Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
There’s nothing quite like a good Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink) to remind you that life is a celebration, especially when it evokes the warmth of Irish hospitality. Imagine sipping a glass of chilled coffee blended with a splash of Guinness or Irish whiskey, a decadent swirl of Bailey’s Irish cream, and topped with whipped cream. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat in summer or warm up during a chilly St. Patrick’s Day, this drink checks all the boxes. It’s indulgently creamy, perfectly sweet, and deliciously smooth.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this delightful beverage while planning a St. Patrick’s Day gathering. With friends coming over and plenty of festivities ahead, I thought, “Why not whip up a unique drink that encapsulates the spirit of Ireland?” That moment sparked not just an extraordinary recipe but also a tradition that cheers up any occasion, adding a delightful twist to ordinary gatherings. This Irish Cream Iced Coffee will undoubtedly impress guests while also being gloriously simple to whip together, making it an instant hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just 10 minutes—5 for prep and 5 for cooking—you’ll have a fabulous drink ready to enjoy.
- Irresistible Flavor: The harmonious blend of coffee and creamy Bailey’s gives it a smooth, rich taste that’ll make you dream of Ireland.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its tempting layers and whipped cream finish, this drink is a feast for the eyes and perfect for sharing on social media.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as an after-dinner treat, a festive brunch addition, or a midday pick-me-up.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions can easily be made, whether you want to use whiskey instead of Guinness or swap in dairy-free creamers for a lighter choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso: Brew your favorite coffee and chill it for a refreshing drink or use espresso for a stronger kick.
- 2.5 ounces Guinness draught (substitute Irish whiskey if you prefer): The rich, dark flavors of Guinness give the drink depth, but a smooth whiskey works beautifully too.
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup: This sweetener balances the bitterness of the coffee and can be adjusted to your taste. Make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
- 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur: The star of the show! Its creamy, sweet notes elevate the coffee, making every sip delectable.
- Whipped cream (optional): A dreamy addition to top off your drink and offer that extra indulgence.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon to garnish: These provide a charming final touch with a dash of flavor complexity and visual appeal.
How to Make Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
Combine ingredients: In a sturdy glass, pour 4 ounces of chilled coffee or espresso, followed by 2.5 ounces of Guinness. If you opt for Irish whiskey instead, that works just as well. Add 0.5 ounce of simple syrup to sweeten the concoction, making it suit your palate.
Add Irish cream: Carefully pour 2 ounces of Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur over the top of the drink. The pour should create a beautiful layered effect that’s truly eye-catching. You’ll see the rich cream float atop the dark coffee, creating a mesmerizing sight!
Garnish: If you fancy a little extra flair, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. To finish, sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon over the top for an aromatic and visual pop.
Serve immediately: This delightful drink should be enjoyed right after you make it. Grab a straw and stir to mix the luscious layers before indulging.
Storing & Reheating
For the freshest taste, Irish Cream Iced Coffee is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, if you find yourself with extras, you can store the drink in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Be mindful that the texture may change and the flavors could mellow slightly. To refresh the drink, give it a good stir before serving, but avoid freezing, as the coffee may separate and lose its creamy appeal over time.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Keep coffee chilled to enhance the flavor and avoid watering down the drink with melting ice.
- Adjust the simple syrup to your taste; less sugar for a more robust flavor or more if you like it sweeter.
- Use a high-quality coffee or espresso, as this will significantly influence the overall taste.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a splash of mint or vanilla extract for a fun twist.
- For a make-ahead version, brew coffee in advance and chill it up to 3 days prior.
The beauty of the Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink) lies in its versatility and delightful flavor profile. It combines comfort, richness, and a hint of celebration all wrapped up in one glass.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can replace the Guinness or whiskey with a non-alcoholic stout or skip it altogether. The drink will still be rich and satisfying with just the coffee and Bailey’s or a non-alcoholic Irish cream alternative.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, if you’re looking for a delicious caffeine-free option, feel free to switch to decaffeinated coffee or espresso. You’ll still enjoy the creamy richness of the Irish cream and the other flavors.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Since this recipe contains alcohol, it’s not suitable for children. However, you can create a kid-friendly version by omitting the alcohol and adding extra cream and chocolate syrup for a sweet treat they’ll love.
How can I customize the sweetness of the drink?
Simply adjust the amount of simple syrup in the recipe. You can start with a smaller amount and taste along the way. Additionally, flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut can bring a unique twist to your iced coffee, making it even more indulgent.
There’s something magical about Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink) that brings joy to every sip. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, it beckons you to unearth your creativity in the kitchen and maybe add your flair to the recipe. So go ahead, try it out, and make any gathering a little more spirited with this irresistible drink!
PrintMore Drinks Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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 rich and creamy blend of Irish Cream Iced Coffee, combining chilled coffee with guinness and Bailey’s. Perfect for a quick, delightful drink any time!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso
- 2.5 ounces guinness draught (substitute irish whiskey if you prefer)
- 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 filled with ice, mix together the chilled coffee, Guinness, and simple syrup.
- Gently pour the Irish cream over the coffee mixture.
- Optionally top with whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish.
- Serve immediately with a straw to mix the flavors before enjoying.
Notes
For a stronger coffee flavor, use fresh espresso instead of chilled coffee.
Feel free to experiment with the amount of Irish cream based on your taste preference.
This drink can easily be made non-alcoholic by omitting the Guinness and Bailey’s.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 60 milligrams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
