Sipping on a splash of Baileys Irish Cream while watching the snow fall silently outside is perfectly picturesque. But you don’t need to limit that bottle to just one season. Baileys can be easily mixed with all manner of beverages to make a simple, creamy drink. The only rule is to avoid citrus or anything with a lot of citric acid, which makes it curdle. That means avoid juices and soda. Other than that, there’s a wide range of things with which you can mix Baileys to make seasonally appropriate (or mood appropriate) drinks. From the basic and expected to the surprising, these are the best things to mix with Baileys.
Coffee
It almost feels like Baileys was made for coffee. If you like cream in your cup of Joe in the morning, then you’ll like replacing that cream with Baileys. But you already know that.
Hot Chocolate
It feels like all warm beverages that nourish your soul are improved with a splash of Baileys. Hot cocoa is no exception—especially with a few little marshmallows on top. Go for a darker, less sweet hot chocolate and let the Irish cream round the drink out. Although, when push comes to shove, there’s nothing wrong with putting Baileys into some stir-and-serve Swiss Miss.
Cold Brew
When summertime hits and hot coffee is no longer a viable option, you’ll be just as happy mixing your Baileys into cold brew. Pop the bottle into the fridge for a bit (if it’s not in there already) and then mix it with cold brew and some ice. Just like with hot coffee, stronger cold brews match best with Baileys and keep the drink from getting too sweet.
Ice Cream
Don’t be fooled into thinking Baileys is just a morning drink. Scoop ice cream into a glass (if you have one of those 1950s ice cream parlor glasses, now is the time to use it) and add a shot or two of Baileys. Pretty much any standard ice cream flavor works, as the Baileys just makes it even creamier. Our ice cream suggestions: chocolate, strawberry, rocky road and any type of sherbet. The latter will taste like a delicious, fruity creamsicle.
Guinness
Mixing Baileys into a pint of Guinness is just one ingredient away from the poorly named Irish Car Bomb, and it’s the way to go if you’ve passed the point in your life when dropping a shot into a pint glass and chugging sounds fun. Mix Baileys into Guinness, or Guinness Extra Stout if you want something a little stronger, and give it a stir. Then sip contentedly.
Earl Grey Tea
Skip the milk and sugar and fix your cuppa with Baileys instead, just like you do with your coffee. The result is a lightly creamy tea with some vanilla flavor.
Anejo Tequila
Bear with us. One Supercall staffer calls this an Irish Cactus, and despite prior reservations, we found the drink endearing. Measure out two parts Baileys to one part tequila and drink over ice as a nightcap. Use an añejo or reposado, as the Baileys really lets the barrel notes in the tequila shine and brings out some chocolate notes. Try it for yourself before passing any judgment.
