Baileys Milkshake Easy Recipe Ready in 5 Minutes

Name: Baileys Milkshake
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream (3 cups); Baileys Irish Cream (½ cup); Whole milk (¼ cup); Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional); Whipped cream; Cocoa powder; Cookie crumbles; Chocolate syrup (optional); Coffee beans or chocolate shavings (optional)

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Baileys Milkshake is hands down my favorite adult treat when I want something indulgent and a little bit fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. I first discovered this creamy, boozy shake at a restaurant in Manhattan, and I knew immediately I had to recreate it at home. The combination of rich vanilla ice cream with that smooth, creamy Baileys Irish Cream creates this absolutely dreamy dessert drink that’s perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself after a long week. Joe isn’t usually a dessert person, but even he can’t resist this one.

What Is Baileys Milkshake?

Baileys Milkshake is basically a grown-up version of the classic milkshake, made by blending vanilla ice cream with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur until it’s thick, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. The Baileys adds this incredible coffee and chocolate flavor with a smooth whiskey kick that takes a regular milkshake to a whole new level. It’s typically topped with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, and sometimes cookie crumbles for extra indulgence. Think of it as dessert and cocktail combined into one frosty glass of happiness.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into making this incredible Baileys Milkshake. The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients you actually need, and most of them are things you might already have at home.

For the Milkshake:

Vanilla ice cream (3 cups): Use good quality ice cream because it’s the base of your shake. Premium brands with higher fat content create the creamiest texture. You could also use coffee ice cream for an extra coffee kick.
Baileys Irish Cream (½ cup): The star ingredient that makes this milkshake special. The original Baileys is classic, but you could try flavored versions like Baileys Salted Caramel or Baileys Espresso Crème.
Whole milk (¼ cup): Helps thin the shake to the perfect drinkable consistency. You can adjust this amount depending on how thick you like your Baileys Milkshake.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional): A little extra vanilla never hurts and makes the flavor even more rounded.

For the Toppings:

Whipped cream: Freshly whipped is amazing, but canned works perfectly fine too. Pile it high for that Instagram-worthy look.
Cocoa powder: A light dusting on top adds visual appeal and a hint of chocolate bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Cookie crumbles: Crushed Oreos, biscoff cookies, or chocolate chip cookies all work beautifully. They add texture and extra indulgence.
Chocolate syrup (optional): Drizzle inside the glass before adding the shake for a pretty striped effect.
Coffee beans or chocolate shavings (optional): For an extra fancy garnish that makes it look bakery-quality.

Making Your Baileys Milkshake

Alright, let’s make this delicious adult milkshake. The process is incredibly simple, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality drink ready in less than 5 minutes. Seriously, it’s that easy.

Chill Your Glass

Pop your serving glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before you start. A frosted glass keeps your Baileys Milkshake colder longer and just looks more impressive. If you want that drizzled chocolate effect, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass and let it run down the sides before freezing.

Blend It Up

Add your vanilla ice cream, Baileys Irish Cream, milk, and vanilla extract if using to a blender. Start with the liquid on the bottom because that helps the blender work more efficiently. Blend on medium speed until everything is smooth and creamy.

The consistency should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick to blend properly, add another splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream. The perfect Baileys Milkshake should coat the back of a spoon but still be drinkable through a straw.

Taste and Adjust

Give it a quick taste test. Want it boozier? Add more Baileys. Want it sweeter? Blend in a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce. This is your milkshake, so adjust it to your preferences. I usually like mine on the stronger side, so I sometimes add an extra shot of Baileys.

Pour and Top

Pour your blended Baileys Milkshake into your chilled glass. Top generously with whipped cream because more is definitely more when it comes to toppings. Dust the whipped cream with cocoa powder using a small sieve for an even coating.

Sprinkle cookie crumbles on top of the whipped cream. I love using crushed Oreos or biscoff cookies because they add amazing texture. Add a fun straw, and you’re ready to enjoy your creation immediately.

Serving This Treat

This Baileys Milkshake is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still frosty and thick. I love serving it as an after-dinner treat when we have friends over for dinner parties. It’s also perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, holiday gatherings, or girls’ night in. Pair it with something rich and chocolatey like my Cookie Dough Brownie Cake for the ultimate indulgent dessert spread. You could also make it part of a dessert bar with different milkshake flavors so guests can choose their favorite.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Use quality ice cream: Premium ice cream with higher fat content creates the creamiest, most luxurious Baileys Milkshake. Cheap ice cream often has more air and less cream, resulting in a less satisfying shake.
Don’t over-blend: Blend just until smooth because over-blending can make the shake too thin. You want it thick and creamy, not soupy.
Adjust the Baileys amount: Start with ½ cup and add more to taste. Remember that too much alcohol can actually prevent the shake from freezing properly and make it too thin.
Freeze your glasses: This simple step keeps your milkshake cold and thick longer. Nobody wants a melted, watery shake.
Make it non-alcoholic: For a virgin version, substitute Baileys with coffee creamer or a mix of chocolate syrup and a splash of coffee. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
Try flavor variations: Use coffee ice cream, add a shot of espresso, or blend in some peanut butter for different flavor profiles.
Serve immediately: Unlike some drinks, this Baileys Milkshake doesn’t hold well. Make it right before serving for the best texture and temperature.
Use a powerful blender: A good blender makes all the difference in creating that smooth, creamy texture. If your blender struggles, let the ice cream soften slightly first.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make Baileys Milkshake ahead of time?

Unfortunately, milkshakes don’t hold well because they start to separate and melt. However, you can prep everything in advance by chilling your glasses and measuring out your ingredients. Then just blend and serve when ready. If you absolutely need to make it ahead, blend it and keep it in the freezer, giving it a quick re-blend before serving.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?

For a thicker Baileys Milkshake, add more ice cream and less milk. You can even add a handful of ice cubes for extra thickness. For a thinner, more drinkable consistency, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Some people prefer it thick enough to eat with a spoon, while others want it drinkable through a straw.

What other liquors work well in milkshakes?

While Baileys is classic, you can experiment with other cream liqueurs like Kahlua for a coffee flavor, Amaretto for almond notes, or RumChata for a cinnamon twist. Vodka also works if you want booze without changing the flavor profile much. Just remember that clear spirits won’t add the creamy richness that Baileys does.

How do I make it less sweet?

Use less sweet ice cream or opt for a darker chocolate ice cream base instead of vanilla. You can also skip the chocolate syrup drizzle and use unsweetened cocoa powder on top instead of sweetened toppings. Adding a shot of espresso can also balance the sweetness with pleasant bitterness.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Baileys Milkshake is the perfect combination of indulgent dessert and sophisticated cocktail. It’s incredibly easy to make but looks and tastes like something you’d order at an upscale restaurant. The creamy texture, boozy kick, and rich flavor make it feel special and celebratory. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this adult milkshake hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can customize it endlessly to suit your taste preferences.

My Baileys Milkshake Story

I discovered Baileys Milkshake at a trendy bar in Brooklyn during a birthday celebration, and I became obsessed with recreating it at home. Elisabeth loves when I make these for our weekend get-togethers, and she’s been experimenting with adding different cookie crumbles on top. The key lesson was finding that balance between thick and drinkable, and not being afraid to taste and adjust as you go. For more indulgent drink ideas and dessert inspiration, check out my Pinterest page where I share all my favorite treats.