Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes is my little fix for those moments when you want something cold, creamy, and coffee flavored without watering it down. You know the situation, you pour a gorgeous iced coffee, add Baileys, take two sips, and suddenly it tastes like sad melted ice. I started freezing coffee into cubes on a random weeknight, and I have not looked back since. It feels a bit fancy, but it is honestly one of the easiest upgrades you can do at home. If you like cozy coffee vibes but you also want a chill drink, this is for you.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Midd Leeast Sector, and this Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes is a keeper: fast to prep with no weird tricks. Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes is my little fix for those moments when you want something cold, creamy, and coffee flavored without watering it down. You…
The Perfect Recipe for Coffee Ice Cubes with Baileys
I am going to keep this super simple because that is the whole point. The best part is you can make the cubes once, then you are basically set for quick drinks all week. I usually do this on Sunday, the same time I do other little kitchen prep things so weekday me can relax.
What you will need and how I make it
- Fresh brewed coffee, cooled (strong coffee works best)
- Ice cube tray (silicone is easiest to pop out)
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Milk, half and half, or oat milk (whatever you like)
- Optional: a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder
Here is my basic routine:
- Brew coffee a little stronger than usual. If you normally do medium strength, go one notch bolder.
- Let it cool to room temperature. If you pour hot coffee into trays, you can end up with weird freezer smells and cloudy cubes.
- Pour the coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, usually 4 to 6 hours.
- To serve, fill a glass with coffee cubes, pour in a shot or two of Baileys, then add milk or cold brew to top it off.
My favorite ratio for an average size glass is about 1.5 to 2 ounces of Baileys, then enough milk or cold brew to make it drinkable and not too sweet. The cubes do the rest. And if you are into coffee drinks in general, you might also like this fun, cafe style twist I tried recently: Long Island Iced Coffee. Different vibe, but still that cool coffee cocktail energy.
“I tried coffee ice cubes for the first time with Baileys and I honestly cannot go back. It stays creamy and coffee forward to the last sip.”
One important tip: do not freeze Baileys in the tray. The alcohol can keep it from freezing properly and the texture gets odd. Save the Baileys for the glass, and let the coffee cubes be the chill factor.
Creative Variations on Coffee and Baileys Ice Cubes
Once you have the basic coffee cubes down, it is kind of addictive to play with them. I have had a few experiments that were total wins, and a couple that were just okay. I will spare you the fails and stick to the good stuff.
Here are a few variations that actually taste amazing:
1) Vanilla coffee cubes
Add a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the cooled coffee before freezing. It makes the finished drink smell like a coffee shop.
2) Mocha cubes
Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup) into the warm coffee, then cool and freeze. When you pour Baileys over them, you get a soft mocha vibe without needing extra sugar.
3) Cinnamon latte cubes
Add a pinch of cinnamon and a teeny pinch of salt to cooled coffee. It sounds small, but it makes the flavor pop, especially with Baileys.
4) Sweet cream coffee cubes
This one is more like a treat. Mix coffee with a little sweetened condensed milk, then freeze. These melt into a creamy base, so go a bit lighter on the Baileys at first and taste as you go.
If you are the type who likes sweet snacks with coffee drinks, I have made these cubes while baking and it felt like a full on cozy afternoon. This dessert is a really good match with a Baileys drink: Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake. Coffee cubes in the glass, warm cake on a plate, that is a nice day.
And just to say it plainly, this is where Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes starts to feel like a “signature drink” at home. You can keep it basic for weeknights, then dress it up for guests with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Tips for Storing and Using Coffee Ice Cubes in Different Drinks
These cubes are easy, but a couple small storage habits make them taste fresher and keep your freezer from smelling like a diner.
Storage tips I actually use:
Freeze the cubes solid in the tray first, then transfer them into a freezer bag or container. If you leave them in the tray uncovered, they can pick up freezer odors. I label my bag “coffee cubes” and add the date, because after a few weeks, it is hard to remember what is what.
How long do they last?
They are best within 2 to 3 weeks for the cleanest flavor, but they are safe longer if your freezer is consistent. If they start tasting like “freezer,” it is time to make a new batch.
Ways to use them beyond the obvious:
Yes, Baileys is the star here, but coffee cubes work in more drinks than you might think:
- Iced latte: coffee cubes plus milk, then a shot of espresso if you want extra kick
- Cold brew top off: add cubes to keep it bold and not watery
- Protein shake: blend a few cubes with vanilla protein and a banana
- Mocktail moment: coffee cubes plus tonic water and orange peel is surprisingly refreshing
Also, quick kitchen note since coffee and cream drinks can leave sticky rings and stains. If you have ever struggled with old coffee residue, this guide helped me a lot: cleaning stained coffee pots. I am a big fan of anything that makes cleanup less annoying.
And because I have to say it, if you are cleaning around the kitchen while you wait for cubes to freeze, be careful with chemical mixes. This is a smart read that is worth knowing: things never mix with bleach.
When you are ready to pour, remember this little trick: add the cubes first, then Baileys, then milk. That layering helps everything swirl together in a really pretty way, and it prevents the drink from tasting uneven.
Benefits of Using Coffee Ice Cubes for Chilling Beverages
This might sound dramatic, but coffee ice cubes are one of those tiny changes that makes homemade drinks feel so much better. Regular ice is fine, but it does exactly what ice does. It melts and dilutes. Coffee cubes melt too, but they make your drink more coffee flavored instead of watery.
Here is why I think they are worth it:
No watered down sips
The last few gulps still taste like the first few, which is the whole goal with Baileys and coffee.
Better texture
As the cubes melt, you get a smooth coffee base. With Baileys in the mix, the drink stays creamy instead of separating into “cold milk with sad coffee water.”
Easy to control sweetness
Since the cubes add flavor without adding sugar, you can keep the drink balanced. Baileys is already sweet, so I like having the coffee do the heavy lifting.
They feel a little special
I am not saying this will fix your whole week, but pouring a cold drink over coffee cubes does feel like you treated yourself on purpose. And that counts.
If you are serving people, it also looks impressive with almost no extra work. Put out a bowl of coffee cubes, Baileys, and a couple milk options and let everyone build their own drink.
And yes, Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes is still my favorite way to use them, because it hits that sweet spot between dessert and coffee.
Popular Cocktails that Pair Well with Coffee Ice Cubes
If you already have coffee cubes in the freezer, it is fun to branch out a little. I am not telling you to turn your kitchen into a bar, but I am also not not telling you that.
Some easy pairings:
1) Baileys iced latte cocktail
This is the classic: coffee cubes, Baileys, milk, and maybe a tiny drizzle of caramel.
2) Coffee cubes plus coffee liqueur
Add a splash of coffee liqueur with Baileys for a deeper coffee flavor. Start small because it can get strong quickly.
3) Bourbon and cream coffee cooler
A small pour of bourbon plus Baileys plus coffee cubes, topped with a bit of milk. This one is rich and cozy, like a fireplace drink but cold.
4) Dessert style “affogato” cheat
Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass, add coffee cubes, then a splash of Baileys. It turns into a melty dessert drink situation.
If you want to serve something savory alongside your drinks, I like having something hearty ready earlier in the day so the evening feels easy. This is one of my comfort food favorites: Grandma’s Favorite Baked Chicken Rice Casserole. Not fancy, just satisfying.
One last thing, if you are offering cocktails to friends, I always suggest keeping a non alcoholic option around too. Coffee cubes in plain milk or cold brew still feel special without the alcohol.
Common Questions
Can I make coffee ice cubes with leftover coffee?
Yes. If the coffee tastes good enough to drink, it is good enough to freeze. If it is burnt or super bitter, the cubes will taste like that too.
Do I need to sweeten the coffee before freezing?
Not really. Baileys brings sweetness. I usually leave the coffee unsweetened and adjust in the glass if I want more.
How many cubes should I use per drink?
For a regular glass, I like 6 to 8 cubes. More cubes equals colder and stronger coffee flavor as they melt.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely. Decaf cubes work great, especially if you want Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes as a late night treat.
Why do my cubes taste “freezer-ish”?
They probably sat uncovered or too long. Transfer cubes to a sealed bag or container once frozen, and try to use them within a few weeks.
A cozy little habit worth keeping
If you take anything from this post, let it be this: Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes makes iced coffee taste better from the first sip to the last. Make a tray once, stash it in the freezer, and you have an instant upgrade whenever you want something cool and creamy. If you want more ideas and a slightly different spin, I enjoyed reading Coffee Ice Cubes – Best Addition to Baileys Ever!, and this one is great if you love the classic cafe style: Bailey’s Irish Iced Coffee – In Good Taste. Now go freeze that coffee, and future you is going to be really grateful.
Baileys with Coffee Ice Cubes
Ingredients
Method
- Brew coffee stronger than usual and let it cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, usually 4 to 6 hours.
- Fill a glass with coffee cubes.
- Pour in a shot or two of Baileys.
- Add milk or cold brew to top off.
