This Baileys Christmas Cocktail is creamy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of boozy—like a cozy dessert in a glass. It’s perfect for sipping while you’re decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or just winding down by the fire.
The combo of smooth Baileys, a splash of vodka, rich chocolate syrup, and a hint of peppermint makes it taste festive without being over-the-top.
It feels a little fancy, but it’s super easy to make in just a few minutes.
Top it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, and it’s instantly holiday-ready.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cocktail takes me back to quiet winter nights when everything’s twinkly, and all you want is something cozy to sip. It’s the drink I always pull out when friends stop by unexpectedly or when I want something festive without a lot of effort. It’s basically dessert in a glass, and no one ever says no to it.
- Creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of strong
- Feels fancy but takes 5 minutes
- Customizable with toppings
- Great for making ahead in batches
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional topping)
- Crushed candy canes (optional topping)
- Ice
Pro Tips
- Chill your cocktail glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving—it makes a difference.
- Don’t skip the peppermint extract—it gives the drink that Christmas-y feel.
- Use good quality Baileys for best flavor.
- Shake with plenty of ice to get it really smooth and cold.
- Make it a mocktail by skipping the vodka and using a non-alcoholic Irish cream alternative.
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (or measuring spoons)
- Mixing spoon
- Ice
- Serving glasses (preferably short tumblers)
- Optional: whipped cream dispenser or spoon for topping
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk: Use oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free
- Vodka: Use coffee liqueur instead for a deeper flavor
- Peppermint extract: Swap with vanilla if you want a classic version
- Toppings: Try mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the Baileys, vodka, milk, syrup, and peppermint together and store it in the fridge up to 2 days ahead. Just shake with ice right before serving to make it fresh and frothy.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Add Baileys, Vodka, and Milk to Shaker
Pour 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream, 1/4 cup vodka, and 1/4 cup whole milk into your cocktail shaker. The liquids will layer slightly at first, then begin to blend into a creamy beige base.
Step 2: Add Chocolate Syrup and Peppermint
Squeeze in 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake
Add a handful of ice to the shaker, close the lid, and shake hard for about 20 seconds.
Step 4: Pour into Glasses
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftovers (rare!), keep the mixture in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake well before serving again. Don’t store with ice, or it’ll get watery.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Baileys is a blend of cream and whiskey, which mixes smoothly with milk and vodka because of their similar fat and alcohol content. Shaking with ice chills the mixture quickly and slightly dilutes it, making it smooth and easy to sip. Peppermint extract brings a punch of flavor even in tiny amounts because it’s so concentrated.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much peppermint extract – it can overpower everything fast.
- Skipping the shake – stirring doesn’t chill or mix the drink as well.
- Not using enough ice – ice helps blend and chill the drink properly.
- Using low-fat milk – the richness comes from whole milk or a creamy alt milk.
What to Serve With
- Chocolate truffles
- Christmas cookies
- A slice of gingerbread
- A small cheese plate with nuts
- Salted caramel popcorn
FAQ
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Use non-alcoholic Baileys and skip the vodka.
Can I blend it instead of shaking?
Totally! Blend with ice for a frozen version.
Is it super sweet?
It’s sweet like a dessert cocktail but not overpowering.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes, peppermint or vanilla vodka works great!
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Christmas Cocktail is the kind of holiday drink that makes the night feel special. It’s creamy, sweet, and just festive enough without being over-the-top. Try it once, and it’ll be your go-to every December. If you make it, leave a comment and tell me how you liked it—or if you added your own twist!
