Irish Cream Iced Coffee
About this Recipe
By: Rachel
There is simply something irresistible about a glass of creamy, boozy Irish cream iced coffee. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, smooth, and just a little spirited. You can enjoy it on a warm afternoon or as a refreshing pick-me-up. This homemade version simply hits all the right notes!
For another boozy treat, try my Brandy Alexander Ice Cream.
Discovering the Flavors Behind Irish Cream
I feel like I spent far too many years of my life enjoying flavors without ever thinking about what they were. What even is butterscotch? Praline? French silk? Kahlúa?
I happily drank countless glasses of Bailey’s before giving a thought to what ingredients made up Irish cream —or the Irish cream iced coffee I’d order on warm afternoons without a second thought. I just knew that it was delicious—creamy and sweet, with subtle overtones of… chocolate, maybe? It had that lovely feeling you get from whiskey—it warms you from the inside out.
What Makes Irish Cream So Delicious
It turns out that Irish cream couldn’t be simpler to make. Heavy cream provides the luscious, creamy texture; sweetened condensed milk provides body and the sweet flavor. Just a small amount of cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla come together to provide a complex yet harmonious flavor profile, and Irish whiskey brings it all together with that warming, boozy element.
After you’ve mixed up a batch yourself, you’ll understand why Irish cream iced coffee is such a favorite.
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream Iced Coffee
To make it, you simply blend the first five ingredients together, then stir in the whiskey. Give it a taste and adjust the ingredients as you like. You can play with the condensed milk and whiskey to make it sweeter or boozier; or adjust the proportions of chocolate, vanilla, or espresso powder to play up any of those flavors.
Once your homemade Irish cream is ready, you can then proceed to make the most indulgent Irish cream iced coffee recipe. The kind that tastes like something straight out of a cozy café. You can also use it to elevate your morning Irish cream coffee, adding that signature smoothness and hint of warmth from the whiskey.
Serving Ideas for Your Irish Cream Iced Coffee Recipe or Irish Cream Coffee
I like to add 2 ounces (60mL) of Irish cream to 6 ounces (175mL) of iced coffee, but your mileage may vary. As I previously mentioned, you can also pour it into freshly brewed coffee for a comforting Irish cream coffee. It’s just as delicious hot as it is chilled. And if you’re feeling playful, you can also try adding Irish cream to hot chocolate or milkshakes.
Irish Cream Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz / 415 mL) sweetened condensed milk (or ¾ can / ~300 ml if you want less sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso or strong brewed coffee (optional, but balances sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (275 mL) Irish whiskey
- 6 ounces (175mL) iced coffee
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- Blend the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla to a blender. Blend on medium speed until well-combined. Add the whiskey, and blend until combined.
Step 2
- Pour 2 ounces (60mL) Irish cream into 6 ounces (175mL) iced coffee, and enjoy cold. Change the proportion of Irish cream to coffee to suit your taste.
Step 3
- Any remaining Irish cream can be transferred to a mason jar or thermos and kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
