Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
Irish Cream Iced Coffee is an amazing blend of coffee and Irish charm that brings a delightful twist to your usual beverage routine. This drink marries the robust flavor of chilled coffee with the smoothness of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur and the rich texture of Guinness Draught. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, this St. Patrick’s Day-inspired concoction is perfect for celebrating or simply indulging on any day of the week. With just a few ingredients and a sprinkle of your favorite garnishes, you can elevate your coffee experience from mundane to extraordinary.
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I’ve always loved how a great drink can transport you. The first time I created this Irish Cream Iced Coffee, it was an uncharacteristically hot March day, and I felt like celebrating my Irish heritage. Watching that rich concoction come together in my glass was a beautiful moment. The layers of flavors and textures create this blissful harmony that can only be described as comforting—and what better way to enjoy a taste of Ireland, no matter where you are? I can’t wait for you to experience this amazing drink for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this drink up in just 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or quick afternoon treats!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of coffee, Irish cream, and a touch of Guinness creates a smooth, decadent flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With rich layers and tasty toppings, it looks just as delightful as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, brunch gatherings, or a cozy night in, it fits any occasion wonderfully.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute Guinness with Irish whiskey or even make it a non-alcoholic drink by leaving out the spirits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso: This forms the base of your drink. Cold brewed coffee can also be used for a smoother flavor.
- 2.5 ounces Guinness Draught: This adds a unique depth and richness. Substitute with Irish whiskey if you prefer a stronger kick without the beer flavor.
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the drink. You can make this quickly by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat.
- 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur: The star ingredient that provides that creamy, sweet Irish flavor. Try using flavored variants for fun twists!
- Whipped cream (optional): This adds a luscious texture that enhances the experience. Use canned or homemade for a personal touch.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon to garnish: A sprinkle can elevate your drink both visually and aromatically.
How to Make Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
Combine ingredients: In a tall glass filled with ice, pour in 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso, 2.5 ounces Guinness Draught, and 0.5 ounce simple syrup. Stir gently to bring the flavors together without losing that lovely chill.
Layer the Irish cream: Now, carefully pour 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur over the top. The layers will create a beautiful visual contrast that tempts the eyes as much as the taste buds.
Finish and garnish: If desired, top your drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a final touch, sprinkle with either cocoa powder or cinnamon, adding a delightful aroma to your indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
While this delicious drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to make it ahead of time, assemble the coffee and Guinness mixture first; keep the Bailey’s and whipped cream separate until serving. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream—but if you do have any, consume it within a month. To refresh, simply stir well before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overly hot coffee: Cooling your coffee completely before mixing helps keep the Irish Cream from curdling.
- Tweak sweetness to taste: Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your preference for sweetness.
- Keep your ingredients chilled: Using cold coffee and chilled Irish cream makes a smoother drink.
- Consider alternatives: For a non-alcoholic version, feel free to substitute Guinness with non-alcoholic stout or skip it altogether.
- Prepare for crowd-pleasing: This recipe is easily scalable; just adjust measurements based on guest count.
The way flavors blend together in this Irish Cream Iced Coffee truly makes it a treat to sip on, whether you enjoy it on a sunny day or a cozy evening indoors. Experimenting with ingredients, garnishes, or even using different types of cream liqueurs can lead you to discover your own unique twist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can easily enjoy a delightful version by leaving out the Guinness and Bailey’s Irish cream entirely. You can use more chilled coffee along with a flavored coffee creamer or sweetened condensed milk for a dash of sweetness.
Can I make this drink hot?
Yes, you can enjoy a warm version of this drink by serving hot coffee instead. Simply omit the ice and warm the coffee before combining with the other ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have simple syrup?
If you don’t have simple syrup at hand, you can substitute it with granulated sugar—just remember to stir well until it’s dissolved. Alternatively, honey or agave syrup can work as a different sweetener.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Make sure your coffee is completely cooled before adding the Irish cream. The thermal shock can cause the cream to curdle, so patience is key for this layered drink!
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📖 Recipe Card
Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in this Irish Cream Iced Coffee. Easy to make with chilled coffee, Baileys, and Guinness, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso
- 2.5 ounces guinness draught (substitute irish whiskey if preferred)
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bailey's irish cream liqueur
- whipped cream (optional)
- cocoa powder or cinnamon to garnish
Instructions
- In a glass with ice, combine the chilled coffee, Guinness (or substitute Irish whiskey), and simple syrup.
- Carefully pour the Irish cream over the mixture.
- Top with whipped cream if desired and sprinkle with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
- Serve immediately with a straw to mix the ingredients.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of simple syrup.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Guinness and Bailey’s.
Pair this drink with a light dessert for a complete indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
