A boozy coffee with Irish cream and hazelnut liquor. Mamaw’s Holiday Coffee is a cozy sipper for the coldest months of the year. This recipe is vegetarian and easily diary free.
We had our first frost this week.
I gathered the pumpkins and squash from the front porch in an effort to save them from frostbite. It was early and at first light. I tried to ignore the sound of gunfire from the hunters in Penn Cove and instead relished in the calls of two Great Horned Owls that are back in the neighborhood.
I’ll preserve the squash as long as I can into January for roasting or baking. I’ve pureed all my freezer can hold for this season.
It’s so cold out. All I want to do is wear my favorite fleece socks, cozy up next to the fire, read a good book, eat soup and drink warm things, including this boozy holiday sipper inspired by my Mamaw.
Growing up, I never knew what was in her afternoon “coffee” especially during the holidays. But I knew there was some libation in there because she’d never let me have a sip!
This recipe is so simple to pull together. While the coffee is brewing, whip the cream, pour Irish cream and Frangelico into mugs then top with coffee.
Swirl on whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings, cinnamon and nutmeg to your heart’s desire. Add a cinnamon or peppermint stick to stir in the goodness.
If you’re dairy-free, I hear there’s a dairy-free Irish cream. I’ve not seen it locally, but I’m on the lookout! Have you tried it?
Tell me about your favorite warm holiday sipper in the comments below! I want to know!
Mamaw's Holiday Coffee
Ingredients
For the Coffee:
- 3/4 oz (21g) Irish Cream*
- 3/4 oz (21g) Frangelico
- 1 C (225g) Strong Coffee or Espresso
For Serving (optional):
- Maple Sweetened Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings
- Nutmeg, ground
- Cinnamon, ground
Instructions
- In an 8 oz mug, add the Irish cream, Frangelico and coffee. Stir. Top with whipped cream or coconut cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and/or chocolate shavings.Serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition is provided as an estimate (per serving) and courtesy. If this information is important to you, please verify it independently.
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Drizly. I received gift cards to purchase ingredients used in this recipe. All opinions are my own.
This looks so good! I know the holidays have passed but it’s still cold here so I’m thinking one of these coffees is due this weekend. Cozy drinks cuddled on the couch watching movies with my honey. :)
Sounds good to me Diana! I try to pretend every weekend is a holiday ;) . I hope you enjoy this during your cozy weekend!
First, I just have to say that your home sounds so dreamy to me. I feel like you are surrounded by nature and I love picturing that. Gives me all the cozy feels. :)
Second, this drink looks unreal. I think your Mamaw had the right idea on what to add to her coffee! I can almost smell the fresh nutmeg through the screen.
WHOA!!! This recipe might be a simple one, but it looks amazing. How gorgeous are these photos Traci..
Your mamaw would be proud. <3
I hope you are enjoying your holidays my friend. Keep warm..
PS: I love those socks too. ;)
The shots are AHHHHMaZIANG!!! I love the boozy flavors and dark and moody pictures. I am in love love with coffee drinks anytime of the day and night.
Congrats on working on the brand my dear.
Love and hugs.
xo
Thank you Ash! I’m with ya on the coffee… I love it so much too, although I tend to drink more tea now than coffee. But I wouldn’t pass this one up! Especially if a fire is near!
That nutmeg shot! Just beautiful, Traci! The Irish cream and hazelnut liquor together sound absolutely wonderful. And warming. It has been freezing here lately and it is supposed to get colder (Noooo!) As soon as we go on break, I know what we will be sipping! Can’t wait! :) xoxo
hehe! Thank you Tessa… that was a lot of fun to capture. I shaved chocolate too, but made a complete mess of the coffee and my camera! Oooh, I know you’re anticipating break soon… hang in there love! Stay warm!
Part of me wishes I was experiencing really cold weather and the other part of me shivers just thinking about it! I hope you are staying warm in your fleece socks, Traci!! This is definitely the season for delicious hot drinks and this one looks perfect! A little caffine to get you going and a little Irish cream to keep you happy!
hehe.. those fleece socks get me through, Izzy! You must miss some cold days… I know I did when I lived in Corpus, TX… our winters were very mild. If you get a cold day, though…. keep this in mind! ;D
I am so excited for you, and working with Drizly! That sounds so fun and I cant wait to see what you come up with! This drink sounds my kinda drink! Warm, fuzzy boozy! All the right things in one glass ;) Gorgeous shots as always! Each and everyone of them so well thought out.
Thank you, Amisha!! xo So fun, yes! And warm and boozy… I’ll take it!
That shot of the nutmeg sprinkling onto the glass – epic! I love how dark and wintry theses photos and Mamaw’s afternoon coffee are. My favorite holiday beverage is hot apple cider (I’m boooorrrrring), but I’d go for a glass of this by the fire right now! (And it’s prob way warmer here, but I’m still freezing!)
Ooooh I’m a fan of hot apple cider too (not at all boring.. and you add bourbon, right? hehe!). Warmer but freezing?! I know, girl… get those fleece socks on and pour up some holiday coffee!
Heeheeh, Mamaw’s afternoon delight :d This post brought me down memory lane Traci… when my husband and I were articling students we would relish our “special coffees” (as we used to call them ;-) on cold Canadian evenings out on the town. They really were a special treat and warming to boot. I don’t think I ever made one at home though so the idea of cuddling up with a homespun version by the fire this holiday sounds about right. Perhaps I will surprise my man. Thank you for the delicious inspiration (the Frangelico sounds divine!).
Ooooh such good memories, Kelly! I am certain your man would appreciate a little tipsy in his holiday coffee!
I’m sending your recipe to my daughter Anna, in Montana, where it’s been really, really cold. I expect to hear good Mmm-Mmm sounds in reply, and will let you know if so.
Side Note, re: Texas– my new friend from Texas– Austin, that is– name of Joe Moldenhauer, has lately been out & about to the Gulf Coast and into the uplands hunting. He’s over 80, but still trucking. This fall he was looking for an old LP vinyl of Herb Albert’s “Whipped Cream” and I found one. Sent it to him. I think he wanted the cover more than anything. So if you could re-create the cover photo, I’d like to see that as a model for your next illustrated, whipped up, spiked, sweet drink, as you photograph so beautifully. (Could there be such a mixed drink, with a lime in it, to match the color scheme?)
Thank you for sharing, Dennis! I bet there’s snow in Montana… it seems way too cold for us too early this year! I love the cold, but don’t like being cold! hehe. Okay on that Whipped Cream.. I’m thinking I’ve seen it (yes to the lime!). I’ll do some checking around and thank you for your encouragement, Dennis :D !
Love this, Traci – we all need a boozy pick me up this time of year! This would be the perfect drink when wrapping presents with some christmas music playing in the background. We’re getting some great weather here in LA – not as cold as you but it’s in the 40s at night which is pretty cool for us. Don’t you just love it when owls set up residence – love to hear their hoots at night. Gorgeous pictures as always! Cheers to you, Traci.
Thank you Geraldine! A festive boozy sipper indeed! And yaaas while wrapping presents with Christmas music playing.. I’ll take it! That is cold… in the 40s? You need a good, hot sipper!
This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Patricia! :D
The combination of coffee + Irish cream + hazelnut sounds PERFECT for winter. Love this, Traci! :)
I hope you love it Sarah!
Your Mamaw was a smart girl! This is gorgeous, my friend! It’s so festive, but I’d drink this all winter long as a sweet treat! And these images…WOW! Stunning!
Thank you Caroline! There’s a quote she told me… “Follow the old people, they know where it’s at.” Wise lady my Mamaw!
Way to go Mamaw!! A woman after my own heart! Nothing wrong with sneakin’ a little somethin’ somethin’ into your afternoon coffee! Looks delicious Traci! I’ve never heard of Drizly, but I’ll be checkin it out for sure!
hehe! Indeed, I get it now that I’m older! ;D
Just like Mamaw to sneak a little something extra in the coffee! Love this recipe, Traci. And brrr….it’s so cold here as well. I’ve really got to bundle myself up for my daily dog walks. This would be the perfect post-walk sipper! Cheers!
heeh! Indeed, she’s sneaky Liz! LOL Your daily dog walks sound frigid, you gotta have something toasty to warm up with, right?
Mammaw would be so proud!! Can you see her giggling? Head thrown back in laughter, eyes wide with mischievous joy, knowing she’s been busted. After half a mug, she’d lick the whip from her upper lip, compose herself and say, “Well, Traaaaaciiiiii.” She might even talk about your “clevage” LOL. Outstanding idea and implementation. It looks so pretty and inviting! Perfect for a cold night by the fire, with a favorite book. I can’t wait to try it. xo
Hahhaaa!! Your description is right on, Jen! I can see her now, looking at me, head back, eyes lowered… saying something witty! hehe!