Recipe for Kaffe Karlsson
Kaffe Karlsson β a classic Swedish coffee drink with Baileys and Cointreau
- 2 glasses
- 4 ingredients
- 6 steps
Classic hot coffee drink with Baileys & Cointreau
Kaffe Karlsson is a classic Swedish coffee drink often served to finish off a dinner or on chilly evenings when you want something both warming and smooth. The combination of coffee, Cointreau and Baileys gives a balanced flavour where orange notes meet creamy sweetness, without overpowering the character of the coffee.
What is Kaffe Karlsson?
Kaffe Karlsson is a Swedish classic among hot coffee drinks and has long been a popular alternative to Irish coffee. Instead of whiskey, Cointreau and Baileys are used here, giving a milder, rounder and more dessert-like profile.
Method
- Whip the cream lightly until it's thick but still pourable.
- Preheat the glasses with hot water and pour it out.
- Pour the Cointreau and Baileys into the glasses.
- Top up with hot coffee and stir gently.
- Top with the lightly whipped cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Serve immediately without stirring.
Tips!
The cream should sit as a soft layer on top of the coffee. The drink should be sipped through the cream for the best taste experience.
Want to vary the drink? You can:
- adjust the amount of Cointreau for a more pronounced orange note
- use milk instead of cream for a lighter version
- top with grated chocolate
- serve alcohol-free by leaving out the liqueurs
More recipes to try
All recipes βFrequently asked questions about Kaffe Karlsson
How strong is Kaffe Karlsson?
The strength is medium, since Baileys and Cointreau are milder than, say, whiskey. The drink is often perceived as softer and rounder than a classic Irish coffee
Can you make an alcohol-free Kaffe Karlsson?
Yes, leave out the liqueurs and use orange syrup or orange zest together with coffee and a little cream to mimic the flavour profile.
Which coffee works best for Kaffe Karlsson?
A full-bodied, ideally dark-roasted coffee gives the best balance against the cream and liqueurs.
Similar Recipes
Back to All recipes
Category: Hot Drinks
As the previous coffee drink, Irish Coffee β classic recipe with coffee, whiskey & cream pairs well before this variation. The next and final drink on the list is Hot Chocolate After a Day on the Slopes β with cream or mint.
You'll Find The Best Recipes For The ski trip, The adventure, The day trip, Or The The Bragging Rights Luxury Dinner Right Here!
Click here!The Best Ski Destinations?
Find out which destinations the experts think are the best in the Alps or see our whole list of recommended ski destinations for Sweden, Norway, and The Alps. We'll guide you to the best trip whether it's with the family or the friend group, and with our tips the planning will be easy so you can create snowy memories on the slopes!
Click here!Cooking over the fire?
Don't miss EldMat, our series where we cook over the open fire out in the wild.
Click here!Don't miss our adventures
We do lots of different trips and activities every year. From simple to advanced adventures! Here we gather our stories, experiences, and tips together with behind the scenes content!
To inspire you to create memories for life!
Click here!More about us?
Click here!Explore Swilderness
We've got recipes for the outdoor life!
To Our RecipesFollow our adventure week by week
Every week a new episode drops where we cook something new β from wilderness burgers to pear and blue cheese sandwiches. Come In and Subscribe to the Channel So You Don't Miss an Episode!
To the YouTube ChannelPlan your vacation in Sweden with us!
Do you dream of a summer filled with nature, experiences, and adventures for the whole family? In our guides for vacations in Sweden, you'll find inspiration, routes, and practical tips for everything from coast and mountains to cities and small towns.
Discover Our Vacation GuidesEquipment we use β carefully selected for adventure and everyday life
On this page we gather equipment, products, and gear that we use ourselves and recommend. It can be anything from outdoor equipment and camping gear to travel equipment, outdoor cooking, and smart things that make everyday life a bit easier.
Explore our equipmentDiscover our YouTube channel
Find inspiration for your next adventure through our adventures on film. Through our YouTube channel, we hope to inspire you to create more memories for life!














































