Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
Irish Cream Iced Coffee, the drink that marries the rich decadence of Irish whiskey with the delightful sweetness of Irish cream, is a delightful beverage that you can enjoy iced or hot, especially perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day that calls for a touch of celebration. With each sip, you experience a beautiful blend of invigorating coffee, the deep flavors of Guinness, and just enough sweetness from the syrup—all topped off with velvety whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa. You won’t need to spend a fortune on fancy coffee shop concoctions when you can easily whip this up at home.
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I first discovered this delightful drink while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends in a cozy Irish pub. The combination of coffee and Irish cream was surprisingly perfect, making it an instant favorite. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, each time evoking warm memories filled with laughter and good company. And trust me, once you try making your own Irish Cream Iced Coffee, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 5 minutes to prep and another 5 to prepare!
- Irresistible Flavor: The harmonious blend of coffee, whiskey, and cream is simply heavenly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This drink looks as fabulous as it tastes—perfect for gatherings!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a refreshing iced drink on warm days or warm it up for a cozy treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify to fit dietary preferences; swap the whiskey for a non-alcoholic drink if desired.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ounces chilled coffee or espresso: Opt for a strong brew to balance the flavors nicely.
- 2.5 ounces Guinness draught (or Irish whiskey): Adds a rich, deep flavor; whiskey works beautifully too!
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup: This sweetness ties everything together; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur: The star of the show, giving that creamy richness; consider an alternative brand if desired.
- Whipped cream (optional): Adds a dreamy texture; use homemade or store-bought.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish: A little sprinkle adds an inviting look and taste.
How to Make Irish Cream Iced Coffee (Hot or Cold St. Patrick’s Drink)
Combine Ingredients: In a glass filled with ice, pour 4 ounces of chilled coffee or espresso, and add 2.5 ounces of Guinness draught. If you prefer whiskey, substitute it in here to bring that robust flavor.
Sweeten the Deal: Next, add 0.5 ounce of simple syrup. This will lend just the right amount of sweetness while blending perfectly with the coffee and Guinness.
Top with Irish Cream: Slowly pour in 2 ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur over the top. Take your time here; you want it to look inviting, swirled beautifully but still distinct from the other ingredients.
Finish with Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, top your creation with a dollop of whipped cream—why not? And for a touch of flair, sprinkle with either cocoa powder or cinnamon, depending on your mood.
Serve and Enjoy: Grab a straw and take your first sip. Enjoy the delightful layers of flavor, and don’t be shy about mixing it up to combine all those delicious elements as you drink!
Storing & Reheating
Irish Cream Iced Coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days—in an airtight container for the best quality. If you want to freeze it, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray to save for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future iced coffees. Reheat any leftover drink gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but keep in mind the texture may change. If it seems off, a quick stir can help refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t skimp on the coffee; a bold brew is essential for a balanced flavor.
- For the best flavor, use cold ingredients; chilled coffee and cold liqueur make a big difference.
- Avoid adding too much simple syrup at once; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- If you plan to make this drink in bulk, consider preparing each component separately for a fresher taste.
Irish Cream Iced Coffee is a delightful way to kick back and enjoy life. Not only is it quick to make, but it also brings the fun of Irish flavors right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re toasting to St. Patrick’s Day or just needing a little pick-me-up. So grab your favorite mug, and let this drink sweep you into a world of delicious indulgence!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Guinness and Irish whiskey with a non-alcoholic stout or simply enjoy the Bailey’s Irish Cream on its own, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
How long can I store Irish Cream Iced Coffee?
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, it might start losing some of its freshness after that.
What kind of coffee should I use?
A strong brew works best! You can use cold brew coffee for a smoother flavor or espresso for that extra kick. Just ensure it’s chilled before use.
Can I make this drink hot?
Certainly! Simply heat the coffee and mix the ingredients while warm, then top with whipped cream and enjoy it as a cozy treat on a chilly day.
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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 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Cream Iced Coffee is a delicious blend of coffee, Guinness, and Bailey’s Irish cream. Perfect for St. Patrick’s celebrations, it’s a quick and tasty drink that brings rich flavor with every sip. Serve it hot or cold for a delightful pick-me-up!
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, combine the chilled coffee, Guinness, and simple syrup over ice.
- Carefully pour the Bailey's Irish cream liqueur over the top of the mixture.
- Top the drink 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 substitute Irish whiskey for Guinness if preferred.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
