Sip & Savor: The Ultimate Dairy-Free Baileys Almondmilk Liqueur Coffee Recipe for Holiday Cheer
The holiday season inevitably ushers in a wave of cherished memories, particularly those from my childhood spent at my grandparents’ house or enjoying leisurely dinners out with them. Coffee, in generous and endless quantities, was an immutable part of these gatherings. Later in life, this tradition continued with my own father, as my sister and I shared countless conversations over steaming mugs. In heartfelt tribute to these beloved family figures and the warm moments we shared, I proudly present this delightful recipe. Here’s to raising a beautiful cup of dairy-free joe to them all!
It’s somewhat ironic, given my current appreciation, but I wasn’t always a fan of coffee. In fact, after-dinner coffee was the bane of my existence as a child. My parents and grandparents, enveloped in the comfort of conversation, would typically linger at a diner over their coffee, long after every last crumb of dessert had vanished. Meanwhile, I, a restless child, would fidget incessantly, struggling valiantly to maintain any semblance of good behavior.
“Can we go soon?” I’d plead, attempting to mask the whine in my voice, though rarely succeeding.
“As soon as we finish our coffee,” was the unwavering refrain from my grandparents. Always. This response was as predictable as the sun rising, and equally frustrating to my young, impatient self.
I would track the waitress with hawk-like precision as she rounded the corner, coffee pot gleaming in hand. In my childish imagination, I’d try to telepathically signal her to bypass our table entirely, to spare us the dreaded refill. Of course, my silent pleas went unheard. She’d inevitably top off their mugs, and a profound, internal groan would escape me, a silent lament at the knowledge that it might be another agonizing half-hour before I’d finally be granted relief from my profound boredom. Those extra sips of coffee felt like an eternity, stretching precious playtime into an unbearable waiting game.
The turning point arrived during my college years. When returning home for the holidays, our family tradition involved gathering either around our cozy kitchen table or venturing out to a charming restaurant. Regardless of the venue, the ritual remained: we’d linger over dessert and, naturally, coffee, catching up on life’s happenings, recounting cherished family anecdotes, and eagerly sharing new stories. It wasn’t long before a vivid flashback struck me – a clear image of my grandparents, sitting serenely after a meal, their half-filled coffee cups a symbol of their relaxed contentment. A warm smile spread across my face as understanding finally dawned. The once-dreaded, long, relaxed dinners with my family, extending well past the first cups of coffee, had transformed into an experience I genuinely anticipated and savored. It was no longer about the wait, but about the connection, the laughter, and the shared warmth that a simple cup of coffee represented.
However, life threw a new curveball in my late twenties when I was diagnosed with a dairy allergy. Suddenly, the beloved after-dinner dessert and coffee ritual, whether with family or on demanding business trips, became a personal struggle. Dairy-free dessert options were, and often still are, a rarity on restaurant menus and certainly not a staple in the average home cook’s recipe repertoire. To navigate this challenge, I gravitated towards drinking plain coffee (with a touch of sugar, but no cream) after dinner. It became my modest indulgence, and I even began to find unexpected joy in the simple sight of someone, especially my dad, approaching with a coffee pot, ready to offer a refill.
Despite this new routine, a lingering desire persisted. I often wished I could fully indulge in the array of luxurious after-dinner coffees, especially the classic Irish Cream and Coffee. The rich, comforting aroma alone is nothing short of heavenly, a scent that evokes cozy evenings and festive cheer. The absence of a dairy-free equivalent always felt like a small, yet significant, void in my holiday traditions and social outings.
So, imagine my absolute delight and eagerness when I recently discovered that a dairy-free almond milk liqueur option was now readily available! A huge thank you to Baileys for introducing their Almonde Almondmilk Liqueur – it was truly a game-changer for those of us with dairy sensitivities.
My excitement wasn’t just about the taste; I craved the entire experience. I adore the visual artistry – the mesmerizing swirl of coffee and cream blending together – almost as much as the heavenly smell and comforting taste. And there’s nothing quite like a clear glass mug to truly appreciate this beautiful spectacle. Unfortunately, my kitchen arsenal only contained one rather impractical glass mug, mostly obscured by a design and, worse, incapable of keeping drinks hot for more than a few minutes.
As a Southern Kitchen Ambassador, I immediately thought of their exceptional product line. I swiftly navigated to their website, hopeful they might offer a solution that perfectly fit my requirements for both aesthetics and functionality. And indeed, they did! I found the perfect answer: a set of elegant double-walled glass mugs.
After thoroughly testing them by consuming what felt like gallons of coffee (and a few cups of hot tea for good measure), my verdict is unequivocally positive. These mugs are not only stunningly beautiful with their sleek, modern design, but also surprisingly lightweight, making them a pleasure to hold. Most importantly for someone like me, who loves to leisurely sip and savor a warm beverage, they excel at maintaining the coffee’s heat for an extraordinarily long time. This means no more rushing to finish your drink before it cools down. Furthermore, their double-walled construction ensures the exterior remains comfortably cool to the touch, eliminating any risk of burned hands. They are the ideal vessel, perfectly showcasing the alluring beauty of my new dairy-free coffee creation, allowing the creamy swirl of the Baileys Almonde to be admired before each delightful sip.
These particular mugs, prominently featured in the images above, have quickly become my all-time favorite. They are a part of the distinguished ZWILLING Sorrento Double Wall Glassware Line, a collection expertly crafted by the renowned Italian designer Matteo Thun. Their ingenious design keeps hot beverages perfectly warm while ensuring the outer surface remains cool, a testament to their superior insulation. Beyond their elegant appearance and thermal efficiency, they offer practical convenience, being both dishwasher and microwave-safe, making them an ideal choice for everyday use and special occasions alike.
Crafting Your Perfect Dairy-Free Baileys & Coffee: Ingredients
- 8 oz. of your favorite hot coffee ( freshly brewed for best results)
- 2 oz. Baileys Almonde Almondmilk Liqueur
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, adjust to your preference for sweetness)
- Grated cinnamon or a festive candy cane for garnish and extra holiday flavor
Dairy-Free Baileys Cream and Coffee Instructions:
- Begin by brewing 8 oz of your preferred coffee. A medium or dark roast works wonderfully to complement the liqueur.
- Carefully pour in 2 oz. of Baileys Almonde Almondmilk Liqueur into your hot coffee. Watch the beautiful swirl as it blends!
- If desired, add 1 tsp of sugar (or more, to taste). Remember: for optimal mixing, add the sugar AFTER you’ve added the liqueur.
- Finish your festive drink by topping it with a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon, or for a touch of holiday magic and flavor, stir it with a candy cane until it slightly dissolves.
Serving Suggestions & Variations for Your Dairy-Free Delight
This Dairy-Free Baileys Almondmilk Liqueur Coffee is not just a drink; it’s an experience. While perfect on its own, consider these suggestions to elevate your enjoyment:
- Beyond Cinnamon: Experiment with other spices like a pinch of nutmeg, a star anise pod, or a dash of cardamom for different flavor profiles.
- Sweet Toppings: For an extra special treat, add a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream (coconut or oat-based work wonderfully) and drizzle with dairy-free chocolate syrup or shaved dark chocolate.
- Coffee Choice: The type of coffee matters! A bold dark roast will provide a strong base, while a medium roast might allow the nuances of the liqueur to shine more. Feel free to use decaf if you prefer to enjoy this cozy beverage late in the evening.
- Perfect Pairings: This spiked coffee pairs beautifully with a variety of dairy-free holiday desserts, such as almond biscotti, gingerbread cookies, or a rich chocolate torte.
- Occasions: While ideal for post-dinner indulgence, this drink is also fantastic for a festive brunch, a cozy afternoon pick-me-up on a chilly day, or as a signature beverage for your holiday gatherings.
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Don’t forget to pin or save this recipe so you can easily find it for your next cozy moment. Cheers to delicious, dairy-free indulgence!
Dairy-Free Baileys Cream and Coffee
Kelly Kirkendoll
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. hot coffee
- 2 oz. Baileys Almonde Almondmilk Liqueur
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- grated cinnamon or candy cane
Instructions
- Brew 8 oz of your favorite coffee
- Add 2 oz. Baileys Almonde Almondmilk Liqueur
- Add 1 tsp sugar (optional); note: add the sugar AFTER the liqueur
- Top with grated cinnamon or stir with a candy cane to add holiday flavor!