10 Common Irish Cream Cocktails

Smooth, creamy, and versatile, Irish cream is the star ingredient in many beloved cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a dessert-like drink or a comforting sip, these recipes have you covered. Let’s explore 10 common Irish cream cocktails that will elevate your cocktail game.

Baileys Irish Coffee

Baileys Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail combining coffee and Irish cream liqueur. It’s simple and perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Pour the hot coffee into a heat-safe mug.
2. Add Baileys Original Irish Cream to the coffee.
3. Stir gently with a spoon until well combined.
4. Top with a generous helping of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.

Enjoy your Baileys Irish Coffee warm. It’s a delightful blend of rich coffee and creamy sweetness.

Mudslide

A Mudslide is a delightful cocktail you will love if you enjoy creamy, sweet drinks. This dessert cocktail combines the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz. heavy cream
• Ice cubes
• Chocolate sauce (optional for garnish)
• Shaved chocolate (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your glass: Optionally, spread chocolate sauce on a plate. Dip the rim of your cocktail glass in the sauce.
2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes, vodka, coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, and heavy cream.
3. Shake and serve: Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This ensures the ingredients mix well. Strain into your prepared glass.
4. Garnish: Optionally, top with shaved chocolate for an extra touch.

This rich cocktail originates from the 1970s, created at the Wreck Bar in Rum Point Club, Grand Cayman Island. It’s known for its creamy texture and luxurious taste.

Perfect as an after-dinner drink, the Mudslide provides a sweet ending to any meal.

B-52

The B-52 cocktail is a well-known, layered shot. It includes coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and orange liqueur. Peter Fich, a bartender in Canada, created it in 1977.

Ingredients

• 1/3 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
• 1/3 oz Irish cream (Baileys)
• 1/3 oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)

Instructions

1. Pour the coffee liqueur into a shot glass.
2. Using the back of a spoon, gently layer the Irish cream over the coffee liqueur.
3. Similarly, layer the orange liqueur on top of the Irish cream.

Enjoy this B-52 shot as a digestif after a meal. The smooth layers create a beautiful presentation.

If you like, you can explore variations like the B-51 or the Flaming B-52.

Variations

• B-51: Replace Grand Marnier with Frangelico.
• B-53: Use Sambuca instead of the Irish cream.
• B-54: Mix Kahlúa, Irish cream, and tequila.
• B-55: Combine Kahlúa, peppermint schnapps, and Grand Marnier.

Baileys Martini

A Baileys Martini combines the smooth taste of Baileys Irish Cream with the essence of vodka. Craft this simple yet delightful cocktail at home with ease.

Ingredients

• 3 parts Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 part vodka
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and vodka.
3. Shake the mixture for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
5. Optionally, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Enjoy your Baileys Martini, a perfect blend of creamy and strong flavors.

Nutty Irishman

The Nutty Irishman is a popular Irish cream cocktail. It’s known for its rich, nutty flavor. To make this drink, you’ll combine Irish cream, hazelnut liqueur, and optionally Irish whiskey.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
• 1.5 ounces Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
• 1 ounce Irish whiskey (optional)
• Brewed coffee (hot)
• Ice (optional)
• Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

• Brew a cup of hot coffee.
• Fill a glass with the hot coffee.
• In a cocktail shaker, combine Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, and Irish whiskey (if using).
• Shake well until mixed.
• Pour the mixture into the coffee.
• Top with whipped cream.
• Sprinkle nutmeg on top.

Alternatively, you can serve the Nutty Irishman as a shooter.

Ingredients for Shooter:

• 0.5 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
• 0.5 ounces Frangelico
• 0.5 ounces Irish whiskey (optional)
• Ice

Instructions for Shooter:

• Combine Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, and Irish whiskey.
• Shake with ice.
• Strain into a shot glass.

This cocktail offers a cozy experience. Ideal for chilly evenings. Enjoy its creamy texture and layered flavors.

Irish Russian

The Irish Russian is a delightful cocktail that combines the smoothness of Irish cream with the bold flavors of coffee liqueur and vodka. It’s a creamy, indulgent drink perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces Irish cream
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks or whiskey glass with ice cubes.
2. In a cocktail shaker, mix the Irish cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
3. Add a dash of heavy cream.
4. Shake the ingredients vigorously.
5. Strain the mixture into the glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.

Enjoy the creamy and smooth flavors of the Irish Russian. This drink is versatile and can be enjoyed at different times of the day. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a relaxed evening at home, it’s bound to please.

Irish Hammer

The Irish Hammer is a potent cocktail that combines the flavors of whiskey and Irish cream with a hint of honey. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
• 1 oz Irish Mist
• 1 oz Irish Cream (preferably Carolans)

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.
3. Pour in 1 oz of Irish Mist.
4. Add 1 oz of Irish Cream.
5. Shake well until chilled.
6. Strain into a shot glass.
7. Serve immediately.

The whiskey adds a strong base. The Irish Mist offers honey notes. Irish Cream provides sweetness and creaminess. This combination makes for a well-balanced drink.

Irish Cream And Soda

Irish cream and soda is a refreshing and light cocktail. The creaminess of the Irish cream pairs well with the fizzy soda. This drink is simple to make and perfect for various occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Irish cream
• 6 oz club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of Irish cream over the ice.
3. Slowly add 6 oz of club soda.
4. Stir gently to mix.

Variations:

Experiment with different sodas:

• Cream soda for a dessert-like drink.
• Lemon-lime soda for a citrus twist.
• Ginger ale for a spicier flavor.

Presentation Tips:

• Use a clear glass to showcase the drink’s layers.
• Garnish with a mint sprig or chocolate shavings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect for evening parties.
• Pairs well with light snacks.

Caramel Irish Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 oz Irish cream
• 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
• Hot coffee, enough to fill a mug
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Caramel syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

• Warm your mug by filling it with hot water for a few minutes, then discard the water.
• Pour Irish whiskey, Irish cream, and butterscotch schnapps into the warm mug.
• Fill the mug with hot coffee and stir gently.
• Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel syrup.

This drink is great for chilly evenings or after-dinner relaxation.

The butterscotch schnapps adds a unique twist, enhancing the flavors of the Irish Cream and whiskey.

Perfect for festive gatherings like St. Patrick’s Day or cozy winter nights, this cocktail can be an indulgent treat by the fireside.

Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

Irish Cream hot chocolate is a cozy, delightful drink. It’s perfect for a chilly evening.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 oz chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips)

Follow these steps:

1. Combine the milk, Irish Cream, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
2. Heat until there are bubbles around the edge.
3. In the microwave, melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals.
4. Whisk melted chocolate into the milk mixture until smooth.

Serve this hot chocolate in a mug.

To make it extra special, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the mug before pouring. Top with whipped cream if you like.

This drink pairs well with a cozy blanket and a good book.