Baileys Irish cream is a popular liqueur made with Irish whiskey and dairy cream. It has a sweet, indulgent taste that makes it perfect for drinking on its own or using in festive cocktails. However, while Baileys is quite versatile, there are some ingredients that don’t mix well with it. Knowing what not to combine with Baileys can help you avoid curdling and other undesirable results.
Alcoholic Mixers to Avoid
Baileys contains about 17% alcohol along with the dairy cream, so it’s important to be careful what you mix it with. Some types of alcohol do not combine well with the cream and can cause Baileys to curdle or separate. Here are some alcoholic mixers you should avoid using with Baileys:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Rum
- Tequila
- Whiskey
- Brandy
These clear alcohols have an acidic pH which reacts poorly with the dairy cream in Baileys. The result is the cream curdling and turning into clumps or chunks floating in the drink. It’s an unappetizing sight and makes the drink unpalatable.
Some brown spirits like whiskey, rum, and brandy are especially prone to curdling Baileys. Even just a splash of something strong like bourbon or spiced rum can make a Baileys cocktail break down.
In general, avoid mixing Baileys with any straight liquor that has an ABV over 25%. Stick to lighter alcohols like liqueurs and cordials if you want to make a creamy cocktail with Baileys.
Low Proof Mixers
If you do want to mix Baileys with another alcoholic beverage, choose options that are lower in alcohol. Some safe choices include:
- Coffee liqueur like Kahlua
- Irish creams like Carolans
- Nut liqueurs like amaretto or Frangelico
- Cream liqueurs like Godiva
- Schnapps like peppermint or cinnamon
These all combine smoothly with the Irish cream liqueur. Try mixing equal parts Baileys and Kahlua for an indulgent mudslide cocktail. Frangelico is also excellent with Baileys for a hazelnut twist.
Dairy Products to Avoid
Since Baileys already contains dairy cream, you need to be cautious about mixing it with other dairy ingredients. Dairy fat molecules can bind together and cause liquids to curdle, as anyone who’s added too much milk to hot coffee can attest.
Avoid mixing Baileys with straight milk, cream, or half-and-half to prevent curdling. Condensed or evaporated milk are especially high in dairy fat and should never be combined with Baileys.
Small amounts of lighter dairy products like skim milk or low-fat half-and-half are less likely to curdle Baileys. But it’s still best to use caution and stick to non-dairy creamers or milk substitutes if you want to make a creamy Baileys drink.
Non-Dairy Mixers
Here are some safe non-dairy ingredients that mix deliciously with Baileys:
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Rice milk
- Oat milk
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
The neutral pH of these non-dairy liquids makes them ideal for mixing into Baileys cocktails or just pouring over ice. The nutty taste of almond milk complements Baileys perfectly, as does the richness of coconut milk.
A splash of soy or oat milk can lighten up a Baileys cocktail without the risk of curdling. And of course, Baileys is made to be poured over hot coffee or cocoa for a comforting winter drink.
Other Ingredients to Avoid
Aside from straight liquor and dairy products, there are a few other ingredients that don’t play nicely with Baileys Irish cream:
- Lemon or lime juice – Too acidic
- Soda water – Can cause curdling
- Tonic water – Contains quinine that reacts poorly
- Energy drinks – Acidic pH
- Tomato juice – Acidic and can curdle cream
The high acid content in citrus juices, sodas, and tomatoes causes Baileys cream to break down. The carbonation in soda water doesn’t help matters either.
Stay away from mixing Baileys with any kind of juice, sparkling water, or soft drink. The safest additions are neutral ingredients like coffee, chocolate, tea, or cream substitutes like coconut milk.
How to Mix Baileys
Now that you know what not to mix with Baileys, let’s look at some foolproof ways to make delicious Baileys cocktails and drinks:
Baileys on the Rocks
The easiest Baileys cocktail is served straight up over ice. Simply pour 2-3 ounces of Baileys over ice cubes in a rocks glass. Garnish with mint leaves or chocolate shavings if desired.
Baileys Shake
Blend 2 ounces Baileys with 1 ounce coffee liqueur and 1 ounce cream or non-dairy milk. Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a cocktail glass to create a frothy, creamy concoction.
Baileys Float
For a delicious after-dinner treat, pour 1-2 ounces of Baileys over vanilla ice cream in a tall glass. The Baileys will float to the top for a boozy ice cream indulgence.
Bottoms Up
Mix 1 part Baileys with 2 parts root beer or ginger beer in a pint glass filled with ice. Gently pour or spoon over ice to layer the Baileys on the bottom for a fun surprise.
Baileys and Coffee
The classic way to enjoy Baileys is by adding it to a hot coffee. Add 1-2 ounces of Baileys and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Hazelnut Baileys Latte
For a spin on the traditional Baileys coffee, add 1 ounce each Baileys, hazelnut liqueur, and coffee to an espresso shot. Top with foamed milk.
| Baileys Drink | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Baileys on the Rocks | 2-3 oz Baileys Ice cubes |
Pour Baileys over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish if desired. |
| Baileys Shake | 2 oz Baileys 1 oz coffee liqueur 1 oz cream or milk Ice |
Blend ingredients. Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. |
| Baileys Float | 1-2 oz Baileys Vanilla ice cream |
Pour Baileys over ice cream in a glass. Do not stir. |
| Bottoms Up | 1 part Baileys 2 parts root beer or ginger beer Ice |
Layer Baileys carefully over root beer and ice. |
| Baileys Coffee | 1-2 oz Baileys Hot coffee Whipped cream Chocolate shavings |
Add Baileys to hot coffee. Top with whipped cream and chocolate. |
| Hazelnut Baileys Latte | 1 oz Baileys 1 oz hazelnut liqueur 1 oz coffee Espresso shot Foamed milk |
Mix Baileys, liqueur, and coffee. Top espresso shot with foamed milk. |
Tips for Mixing Baileys
To safely mix drinks with Baileys and avoid curdling, follow these simple tips:
- Use lower proof alcohols like liqueurs instead of high proof spirits
- Choose non-dairy options like soy or almond milk
- Mix slowly and gently to prevent agitating the cream
- Layer Baileys instead of shaking or stirring if mixing with carbonated drinks
- Stick to neutral ingredients like coffee, chocolate, tea, and cream substitutes
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours if adding fruit purees to Baileys
Always taste your drink as you mix to prevent curdling. If you do see your Baileys cocktail start to curdle, try stirring in a bit of milk or cream to emulsify it again. Avoid the ingredients on this list, and you’ll be able to whip up delicious Baileys drinks without a hitch!
Conclusion
Baileys Irish cream is the perfect drink to sip on its own or use in sweet cocktail recipes. However, care must be taken when mixing it with other ingredients to avoid undesirable curdling. Alcoholic mixers like vodka, gin, and whiskey should be avoided completely. Heavy cream products can also cause Baileys to break down.
Your best bet is to use coffee, chocolate, or non-dairy products like soy or almond milk as mixers. Avoid fruit juices, sodas, and other acidic ingredients. With the right complementary flavors, you can make Baileys the star of any cocktail hour. Just steer clear of the ingredients on this list, and your Baileys drinks will impress guests without any curdled mishaps.