for a brunch spread (especially perfect for years when St. Patrick's Day falls on a weekend!), vanilla scones, coffee scones, or a loaf of beer bread with molasses butter would all be excellent choices.
FAQs
Just what it sounds like! A classic latte made with espresso and steamed milk, but spiked with everyone’s favorite Irish liqueur.
Indeed it does. If you’d like to make a non-alcoholic version, simply swap in your favorite non-alcoholic Irish cream.
If you have a standalone milk frother, you shouldn't have any issue frothing the Baileys with the milk for this latte if that's your preference.
I typically don’t have trouble with either my homemade or store-bought Baileys curdling in coffee. Generally speaking, only a high-acid ingredient (e.g. lemon or lime juice) can cause it to curdle. If your brew is especially acidic, I recommend mixing the espresso and steamed milk together before adding the liqueur — the additional fat from the milk will act as a stabilizer.
HOWEVER, make sure to keep an eye on your bottle. It may be that the entire batch of Irish cream has passed its expiration date, causing it to curdle. If this is the case, you’ll sadly need to dump the batch and start with a fresh bottle.
I love my homemade Irish cream, which I think is a spot-on dupe. You’re also welcome to use any other brand of Irish cream (e.g. Carolan’s, Emmet’s, or Saint Brendan’s) that is available and in your price range. If you’d prefer a non-alcoholic option, Lyre’s is great!
More DIY Coffee Shop Recipes To Try
Recipe Card
Baileys Latte
This rich, silky, and absolutely delicious latte combines Baileys and coffee to form a match made in caffeinated heaven. Make this easy recipe with just three simple ingredients!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: one 14 ounce latte 1x
- Category: beverages
- Method: espresso machine
Ingredients
- 5 ounces milk (preferably whole milk)
- 4 ounces espresso or strong coffee
- 2 ounces Irish cream liqueur (e.g. Baileys)
- optional garnishes: whipped cream; chocolate shavings; cocoa powder
Instructions
- Use a milk frother to heat and froth the milk. If you don't have a frother, warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, just until bubbles start to form on the surface. Then, froth with a stick-style frother, or whisk rapidly until frothy.
- Pour the milk into your coffee mug of choice, reserving some of the foam.
- Brew the espresso (or coffee), add the Baileys, and mix. Add to the frothed milk, stirring to combine.
- Top your latte with the reserved foam. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, if desired.
Notes
Baileys Iced Latte:
- For an iced version, simply cold froth the milk and use chilled espresso or cold brew concentrate. Serve over ice.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Variation:
- Use your non-dairy milk of choice (I recommend oat milk), Baileys Almande, and (optionally) vegan whipped cream.
Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Latte:
- To make this latte without alcohol, substitute the Irish cream liqueur with an Irish cream syrup.
Have you made this recipe?
If so, I'd love to hear your feedback; you can leave a rating and review in the comments section below! It's also so helpful if you help spread the word by sharing this post on your favorite social media channel. If you happen to snap a photo of what you've baked, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me (@brighteyedbaker) so I can give you a shoutout!
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