✔ Updated · corrected recipes + measurements, alcohol-free option
Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua are two of the easiest liqueurs to mix: Baileys brings cream, cocoa and Irish whiskey, and Kahlua brings sweet coffee and vanilla. Together they taste like a boozy mocha, which is exactly why I love them.
The most popular drinks with Baileys and Kahlua are the Mudslide (Baileys, Kahlua and vodka), the B-52 layered shot (Kahlua, Baileys and Grand Marnier), the Baby Guinness shot, and Baileys and Kahlua coffee. The simplest option is equal parts Baileys and Kahlua, 1 oz each, over ice or stirred into hot coffee. Both contain alcohol: Baileys is about 17% ABV and Kahlua about 20% ABV in the US.
- Easiest: 1 oz Baileys + 1 oz Kahlua over ice, or in a mug of hot coffee.
- Most famous cocktail: the Mudslide.
- Best shot: the B-52 or the Baby Guinness.
- Not drinking? Try the alcohol-free mocha mudslide below.
Below are 10 drinks with Baileys and Kahlua with measurements for one drink, from the classic Mudslide and the layered B-52 shot to hot and iced coffee, plus four more quick ideas and an alcohol-free version. Both are alcoholic liqueurs, so every drink here contains alcohol and is for adults of legal drinking age. For more liqueur cocktails, see our drinks with Southern Comfort.
Baileys vs. Kahlua: What’s the Difference?
Baileys and Kahlua are not the same, but they pair so well that many cocktails use both. Baileys Irish Cream is a cream liqueur from Ireland made with Irish whiskey, dairy cream and cocoa. Kahlua is a coffee liqueur from Mexico made with rum, sugar, arabica coffee and vanilla. Baileys adds body and creaminess; Kahlua adds coffee flavor and sweetness.
Strength varies by country and bottle, so always check the label.
| Baileys Irish Cream | Kahlua | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cream liqueur | Coffee liqueur |
| Base spirit | Irish whiskey | Rum |
| Flavor | Creamy, sweet, cocoa and vanilla, a little whiskey warmth | Sweet roasted coffee, vanilla and caramel |
| Alcohol (US) | About 17% ABV (34 proof) | About 20% ABV (40 proof) |
| Contains dairy? | Yes (cream) | No |
| Storage after opening | Cool, dark place; best within about 6 months | Cool, dark place; keeps well for years |
10 Drinks with Baileys and Kahlua
Each recipe makes one drink. 1 oz is about 30 ml. Shake creamy drinks with plenty of ice and serve them cold. Don't mix Baileys with acidic ingredients like citrus juice or tonic, because the cream can curdle.
1. Mudslide
Shake 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz Baileys and 1 oz heavy cream with ice; strain over fresh ice in a chocolate-swirled glass.
2. Irish Mudslide
A Mudslide made with Irish whiskey: shake 1 oz Irish whiskey, 1 oz Kahlua and 1 oz Baileys with ice and serve on the rocks.
3. Frozen Mudslide
Blend 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz Baileys and 2 scoops vanilla ice cream with 1/2 cup ice until thick; top with whipped cream.
4. B-52 Shot
Layer 1/2 oz Kahlua, then 1/2 oz Baileys, then 1/2 oz Grand Marnier in a shot glass, pouring each slowly over the back of a spoon.
5. Baby Guinness Shot
Pour 1 1/2 oz Kahlua into a shot glass and gently float 1/2 oz Baileys on top so it looks like a tiny pint of stout.
6. Baileys White Russian
Stir 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlua and 1 oz Baileys over ice. The classic White Russian uses heavy cream instead of Baileys.
7. Baileys Espresso Martini
Shake 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz Baileys and 1 oz cooled fresh espresso hard with ice; strain into a coupe for a creamy foam.
8. Baileys and Kahlua Coffee
Stir 1 oz Baileys and 1 oz Kahlua into 5 oz hot coffee in a mug; top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa.
9. Baileys and Kahlua Iced Coffee
Fill a glass with ice, add 1 oz Baileys, 1 oz Kahlua and 4 oz cold brew, then stir; add a splash of half-and-half if you like.
10. Toblerone Cocktail
Shake 1 oz Baileys, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz hazelnut liqueur, 1 oz cream and 1 tsp honey with ice; strain into a chocolate-rimmed glass.
More Easy Baileys and Kahlua Ideas
These need little more than a glass or a mug, which is exactly how I like my cozy-night drinks. Use about 1 oz each of Baileys and Kahlua per drink.
| Drink | How to make it | Tastes like |
|---|---|---|
| Baileys and Kahlua on the rocks | 1 oz each over ice, stirred | Iced mocha |
| Chocolate martini | 1 oz each Baileys, Kahlua and vodka, shaken, in a cocoa-rimmed glass | Rich chocolate coffee |
| Boozy milkshake | 1 oz each blended with 3 scoops vanilla ice cream and 1/4 cup milk | Coffee ice cream float |
| Baileys and Kahlua hot chocolate | 1 oz each stirred into 6 oz hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows | Spiked mocha |
| Nutty Irishman with Kahlua | 1 oz Baileys, 1 oz hazelnut liqueur and 1/2 oz Kahlua in 5 oz hot coffee (the classic leaves out Kahlua) | Hazelnut latte |
| Amaretto twist | 1 oz each Baileys, Kahlua and amaretto over ice | Almond toffee |
Alcohol-Free Option: Mocha Mudslide Mocktail
For guests who aren't drinking, or anyone under the legal drinking age, this mocktail has the same creamy coffee-and-chocolate flavor with no alcohol. Shake 3 oz cold brew coffee (or decaf), 2 oz half-and-half, 1/2 oz chocolate syrup, 1/2 oz vanilla or caramel syrup and a pinch of cinnamon with ice, then strain over fresh ice in a chocolate-swirled glass. Top with whipped cream. For a frozen version, blend the same ingredients with 2 scoops vanilla ice cream. Non-alcoholic Irish cream coffee creamers also work in place of the half-and-half.
More alcohol-free drinks: try a virgin mai tai or an old fashioned mocktail.
Tips for Mixing Baileys and Kahlua
- Keep it cold. Chill the liqueurs and glasses, and shake creamy drinks with plenty of ice so they stay smooth and frothy.
- Avoid acid. Citrus juice, tonic, cola and other acidic mixers can make Baileys curdle. Stick to coffee, cream, milk, ice cream, chocolate and nut liqueurs.
- Layer shots slowly. Pour each layer over the back of a spoon held just above the last one, heaviest liqueur first (Kahlua, then Baileys).
- Balance the sweetness. Both liqueurs are sweet, so use strong coffee or espresso and skip extra sugar. I brew mine a little stronger than usual.
- Measure with a jigger. These drinks go down easily, and measuring keeps the flavor and the alcohol content consistent.
- Store Baileys properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place, tightly closed, and check the date on the bottle. For details, see does Irish cream go bad.
More Drink Recipes
Baileys Cocktails
More creamy cocktails and shots made with Baileys Irish Cream, from easy two-ingredient drinks to dessert cocktails.
Get the recipe →
Baileys Hot Chocolate
A rich, creamy hot chocolate spiked with Baileys Irish Cream and topped with whipped cream for cold evenings.
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Drinks with Butterscotch Schnapps
Sweet, easy cocktails and shots made with butterscotch schnapps, including creamy dessert-style drinks.
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Baileys Chocolate Mousse
A silky chocolate mousse flavored with Baileys Irish Cream, an easy make-ahead dessert for adults.
Get the recipe →Frequently Asked Questions
Are Baileys and Kahlua the same?
No. Baileys is a cream liqueur from Ireland made with Irish whiskey, cream and cocoa, at about 17% ABV. Kahlua is a coffee liqueur from Mexico made with rum, sugar, coffee and vanilla, at about 20% ABV in the US. They taste very different but are often mixed together.
What is a good simple drink with Kahlua and Baileys?
The easiest is equal parts, 1 oz Baileys and 1 oz Kahlua, over ice. It's my go-to cozy nightcap. For a warm drink, stir the same amounts into 5 oz hot coffee and top with whipped cream. Add 1 oz vodka and shake with ice to turn it into a Mudslide.
What is Baileys, Kahlua and vodka called?
Baileys, Kahlua and vodka is a Mudslide. Shake 1 oz of each with ice, often with 1 oz heavy cream, and strain over fresh ice. Blend it with vanilla ice cream for a Frozen Mudslide, or swap the vodka for Irish whiskey for an Irish Mudslide.
What is in a B-52 shot?
A B-52 is a layered shot of Kahlua, Baileys and Grand Marnier, about 1/2 oz each. Pour the Kahlua first, then slowly layer the Baileys and the Grand Marnier over the back of a spoon so the three layers stay separate.
Is there an alcohol-free version of Baileys and Kahlua drinks?
Yes. Shake cold brew or decaf coffee with half-and-half, chocolate syrup and a little vanilla or caramel syrup over ice for a mocha mudslide mocktail. Non-alcoholic Irish cream coffee creamers and coffee syrups also give a similar flavor without alcohol.
