Home
Recipes
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic
Baileys Irish Ice Recipe

Baileys Irish Ice Recipe

By What’s Baking

Rich, velvety Baileys Irish Cream transformed into a decadent frozen treat with hints of coffee and chocolate that's both dessert and nightcap in one glass.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
2 cocktails
Overhead shot of a frosted martini glass filled with a creamy, coffee-colored frozen concoction, its surface swirled with chocolate syrup drizzles. A close-up reveals the luxurious texture—somewhere between milkshake and frozen cocktail—with tiny ice crystals catching the warm, amber bar lighting. The glass rim is adorned with a delicate chocolate and crushed cookie coating that complements the cocktail's creamy complexion. A chocolate-dipped pirouette cookie and fresh mint sprig lean against the glass, creating an elegant vertical element. The setup includes vintage silver cocktail tools and a small dish of chocolate shavings, all arranged on a distressed wooden surface that enhances the drink's rich brown tones.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml Baileys Irish Cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka (vanilla vodka works beautifully)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml espresso or strong coffee, cooled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml chocolate syrup, plus extra for drizzling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g vanilla ice cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Chocolate shavings for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprigs for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Martini glasses or coupe glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Squeeze bottle for chocolate drizzle</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place your serving glasses in the freezer at least 15 minutes before preparation. Properly chilled glassware is essential for keeping your frozen cocktail from melting too quickly and maintains the perfect texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>If you're using the optional chocolate rim, prepare it now by spreading a thin layer of chocolate syrup on a small plate. On a separate plate, add chocolate shavings. Dip the rims of your chilled glasses first in the syrup, then in the shavings, and return to the freezer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, cooled espresso, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, and ice cubes to your blender. The order of ingredients matters - adding liquids first helps the blender process more efficiently.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth with no visible ice chunks. The mixture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still pourable. If too thick, add a splash more Baileys; if too thin, add more ice cream or ice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Remove your glasses from the freezer and drizzle the inside walls with additional chocolate syrup in a decorative pattern. This creates beautiful streaks through your cocktail as you pour.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour the blended mixture into your prepared glasses, filling to about 1cm below the rim to allow for garnish without spilling. The perfect consistency should maintain a slight peak when poured.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Finish with a light drizzle of chocolate syrup on top, a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and a sprig of fresh mint. The mint not only adds visual appeal but provides an aromatic contrast to the rich chocolate and coffee notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon. The cocktail will begin changing texture within minutes, so enjoy while it's at the perfect frozen consistency. For the best experience, take a moment to appreciate the aroma before the first taste!</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this frozen Irish cream cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes! Create a non-alcoholic version by substituting Baileys with a coffee-flavoured syrup mixed with cream. Omit the vodka and add more ice cream to maintain the creamy texture. The result will still have delicious coffee-chocolate notes but be completely alcohol-free.

What's the best way to achieve the perfect frozen texture in this cocktail?

For the ideal texture, ensure your ice cream is properly frozen and your ice cubes are dry (not wet from the freezer). Blend for exactly 30-45 seconds - too little and you'll have ice chunks, too long and it becomes too liquid. Serve in pre-chilled glasses for optimal results.

How can I make this Bailey's frozen drink more decadent for special occasions?

Elevate your frozen cocktail by adding a tablespoon of Kahlúa or crème de cacao, incorporating crushed chocolate biscuits, drizzling with homemade caramel sauce, or floating a shot of espresso on top. For presentation, serve in chocolate-dipped glasses with gold-dusted garnishes.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An elegant lowball glass featuring a deep amber-brown cocktail with a distinctive creamy nitrogen-infused head, captured from a 45-degree angle that highlights its silky texture. Crystal-clear ice cubes catch the warm, amber bar lighting, creating golden reflections through the drink. A twisted orange peel garnish rests on the glass rim, with tiny essential oil droplets visible on the drink's surface. Moody lighting creates dramatic shadows against a dark wooden bar top, while copper bar tools sit slightly blurred in the background, suggesting the craft that went into creating this nitro-infused twist on a classic.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned Recipe

A sophisticated fusion of cold brew intensity and whiskey warmth, heightened with nitrogen's velvety texture and punctuated with orange notes for a contemporary classic experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A crystal rocks glass showcases dramatic layers where dark espresso cascades over a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating mesmerizing coffee-colored swirls. The glass sits on a rustic wooden board against a moody background with warm, low lighting that emphasizes the drink's rich amber-brown tones. Condensation forms on the exterior while a delicate orange twist and coffee bean garnish rest artistically on top. A bottle of artisanal amaro stands blurred in the background, suggesting the cocktail's bittersweet foundation.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Amaro Affogato Cocktail Recipe

A decadent fusion of bitter amaro, rich espresso, and velvety ice cream creates a sophisticated dessert cocktail that balances warmth and chill with exquisite complexity.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An elegant martini glass filled with a dark, glossy espresso cocktail, topped with a perfect layer of silky crema. The deep brown-black liquid catches the light with subtle crimson undertones. A single maraschino cherry speared with a thin chocolate stick rests on the rim, while cocoa powder dusts one side of the glass surface. Shot in moody, atmospheric bar lighting that creates dramatic shadows, emphasizing the luxurious texture of the cocktail. Droplets of condensation bead on the chilled glass, suggesting the perfect temperature. A bottle of cherry liqueur and chocolate bitters sit blurred in the background, hinting at the complex flavors within.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Black Forest Espresso Martini Recipe

A decadent fusion of rich espresso, velvety chocolate, and luscious cherry flavors that transforms the classic espresso martini into a boozy Black Forest gateau in a glass.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A crystal-clear rocks glass with a single large ice cube capturing light reflections, filled with an amber-bronze cocktail that hints at both coffee richness and botanical complexity. Golden hour lighting accentuates the warm tones against a dark walnut bar top, while wisps of expressed orange oils hover above the surface. A twisted orange peel garnish rests elegantly on the rim, with coffee beans scattered artfully nearby to hint at the flavor profile. The drink's silky texture is evident in the way it clings slightly to the glass, suggesting both spirit strength and coffee integration.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Coffee Negroni Blanco Recipe

A sophisticated fusion of bright white coffee notes with the herbal complexity of a white negroni, creating an invigorating yet smooth aperitivo experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A close-up shot of a Café Amaretto in a crystal-clear rocks glass, showcasing distinct layers of dark coffee liqueur and cream crowned with a light dusting of cocoa powder. The lighting is warm and intimate, resembling the amber glow of a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Ice cubes glisten as they slowly melt, with condensation forming on the exterior of the glass. A whole coffee bean garnish rests on top of the cream, while a cinnamon stick leans against the rim, providing texture contrast. The cocktail sits atop a polished wooden bar surface with soft focus bar bottles in the background, creating depth and context.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Café Amaretto Recipe

A seductive blend of rich coffee liqueur, smooth amaretto, and fresh cream creates a dessert-worthy cocktail that's both indulgent and remarkably balanced.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass sits against a dark wooden bar top illuminated by warm, amber lighting. The Sombrero cocktail displays perfect layering - a deep, chocolate-brown base of Kahlúa transitioning into a cloud-like layer of pristine white cream that floats delicately on top. A fine dusting of freshly grated coffee beans creates a delicate pattern across the cream's surface, with a single coffee bean garnish resting at the center. The contrast between the dark liqueur and bright white cream is accentuated by droplets of condensation gathering on the glass, suggesting the perfect serving temperature.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Sombrero - Kahlúa (Coffee Liqueur) and Cream Recipe

A luscious, velvety cascade of rich coffee liqueur gently blanketed with fresh cream, offering comforting warmth and indulgent sweetness in each sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe