Baileys Irish Cream Mocha | 4 Ingredients

If you're looking for that special hot cocktail, you've found it. The simple addition of Bailey's Irish Cream in our delicious mocha recipe amps it up to ultimate mouth cosiness. It gives me that socks-on-my-feet-in-front-of-a-fire-with-a-good-book-while-kids-are-asleep feeling.

Ingredients

Baileys - regular Baileys is, obviously, amazing. But for Amy and her sensitive little tummy they make a Dairy Free Baileys! Let me say that again, DAIRY FREE BAILEYS!!! You'll want to just google it and see where it's available in your area. Also, if you want to make your own, try this Vegan Baileys Recipe from SpaBettie.

Espresso/Strong Coffee - If you have an espresso machine, pull two shots per serving. If you don't, go ahead and brew some really strong coffee and use that instead! We've tried it both ways and they're both great. The espresso flavor gives a stronger coffee flavor, but truly, it's great either way.

Chocolate Sauce - We like the Torani's or Ghirardelli because of the flavor and the short list of ingredients. It's also gluten free and dairy free. But any thick chocolate sauce will do.

Half and Half - If you need a dairy free substitute for half and half, coconut cream is our go-to. It has the same consistency and the coconut flavor is mild enough you hardly taste it. But you can also use whatever you have on hand. We've made it with oat milk and almond milk and it still tastes great!

Easy Espresso Substitutes

If you do not have an espresso maker, there are lots of other ways to achieve a similar drink. You can check out this article with 3 ideas on how to make espresso at home without an espresso machine, or check out our linked list below with great alternatives that won’t break the bank and are also great space-savers.

ESPRESSO WITHOUT AN ESPRESSO MACHINE:

• Aero Press - You can brew a small amount of coffee or even use espresso beans and get a strong flavor.
  
• Moka Pot - Only takes a few minutes to brew on your stovetop. Plus, this is what Italians commonly use at home and they KNOW coffee.
  
• French Press - A small press will give you a smooth, strong coffee or use espresso beans to get closer to a real shot.
  
• You can always just make some really strong coffee with finely ground beans in a coffee maker like this one from Amazon with almost 10,000 5 star reviews.

Instructions

Ok, this recipe is seriously simple. HEAT the Baileys Irish Cream, mocha sauce, espresoo and half and half (or dairy free substitutes) in a saucepan (or microwave if you prefer) until steaming but not boiling. STIR. Done!

Dairy Free

You'll see the substitution suggestions above in the ingredients list, but Baileys makes a dairy free version of their Irish Cream and it's great! You can substitute almond or oat milk, or coconut cream for a thicker consistency, instead of half and half. Still totally delicious!

Make for a Party

You bet. Wether its a party or just a really great Saturday night at home while the kids sleep, this drink can be made in bulk.

In a crockpot (or a stockpot on the stovetop), turn on high and add all ingredients and stir. Below I've done the math for you for 10 servings. You can multiply from there:

2 ½ Cups Baileys Irish Cream (or dairy free version)
⅔ Cup Mocha Sauce
2 ½ Cups Espresso or Strong Coffee
2 ½ Cups Half and Half (or milk substitute)

Give it a stir every 15 minutes while warming up. It takes about an hour to get fully hot. Once hot, reduce heat to low. If using a stockpot, heat on medium until steaming, not boiling, then turn to low and keep warm until ready to serve.

More Espresso Drinks

• London Fog Tea Latte
• White Chocolate Mocha
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Espresso Double Shot - Starbucks Copycat
• Dirty Iced Chai
• Iced White Chocolate Mocha