Whiskey Crème Brûlée

The Whiskey Crème Brûlée is rich, smooth, and inspired by the classic dessert. Whiskey and Baileys give it warmth and creaminess, while lime juice and simple syrup keep it from feeling too heavy. The egg gives it a thick, almost custard-like texture when shaken properly. Topped with a thin layer of sugar that’s torched until golden, it adds a crisp finish that cracks with each sip. It’s indulgent in flavor, but still easy to make and a fun one to serve when you want something different.

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Tasting Notes

This Whiskey Crème Brûlée cocktail is smooth, rich, and layered. The whiskey brings warmth and spice, while the Baileys adds a creamy, dessert-like texture. Lime juice gives it just enough acid to cut through the cream, so it’s not too heavy. The egg gives it a silky mouthfeel, like a well-shaken sour. The sugar on top adds a toasted note, especially if torched it echoes the crisp top of an actual crème brûlée. It’s a great drink for sipping slowly, especially when you want something cozy that still has a little edge.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, a jigger, a strainer, and a blowtorch if you want to caramelize the sugar garnish. A fine mesh strainer helps catch any bits of egg that don’t blend cleanly. A coupe or Nick & Nora glass works well for serving. A small plate is handy for applying the sugar topping evenly before torching. If you don’t have a torch, you can skip that step, but it adds a fun touch if you’re going for presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 whole egg
• Sugar, for garnish (for torching)

Instructions

• Add whiskey, Baileys, lime juice, simple syrup, and the egg to a shaker (no ice yet).
• Dry shake for 20 seconds to fully mix and build foam.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled, about 10–12 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
• Lightly sprinkle sugar on top in an even layer.
• Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
• Let it cool slightly, then serve.

Pro Tips

• Use a dry shake first to fully mix the egg.
• Crack the egg into a separate bowl first to avoid shell pieces.
• Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference here.
• Don’t skip the second shake with ice it chills and smooths the texture.
• Keep your sugar layer thin if torching.
• Let the sugar cool before sipping.
• Use a heat-safe glass if torching.
• If you don’t have Baileys, try another cream liqueur.

When to Serve

This Whiskey Crème Brûlée is a good after-dinner drink, especially if you’re skipping dessert. It works well on cool evenings, holiday parties, or as a cozy nightcap. Because it’s rich and creamy, you don’t need food with it it’s a treat on its own. Serve it when you want something different but still approachable, or when you’re making cocktails that feel a little extra without being hard to make.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Whiskey:

• Buffalo Trace
• Bulleit
• Jameson

Cream Liqueur:

• Baileys Irish Cream
• Carolans
• Kerrygold Irish Cream

Torching Sugar:

• Regular white sugar
• Demerara sugar for a deeper caramel note

Similar Cocktails

• Strawberry Limoncello Margarita
• Whiskey Watermelon Martini
• Hibiscus Watermelon Whiskey Smash
• Campari Sour
• Leatherneck Cocktail