5 Baileys Recipes To Keep Your Customers Coming Back
Baileys and the festive season often go hand in hand, but before you start pouring that creamy goodness over ice, let’s look at more creative ways to serve it up this year. From reindeer-shaped serves and chocolate martinis to tiramisu cocktails and top garnishing tips, we’ve got you covered for your Baileys festive offerings.
WHY BAILEYS?
It’s an all-year-round favourite for many but Baileys really takes the centre stage in winter. Made using aged Irish whiskey woven with fresh Irish dairy cream, cocoa and vanilla, the liqueur has a comforting feel that makes you feel all cosy. No wonder it’s a festive favourite! During this time of year, customers also tend to be more open to opting for premium drinks as they start to wind down from work to spend the holiday season with loved ones. This makes after-dinner Baileys drinks great for upselling.

1. BAILEYS REINDEER
Have a go at this easy reindeer recipe. A treat for the eyes and the taste buds that will be the envy of all your Instagram followers.
TIP: Don’t let glassware hold you back – think outside of the box and have some fun. Chocolate animals, mason jars and coconut shells can make great substitutes for glasses depending on the drink and occasion!
With cocktails becoming increasingly tailored for digital audiences as much as local audiences, the rise of social media has caused big shifts in customer demand. The festive period in particular, offers the perfect chance to push the boundaries.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 25 ml cold milk
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Ice
- Chocolate reindeer
Method:
- Pour Baileys Original Irish cream and cold milk in a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and shake for 15 seconds
- Strain into a chocolate reindeer
- Top it off with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles
Alcohol content: 6.5g per serve

2. BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATE
The cocoa notes in Baileys make it a perfect digestif that can be added to coffee or hot chocolate – a great finale to the end of a delicious meal. Watch our video to find out how you can make it like a pro:
Recipe
- 50ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 100ml Hot chocolate
- Fresh cream
- Chocolate flakes
- Marshmallows
Method
- Add 50ml Baileys to a mug
- Make hot chocolate as usual in the mug and heat it up
- Garnish with fresh or whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate flakes. Toasted marshmallows will make it even more delicious!
Alcohol content: 6.3g per serve

3. Baileys Tiramisu Cocktail
Another serve to offer your customers as an alternative to dessert is this luxurious tiramisu cocktail. The espresso, vanilla and mascarpone work brilliantly with the creamy, chocolatey notes in Baileys.
Recipe:
- 50ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 70ml Mascarpone
- 10ml Espresso
- 10ml Sugar syrup
Method:
- Mix together the espresso with mascarpone
- Then add in the Baileys and the vanilla syrup and stir
- Add ice and stir to cool
- Then strain and serve in a cocktail glass
Alcohol content: 6.5g per serve

4. LUXE CHOCOLATE MARTINI
Try creating this luxurious Baileys cocktail recipe with a chocolate and nut rim to give the added “wow” factor!
Although sweet rims aren’t often used in cocktails, they can provide great texture and flavour contrasts to complement a Baileys serve. This cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe:
- 50ml Baileys Chocolat Luxe
- 25ml Espresso
- 25ml Smirnoff Vodka
- Ice cubes
- Chocolate sauce and nuts for rim
- Toasted marshmallow for garnish
Method:
- Dip the rim of a martini glass into chocolate sauce and then into chopped nuts
- Pop all the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
- Shake it up until everything is perfectly blended and the liquid is silky smooth
- Strain into the chocolate and nut-rimmed martini glass
- Finish with a toasted marshmallow
Alcohol content: 14.1g per serve
5. BAILEYS OVER ICE CREAM
And lastly, let’s finish with a Baileys dessert. Research has, in fact, found that 43% of consumers think that alcohol-infused desserts are more appealing and sophisticated than regular desserts*. With this in mind, it's no surprise that Baileys has been a long-standing favourite amongst dessert chefs.
TIP: A great way to start experimenting with your serves is to collaborate with your venue's kitchen and see what ingredients you can share.
Why not offer your guests Baileys ice cream as dessert? It’s both easy to create and delicious. The chocolate notes of Baileys complement the ice cream and add an extra layer of luxury to the end of a meal.
Recipe
- 2 Scoops quality vanilla ice cream
- 50ml Baileys Irish Cream
Method
- Scoop Ice into glass
- Pour Baileys over the ice cream
- Add berries and/or chocolate to garnish
Alcohol content: 6.7g per serve
UP YOUR GARNISH GAME
Garnishes are a brilliant way to accentuate or complement Baileys’ flavours and they can help to really elevate your serves visually. They can also quickly transform a regular Baileys drink into a seasonal special, by adding cinnamon, nutmeg and whipped cream during winter, for example.

A treat tray is another fantastic way of engaging your customer by involving them in their own drink creation. By providing a wide choice of garnishes alongside a serve, customers can personalise their garnish selection, increasing the chances of satisfaction. Treat trays can make your serve highly visual and be a stand-out signature for your venue!
READY TO TAKE THE FESTIVE SEASON BY STORM WITH YOUR BAILEYS SERVES? SHOW US!
We would love to see your Baileys creations this festive season! Tag @Baileys and @DiageoBarAcademy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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