Baileys cocktails: from the Mudslide to the Baby Guinness
An editorial shortlist of the Bailey's cocktails most worth starting with.
Introduction
Have a bottle of Baileys and want to know what to make with it? For a dessert-style drink, the Mudslide combines Baileys with vodka, coffee liqueur and vanilla ice cream. For a quick shot, the Baby Guinness needs only coffee liqueur and Baileys. If you also have an orange liqueur, the B52 layers all three in one glass.
Baileys brings Irish whiskey and cream to these recipes, so it sits naturally alongside coffee, chocolate and nut liqueurs. Choose a drink below to suit the bottles you have, then open the recipe for quantities and the method. The full list also includes amaretto, peach schnapps and chocolate ice cream combinations.
Choose your first drink
- For dessert: Mudslide. The Mudslide combines vodka, Baileys and coffee liqueur with vanilla ice cream. Start here if you want something rich.
- For a quick shot: Baby Guinness. The Baby Guinness uses just coffee liqueur and Baileys, and looks like a tiny pint of stout.
- For a layered shot: B52. The B52 layers coffee liqueur, Baileys and orange liqueur in one shot glass.
On this page
Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.
This cocktail is a visually striking trio of layered flavors, combining the sweet creaminess of the core ingredient with the citrus notes of orange liqueur and the deep, roasted flavors of coffee liqueur.
This cocktail is a visually striking trio of layered flavors, combining the sweet creaminess of the core ingredient with the citrus notes of orange liqueur and the deep, roasted flavors of coffee liqueur. The combination creates a harmonious balance that is both bold and inviting, offering a sensory experience that delights both the palate and the eyes.
Its name, inspired by its bold layers, captures the essence of its explosive flavors and has become iconic in the cocktail world, representing a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Ingredients: Bailey's 20ml, Orange liqueur 20ml, Coffee liqueur 20ml
This cocktail provides a visual and taste sensation that's as intriguing as its name suggests.
This cocktail provides a visual and taste sensation that's as intriguing as its name suggests. The creamy base floats atop peach schnapps, creating a visually distinct layer, while a few drops of grenadine add a dramatic flair, resembling the cerebral effect its name implies.
Not just a novelty, its flavors blend sweet, fruity notes with the velvety texture of cream, offering an experience that's simultaneously playful and delicious.
Ingredients: Peach schnapps 22.5ml, Bailey's 7.5ml, Grenadine Few drops
Here lies a decadent, icy concoction that epitomizes indulgence.
Here lies a decadent, icy concoction that epitomizes indulgence. With a generous helping of vanilla ice cream blending seamlessly with the creamy base, coffee liqueur, and a splash of vodka for good measure, this cocktail is like dessert in a glass.
It's the ultimate treat for those who love their cocktails thick, creamy, and with a kick. The smooth, rich texture and coffee-chocolate undertones make it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients: Vodka 45ml, Coffee liqueur 45ml, Bailey's 45ml, Vanilla ice cream 3 scoops
Infusing the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the smooth, creamy consistency of the core ingredient and a touch of vodka creates a drink that's both invigorating and indulgent.
Infusing the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the smooth, creamy consistency of the core ingredient and a touch of vodka creates a drink that's both invigorating and indulgent. This cocktail, often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, delivers a blend of warmth and richness, making it a perfect pick-me-up.
The addition of crème de cafe enhances its coffee character, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the nuanced flavors that emerge when coffee and cream collide.
Ingredients: Vodka 30ml, Crème de cafe 15ml, Bailey's 30ml, Coffee 60ml
Mimicking the famous stout's appearance but surprising with its sweet, creamy flavor, this cocktail is a delightful deception.
Mimicking the famous stout's appearance but surprising with its sweet, creamy flavor, this cocktail is a delightful deception. The core liqueur's distinctive creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich coffee liqueur base, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying blend.
Its diminutive size belies its powerful flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing treat.
Ingredients: Coffee liqueur 20ml, Bailey's 10ml
This cocktail is a complex tapestry of flavors, weaving together the creamy base with coffee liqueur, amaretto's sweet, almond notes, vodka's clear, sharp bite, and a touch of cream for extra indulgence.
This cocktail is a complex tapestry of flavors, weaving together the creamy base with coffee liqueur, amaretto's sweet, almond notes, vodka's clear, sharp bite, and a touch of cream for extra indulgence. The result is a multifaceted drink that's as rich in flavor as it is in texture, offering a sensory journey through sweet, nutty, and bold territories.
It's a testament to the versatility of its ingredients, culminating in a drink that's both sophisticated and immensely satisfying.
Ingredients: Vodka 22.5ml, Coffee liqueur 22.5 ml, Bailey's 22.5 ml, Amaretto 22.5 ml, Cream 22.5 ml
Named after its ability to warm and comfort, this cocktail combines the rich creaminess with coffee liqueur, the nuttiness of amaretto, and the clean taste of vodka, all smoothed out with a dash of milk.
Named after its ability to warm and comfort, this cocktail combines the rich creaminess with coffee liqueur, the nuttiness of amaretto, and the clean taste of vodka, all smoothed out with a dash of milk. The blend of flavors creates a cozy, comforting treat that's like a hug in a glass.
It's a perfect winter warmer or a soothing nightcap, offering a gentle, toasted nutty flavor profile that invites you to sit back and relax.
Ingredients: Vodka 30ml, Bailey's 30ml, Coffee liqueur 30ml, Amaretto 30ml, Milk Dash
For those who dream in chocolate, this cocktail serves as the ultimate fantasy.
For those who dream in chocolate, this cocktail serves as the ultimate fantasy. Combining the liqueur with chocolate ice cream and a hit of vodka, it's remarkably simple yet unbelievably satisfying.
This drink isn't just a cocktail; it's a dessert, a treat, and a chocolate lover's bliss in liquid form. Each sip is a dive into a deep, creamy chocolate pool, with the liquor adding layers of complexity that elevate it beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients: Vodka 30ml, Bailey's 60ml, Chocolate ice cream Scoop
This cocktail is a flamboyant spectacle, combining the creamy base with coffee liqueur, Sambuca, and Blue Curaçao for a dramatic, fiery display.
This cocktail is a flamboyant spectacle, combining the creamy base with coffee liqueur, Sambuca, and Blue Curaçao for a dramatic, fiery display. Beyond its showstopping presentation, the drink offers a complex flavor profile, with the creamy sweetness softening the potent kick of the Sambuca and the citrusy notes of Blue Curaçao.
It's an adventurous choice, perfect for those looking to impress with both visual flair and depth of flavor.
Ingredients: Sambuca 30ml, Bailey's 30ml, Coffee liqueur 30ml, Blue curaçao 30ml
This cocktail brings a festive twist to the list, incorporating the creamy base with Angostura bitters, egg white, aged rum, and spiced pumpkin syrup, creating a rich, frothy, and incredibly nuanced drink.
This cocktail brings a festive twist to the list, incorporating the creamy base with Angostura bitters, egg white, aged rum, and spiced pumpkin syrup, creating a rich, frothy, and incredibly nuanced drink. It's a seasonal masterpiece that combines the comforting creaminess with the warming spices and the complexity of aged rum, creating a perfectly balanced drink that celebrates the flavors of fall and winter.
Whether as a holiday treat or a cozy nightcap, it encapsulates the spirit of the season in every sip.
Ingredients: Aged rum 52.5ml, Bailey's 22.5ml, Aromatic bitters Dash, Spiced pumpkin syrup 22.5ml, Egg 1 egg white
1. B52
This cocktail is a visually striking trio of layered flavors, combining the sweet creaminess of the core ingredient with the citrus notes of orange liqueur and the deep, roasted flavors of coffee liqueur. The combination creates a harmonious balance that is both bold and inviting, offering a sensory experience that delights both the palate and the eyes.
Its name, inspired by its bold layers, captures the essence of its explosive flavors and has become iconic in the cocktail world, representing a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Ingredients
Method
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- Layer the ingredients in the shot glass
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- Starting by pouring in the heaviest first, the coffee liqueur
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- Follow with the Baileys, pouring carefully so the layers do not mix
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- Finally float the Grand Marnier on top then serve
2. Brain Haemorrhage
This cocktail provides a visual and taste sensation that's as intriguing as its name suggests. The creamy base floats atop peach schnapps, creating a visually distinct layer, while a few drops of grenadine add a dramatic flair, resembling the cerebral effect its name implies.
Not just a novelty, its flavors blend sweet, fruity notes with the velvety texture of cream, offering an experience that's simultaneously playful and delicious.
Ingredients
Method
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- Fill a shot glass three-quarters full with peach schnapps
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- Then layer a quarter of a shot Baileys Irish cream on top
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- Drizzle in a few drops of grenadine to serve
3. Mudslide
Here lies a decadent, icy concoction that epitomizes indulgence. With a generous helping of vanilla ice cream blending seamlessly with the creamy base, coffee liqueur, and a splash of vodka for good measure, this cocktail is like dessert in a glass.
It's the ultimate treat for those who love their cocktails thick, creamy, and with a kick. The smooth, rich texture and coffee-chocolate undertones make it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients and ice to a blender and blend until smooth
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- Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with a crumbled Cadbury’s flake before serving
4. Shaft
Infusing the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the smooth, creamy consistency of the core ingredient and a touch of vodka creates a drink that's both invigorating and indulgent. This cocktail, often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, delivers a blend of warmth and richness, making it a perfect pick-me-up.
The addition of crème de cafe enhances its coffee character, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the nuanced flavors that emerge when coffee and cream collide.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by adding all the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice cubes
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the shaker's exterior getting frosted
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- Next, expertly fine strain the mixture to remove the smaller ice shards, pouring it into a glass filled to the brim with fresh ice
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- Finally, drop a straw into the glass for easy sipping
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- Enjoy your beautifully crafted cocktail!
5. Baby Guinness
Mimicking the famous stout's appearance but surprising with its sweet, creamy flavor, this cocktail is a delightful deception. The core liqueur's distinctive creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich coffee liqueur base, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying blend.
Its diminutive size belies its powerful flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing treat.
Ingredients
Method
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- Fill about two thirds of a shot glass with Tia Maria
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- Carefully layer the Baileys on top, then serve
6. Orgasm
This cocktail is a complex tapestry of flavors, weaving together the creamy base with coffee liqueur, amaretto's sweet, almond notes, vodka's clear, sharp bite, and a touch of cream for extra indulgence. The result is a multifaceted drink that's as rich in flavor as it is in texture, offering a sensory journey through sweet, nutty, and bold territories.
It's a testament to the versatility of its ingredients, culminating in a drink that's both sophisticated and immensely satisfying.
Ingredients
Method
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- Build all ingredients over ice in an old fashioned glass and give it a good stir
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- Garnish with a cherry and serve
7. Obal's Toasted Almond
Named after its ability to warm and comfort, this cocktail combines the rich creaminess with coffee liqueur, the nuttiness of amaretto, and the clean taste of vodka, all smoothed out with a dash of milk. The blend of flavors creates a cozy, comforting treat that's like a hug in a glass.
It's a perfect winter warmer or a soothing nightcap, offering a gentle, toasted nutty flavor profile that invites you to sit back and relax.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass, over a few ice cubes
8. Chocolate Dream
For those who dream in chocolate, this cocktail serves as the ultimate fantasy. Combining the liqueur with chocolate ice cream and a hit of vodka, it's remarkably simple yet unbelievably satisfying.
This drink isn't just a cocktail; it's a dessert, a treat, and a chocolate lover's bliss in liquid form. Each sip is a dive into a deep, creamy chocolate pool, with the liquor adding layers of complexity that elevate it beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a blender mix up the ice cream, Baileys and vodka
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- Once fully mixed pour into a cocktail glass
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- Garnish with chocolate sauce and some chocolate flakes, and serve
9. Flaming Lamborghini
This cocktail is a flamboyant spectacle, combining the creamy base with coffee liqueur, Sambuca, and Blue Curaçao for a dramatic, fiery display. Beyond its showstopping presentation, the drink offers a complex flavor profile, with the creamy sweetness softening the potent kick of the Sambuca and the citrusy notes of Blue Curaçao.
It's an adventurous choice, perfect for those looking to impress with both visual flair and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the Kahlúa to a cocktail glass then carefully layer the sambuca on top
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- Meanwhile pour a shot of Baileys into a shot glass and a shot of blue curaçao into another
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- Place a straw into the layered Kahlúa and sambuca, and set the sambuca alight
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- Serve the drinks together, drinking the Kahlúa through a straw and simultaneously pouring in the Baileys and blue curaçao into the drink
10. Calabaza Nog
This cocktail brings a festive twist to the list, incorporating the creamy base with Angostura bitters, egg white, aged rum, and spiced pumpkin syrup, creating a rich, frothy, and incredibly nuanced drink. It's a seasonal masterpiece that combines the comforting creaminess with the warming spices and the complexity of aged rum, creating a perfectly balanced drink that celebrates the flavors of fall and winter.
Whether as a holiday treat or a cozy nightcap, it encapsulates the spirit of the season in every sip.
Ingredients
Method
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- First you need to make the spiced pumpkin syrup
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- In a saucepan, add a cup of brown sugar, a cup of water, half a cup of pumpkin purée, and a teaspoon each of nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cinnamon
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- Over medium heat until slightly thickened
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- Remove from the heat and place a vanilla pod into the syrup and chill overnight
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- Strain through a cheesecloth and store in a covered container, in a fridge, for up to one week
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- Once the pumpkin syrup is ready, add all the ingredients except the bitters into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Double shake before double straining into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Add the bitters and garnish with some freshly shaven nutmeg, then serve
Conclusion
For a creamy dessert drink, start with the Mudslide. Choose the Baby Guinness if coffee liqueur is the only other bottle you have, or the B52 if you also have an orange liqueur. Open a recipe for the exact measures, or use the full Baileys results to filter for the ingredients in your bar.
More about Bailey's
What is the most popular cocktail made with Bailey's?
One of the most popular cocktails made with Bailey's is the Mudslide, a creamy, dessert-style drink that showcases Irish cream alongside coffee and chocolate notes. It's widely recognised and commonly served both shaken and blended.
What ingredients pair well with Bailey's in cocktails?
Bailey's pairs especially well with coffee flavours (like coffee liqueur or espresso), chocolate (crème de cacao), and vanilla-forward spirits. It also works nicely with vodka or whiskey bases for richer, dessert-inspired cocktails.
How many cocktails can you make with Bailey's?
You can make 217 cocktails with Bailey's. That range includes classic layered shots, creamy martinis, and dessert-style drinks.
What is Bailey's and what does it taste like?
Bailey's is an Irish cream liqueur made from Irish whiskey and fresh cream, with chocolate-like notes. It has a creamy texture and a sweet, smooth taste that adds richness to cocktails.
Explore even more about Bailey's
Jump back to the discovery hub or the ingredient guide if you want broader context beyond this ranked shortlist.
See every Bailey's cocktail in one place
Open the full results page to search, sort, and filter every bailey's cocktail beyond this shortlist.