Cream Liqueur: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa and the Best Cream and Coffee Liqueurs

What is the difference between Kahlúa and Baileys?

Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur from Mexico, made with rum, sugar, vanilla and Arabica coffee. It tastes of roasted coffee and caramel and is lower in strength than most spirits. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur made from Irish whiskey, cream and flavourings, with chocolate and vanilla notes and a smooth, creamy texture.

They are not interchangeable. Kahlúa adds coffee depth and bitterness to drinks, while Baileys adds creaminess and sweetness. They are often used together, as in the layered B-52 shot.

How do you make an espresso martini?

The Espresso Martini was created by bartender Dick Bradsell in London in the 1980s. The classic recipe is 45 mL vodka, 15 to 30 mL coffee liqueur and a freshly brewed espresso shot, shaken hard with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The foam on top comes from shaking the hot coffee with ice.

For the best result, use fresh espresso and a clean vodka. Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of Kahlúa. Browse our coffee liqueur collection and try Kahlúa Liqueur.

Explore: Shop coffee liqueur

What else can you make with coffee liqueur?

The White Russian combines vodka, coffee liqueur and cream over ice. The Black Russian leaves out the cream. A Mudslide mixes vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream, and a Brave Bull uses tequila and coffee liqueur.

You can also pour coffee liqueur over ice cream, stir it into hot chocolate or add it to a tiramisu. A frozen Espresso Martini, blended with ice, is a good summer variation.

What is Baileys, and what does it taste like?

Baileys was launched in Dublin in 1974 and was the first Irish cream liqueur. It is made with Irish whiskey, fresh dairy cream and flavourings including cocoa and vanilla, and it is typically 17 per cent ABV. It tastes sweet, creamy and chocolatey with a warm whiskey backbone.

It is delicious over ice, in coffee, or poured over desserts. Our Baileys Irish Cream collection includes the classic 700 mL and 1 L bottles and a range of flavours.

Explore: Shop Baileys Irish Cream

How do you store cream liqueurs?

Store cream liqueur in a cool, dark place, away from heat, and follow the best-before date and storage guidance on the bottle. Refrigerating after opening is a good habit in warm weather, and always keep the cap on tight.

If the liqueur looks curdled, smells sour or has changed texture, discard it. Coffee liqueur is more stable, but still keep it sealed and away from sunlight. For more on storing spirits, see our guide to storing whisky.

Which orange and other liqueurs belong in a home bar?

Beyond cream and coffee, an orange liqueur such as Cointreau is essential for margaritas, Cosmopolitans and sidecars. Cinnamon liqueurs add warmth in winter drinks, and amaretto and herbal liqueurs add variety.

Explore the orange liqueur collection and see how different mixers can lift them in our home bar mixers guide.

How much should you pour?

A standard serve of liqueur is 30 mL. Because these drinks taste sweet and smooth, it is easy to drink more than you realise. Check the standard-drink count on the bottle, and remember that buyers must be 18 or over.

For gifting, a bottle of Baileys or Kahlúa with a recipe card is a popular choice, especially around Christmas.

How do you use Baileys in drinks and desserts?

Pour Baileys over ice for a simple after-dinner drink, add it to hot chocolate or coffee, or blend it into milkshakes. The Mudslide combines vodka, coffee liqueur, Baileys and cream. An Irish Coffee uses Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar and cream, and a Baileys coffee swaps the whiskey for the liqueur.

In baking, Baileys flavours chocolate cake, cheesecake, brownies and ice cream. Add it after cooking if you want to keep its flavour. It also makes a good dessert sauce.

Which Baileys flavours are available?

Beyond the original, our range includes flavours such as Apple Pie, Cinnamon Scroll and Colada, which suit gifting and festive occasions. They are sweeter and more dessert-like than the original, and are best served cold over ice.

See the full range in our Baileys Irish Cream collection or try Baileys 700 mL.

What is a B-52 and how do you layer a shot?

The B-52 is a layered shot of coffee liqueur, Irish cream and orange liqueur. Pour the Kahlúa first, then gently pour the Baileys over the back of a spoon so it floats, and finally the orange liqueur in the same way. Each liquid has a different density, which is why they stay in layers.

Layered shots are easy to over-drink, so keep an eye on the standard drinks. See Cointreau for the top layer. Buyers must be 18 or over.

How do you build the perfect espresso martini at home?

Chill a coupe or martini glass. Brew a fresh double espresso and let it cool slightly. Add 45 mL vodka, 30 mL coffee liqueur and the espresso to a shaker with plenty of ice, and shake hard for about 15 seconds. Double-strain into the glass and garnish with three coffee beans.

The key is fresh coffee, a hard shake and good ice. If the foam is thin, shake longer. If the drink is too sweet, reduce the liqueur or add a little more espresso. A pinch of salt can lift the flavour.

You can prepare a batch ahead: mix vodka and liqueur in a bottle, chill it and add fresh espresso for each serve.

What is the best glassware and serve size?

Use a chilled coupe or martini glass for espresso martinis and a short tumbler for White Russians and Mudslides. Pour 30 mL of liqueur for a standard serve, and use plenty of ice for drinks served on the rocks.

Cream liqueurs are rich, so small servings are often enough. For after-dinner drinks, serve in a small glass with a few cubes. Remember to count standard drinks, as sweet drinks are easy to over-drink.