Bailey’s and Coffee Ice Cubes: Crispy golden perfection

A Fun Idea for Grown-Up Drinks

I love a good cup of coffee. But sometimes, you want something a little special. This drink is perfect for that. It feels fancy without any fuss.

My grandson calls these my “magic coffee cubes.” I still laugh at that. The best part is the coffee ice cubes. They keep your drink cold without watering it down. What’s your favorite way to enjoy a coffee?

A Little Kitchen Mistake

I discovered this trick by accident. One afternoon, I had some leftover coffee. I didn’t want to waste it, so I poured it into an ice tray. I forgot about it for a few hours.

Later, I made my usual iced coffee. I used the coffee cubes instead of regular ones. It was so much richer and tastier. This matters because it turns a simple mistake into a happy discovery. It reminds me that good things can come from small surprises.

Let’s Make It Together

First, put your coffee ice cubes into two glasses. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Next, pour one ounce of Bailey’s and one ounce of vanilla vodka over the cubes in each glass.

Finally, top it all off with three ounces of half and half. Give it a gentle stir. Now you have a creamy, dreamy treat. It only takes five minutes to put together. Will you try making this for a friend this weekend?

Why This Recipe is So Clever

Using coffee ice cubes is the secret. Regular ice melts and makes your drink weak. But coffee ice cubes melt and make your drink even more coffee-flavored.

This matters in cooking and in life. It teaches us to think ahead a little. A small step, like freezing coffee, makes the final result so much better. *Fun fact: This is called “flavor layering” by chefs. But we can just call it smart!*

Your Turn to Share

I love hearing your stories. What is a happy kitchen accident you’ve had? Maybe you added cinnamon instead of chili powder. It happens to all of us!

Tell me, do you prefer your drinks sweet or not too sweet? This one is a sweet treat for sure. I’d love to know what you think if you give it a try.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
brewed coffee	2 cups	frozen into ice cubes
Bailey’s	2 ounces
vanilla vodka	2 ounces
half and half	6 ounces

My Fancy Grown-Up Coffee Treat

I love a little fancy treat in the evening. This one makes me feel so sophisticated. It is like a coffee shop drink but you make it at home. The best part is the coffee ice cubes. They keep your drink cold without watering it down. I still laugh at the first time I made these. My grandson thought they were chocolate!

Let’s get our glasses ready. This is so simple and fun to put together. Just follow these easy steps with me.

Step 1: First, get your two cocktail glasses. Now, take your coffee ice cubes. Split them evenly between the two glasses. I love the clinking sound they make. It means a tasty drink is coming soon.

Step 2: Next, we add the fun stuff. Pour one ounce of Bailey’s into each glass. Then, add one ounce of vanilla vodka. (A hard-learned tip: measure your liquids. It makes the drink taste just right). The vanilla smell is so lovely.

Step 3: Finally, pour three ounces of half and half into each glass. Watch how it swirls into the coffee. It looks so pretty. Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon. Doesn’t that look delicious? Do you prefer your drinks sweet or strong? Share below!

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Drink, Dessert

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. You can always change its outfit. Here are some fun ways to mix it up. I love trying new versions.

Chocolate Dream: Use chocolate-flavored coffee for the ice cubes. It tastes like a dessert in a glass.

Coconut Escape: Swap the half and half for creamy coconut milk. It gives you a little tropical vacation.

Caramel Swirl: Skip the vodka. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce instead. So sweet and gooey.

These are just a few ideas. You can make it your own. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Little Party

This drink is a celebration all by itself. But every star needs a good supporting cast. I like to serve it with something small and salty. It makes the sweet taste even better.

Try a little plate of shortbread cookies on the side. Some roasted, salted almonds are wonderful too. They are perfect for nibbling. For a drink partner, a glass of cold water is always smart. It cleanses your palate. Which would you choose tonight?

My Best Tips for Your Coffee Ice Cubes

Let’s talk about keeping your coffee cubes perfect. Always freeze them in a single layer first. This stops them from sticking together in a big lump.

Once they are solid, you can put them in a bag. I remember my first time. I just poured coffee into a tray and froze it. It was so simple.

Batch cooking these cubes saves your morning. You can grab and go for a quick iced coffee. This little step makes busy days feel calmer.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Iced Coffee Troubles

Is your drink too weak? Use strongly brewed coffee for your cubes. This keeps the flavor bold as the ice melts.

I once used watery coffee. My drink tasted sad and bland. Getting the brew right builds your cooking confidence.

Do your cubes pick up freezer smells? Please use an airtight container. This protects your coffee’s wonderful aroma. Good flavor starts with good habits.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Iced Coffee Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, the ingredients listed should be gluten-free. Always check your labels.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the coffee cubes up to a month ahead.

Q: What can I use instead of vodka?
A: You can just use more Bailey’s. Or use cold brew for a non-alcoholic treat.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course! It is easy to make for a crowd.

Q: Any optional tips?
A: A tiny pinch of cinnamon on top is lovely. Fun fact: cinnamon can make things taste a little sweeter!

Which tip will you try first?

Thanks for Sharing a Moment With Me

I hope you love this chilly coffee treat. It always makes me think of summer mornings on the porch. I would love to see your creation.

Your versions inspire me to keep cooking and sharing. Please show me your beautiful drinks. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.