Updated on: 6/3/2025
Can I Make Irish Coffee with Bailey's and Jameson?
Blending Bailey's Irish Cream and Jameson whiskey in Irish Coffee is not just possible—it's the fastest route to pure comfort in a glass. This combination offers a creamy twist on the classic, balancing whiskey warmth with the lush sweetness of Irish cream. While purists might insist on sticking to the original, countless bartenders and home enthusiasts love using these recognizable brands for their consistency and approachability.
How Bailey's and Jameson Transform the Classic Irish Coffee
Jameson is a triple-distilled Irish whiskey known for its smooth, slightly floral profile, while Bailey's is a liqueur blending Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate notes. When paired in coffee, they create a rounder, silkier, and slightly sweeter drink than the punchier classic. Here’s what changes when you incorporate both:
- Creaminess: Bailey's adds a velvety texture, slightly mellowing the heat of the whiskey.
- Sweetness: Bailey's brings gentle, dessert-like notes of vanilla and cocoa.
- Complexity: Layering Jameson’s spice and fruitiness with Bailey's turns a simple coffee cocktail into something richer.
- Alcohol Balance: The lower ABV of Bailey's compared to whiskey lightens the total strength, appealing to those who want a gentler sip.
Irish Coffee Recipe with Bailey's and Jameson
For a cozy, bar-worthy result at home, balance the strength of Jameson with the smoothness of Bailey's. Choose freshly brewed hot coffee with bold flavor—it stands up to the rich liqueur and whiskey balance. Here’s an easy recipe:
- 45 ml Jameson Irish whiskey
- 30 ml Bailey's Irish Cream
- 120 ml freshly brewed hot coffee (use a full-bodied roast for best flavor)
- 20 ml lightly whipped unsweetened cream
- Optional: 5 ml simple syrup or brown sugar (taste first if added sweetness is needed)
How to Prepare a Bailey's and Jameson Irish Coffee
- Preheat a glass mug by rinsing with hot water.
- Pour 45 ml Jameson and 30 ml Bailey's into the mug.
- Add 120 ml hot coffee. Stir well to combine.
- Taste—if you prefer a little extra sweetness, add 5 ml syrup or sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Gently float 20 ml lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it rests on top of the drink.
- Optional: Dust lightly with cocoa or grated nutmeg for aroma and appearance.
Tips for Choosing and Balancing Ingredients
- Coffee: Go for a medium to full-bodied roast. Light roasts get lost, dark espresso can fight the sweetness.
- Cream: Whip until it just holds shape—it should float, not sink. Pre-chill metal bowls and whisks for best texture.
- Sweetness: Taste before adding sugar or syrup—Bailey's brings considerable sweetness already.
- Glassware: Classic footed glass mugs or latte glasses show off the color and cream layers beautifully.
Favorite Variations to Try
- Bailey's Only: Replace whiskey with 60 ml Bailey's for a gentler, cream-filled Irish Coffee.
- Classic Style: Use only Jameson and swap Bailey's for a splash (30 ml) of fresh heavy cream, whisked but unsweetened.
- Mocha Boost: Add 10 ml dark chocolate liqueur or a spoonful of cocoa powder to the base mix before adding the coffee.
How These Brands Influence the Taste and Feel
Jameson offers the backbone: grain-forward, gently spicy, with just enough heft to poke through the coffee. Bailey's is all about plushness. Together, they make Irish Coffee less sharp and more lush, perfect for those who prefer a subtler alcohol edge and dessert-like smoothness in their winter drinks. Try different ratios—boosting Bailey's for a softer finish, or using a little more Jameson when you want whiskey to cut through the cream.
Serving Irish Coffee with both Jameson and Bailey's is never just about tradition—it’s about comfort in a cup and celebrating Irish spirits, your way.