Here's How to Make All Four of the Never-Been-Tried Baileys Holiday Cocktails

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When we think of holiday cocktails, our minds immediately gravitate toward the ones that make us feel warm and cozy. Think espresso martinis, Irish coffees and all the eggnog (yes, we’re those people). The common denominator in all of these wintery drinks? Baileys Original Irish Cream. And this year, we’re upping the ante with four fresh and festive takes on the usual Baileys holiday cocktails. The only question remains: Which one will you make first?

1. Bourbon Milk Punch

Bourbon milk punch is kind of like eggnog without the egg. It’s rich and creamy with a comforting flavor, making it ideal for a holiday brunch or a chilly night by the fire. This combines the usual flavors of a milk punch with the bonus of Baileys.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz whiskey bourbon
  • 2 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
  • Pinch ground cinnamon
  • Star anise, for garnish
  • Pebble ice, to serve

Directions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the bourbon, Baileys, half and half, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.
  2. Shake the cocktail shaker until everything is combined and frothy. Strain over an ornate rocks glass or goblet glass filled with pebble ice.
  3. Garnish with a grating of fresh nutmeg and star anise.

2. Crème Brûlée White Hot Chocolate

If the thought of cracking your spoon into a fresh crème brûlée makes you smile, then this holiday cocktail is for you. This crème brûlée white hot chocolate is sweet, creamy and extra delicious because it’s made with Baileys. It’s even complete with a toasted marshmallow and homemade caramel candy.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • ½ vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 cup Baileys Original Irish Cream
  • 8 oz white chocolate chips
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

  1. For the caramel candy:
  2. In a medium saucepan add the sugar and water and gently stir to combine until the consistency of wet sand.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, swirling the pot in a circular fashion frequently, until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden caramel color, 8 to 9 minutes. Do not stir the caramel with a spatula, this can cause the caramel to crystallize.
  4. Once the caramel color has formed, immediately pour the caramel onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool completely.
  5. Break the caramel into pieces and set aside until ready to serve.

For the white hot chocolate:

  1. In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk, half and half, vanilla bean seeds and pod, brown sugar and salt. Stir to combine then heat over medium until fully warmed through.
  2. Remove from the heat and stir in the Baileys and white chocolate chips.
  3. Whisk until everything is smooth and combined.
  4. Preheat the broiler. Divide the hot chocolate between four oven-safe mugs and top the mugs with a toasted large marshmallow.
  5. Place the mugs onto a baking sheet and place underneath the broiler. Allow the marshmallows to broil for a minute or so until golden brown. Garnish with a caramel candy if desired.

3. Baileys Hot Chocolate

There are certain foods that are meant to be together: burgers and fries, bacon and eggs, milk and cookies. But one combo that reigns supreme? Baileys and hot chocolate aka your new signature drink come holiday season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup prepared hot chocolate
  • 2 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings and cookie, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Prepare hot chocolate according to the package directions and pour into your favorite mug.
  2. Add 2 oz Baileys and top with a swirl of whipped cream.
  3. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a festive holiday cookie.

4. Peppermint Martini

Nothing quite screams the holidays like a festive peppermint martini complete with candy cane pieces, of course. Plus, we’ve added Baileys to complement the peppermint flavor and add an extra creamy note. What’s not to love?

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candy
  • 1 ½ oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 ½ oz white chocolate liqueur
  • 1 ½ oz Baileys Original Irish Cream
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • 1 small candy cane

Directions:

  1. Fill a medium saucepan with 1-inch of water and place over medium-low heat. Add the chocolate chips to a medium heat-safe bowl and place over the pot of simmering water. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring frequently until smooth.
  2. Place the melted chocolate and crushed peppermint into separate shallow bowls. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the chocolate (or paint on using a small paintbrush). Then dip immediately into the crushed peppermint to rim the glass.
  3. Drizzle chocolate into the bottom of the martini glass as desired. Set aside.
  4. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the peppermint schnapps, vodka, white chocolate liqueur, Baileys and heavy cream. Shake until well combined.
  5. Strain over the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a small candy cane and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint over the top.
Please enjoy responsibly. Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur. 17% Alc/Vol. Imported by Paddington, Ltd., New York, NY.