Creating your own velvety-smooth Irish cream at home is a revelation, I promise. It transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels like pure luxury in a glass.
This homemade version is incredibly smooth, creamy, and definitely packs a little bit of a friendly punch.
Why You Should Absolutely Make Your Own
Have you ever peeked at the price tag on a premium bottle of Irish cream at the store? Making it yourself is far more budget-friendly. You control exactly what goes in, with no preservatives or fillers, just the good stuff you choose.
The best part is the sheer customizability. You can tweak the coffee, chocolate, or even the spirit to create a version that’s perfectly, uniquely yours. Plus, it lasts in the fridge for up to two months, making it ideal for gifting or just having on hand for a special treat.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients. Gather them all before you start for a seamless, five-minute process.
- Irish Whiskey (1⅔ cups / 393 ml): The soul of the drink. Jameson is a classic choice, but any good-quality Irish whiskey you enjoy will do.
- Heavy Cream or Half & Half (1 cup / 238 ml): This creates the luxurious, creamy body. Heavy cream gives the richest texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): This is the magic ingredient that adds sweetness and a wonderfully thick, silky consistency.
- Chocolate Syrup (2 tablespoons): It contributes that hint of chocolate flavor. Any brand, even sugar-free, works well.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Pure vanilla gives the best flavor, rounding out all the other ingredients.
- Instant Coffee (1 teaspoon): Use regular or espresso granules. This provides the essential coffee note without watering down your mixture.
How to make Homemade Baileys Irish Cream?
The process is almost embarrassingly simple. Just ensure your blender is ready to go.
Step 1: Combine Your Base
Pour the cream, the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and instant coffee into your blender. Blend these ingredients together on low speed for about 30 seconds to create a smooth, homogenous base.
This initial blending ensures everything is fully incorporated before the whiskey is added.
Step 2: Blend in the Whiskey
With the blender still running on low, slowly pour in the Irish whiskey. Continue to blend for just a few more seconds, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Here’s a key tip: blend on low speed only. High speed can sometimes cause the cream to curdle or separate.
Step 3: Bottle and Store
Use a funnel to pour the freshly made Irish cream into clean glass bottles or airtight containers with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate it immediately.
The homemade liqueur needs to be stored in the refrigerator and will keep beautifully for up to two months. Always give the bottle a gentle shake before you pour.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, the fun really begins. This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own creativity, and other home cooks have shared some brilliant ideas.
You can swap the Irish whiskey for another spirit. People have had great success with bourbon, brandy, or even flavored whiskies like cinnamon Fireball for a holiday twist.
Consider playing with the flavors, too. Add a dash of almond or orange extract, or stir in a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice during the holidays. Some adventurous souls even swap the coffee and chocolate for a coffee liqueur like Kahlúa.
Tips
- Gift It Beautifully: Pour your creation into small swing-top bottles and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful, personal gift that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Fix Separation: If your blend looks a little curdled, don’t worry. Simply strain it through a fine-mesh sieve and skim off any foam from the top.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can make a vegan version by using full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Taste as You Go: For flavor experiments, mix your base ingredients first and taste it before adding the spirit. This lets you adjust flavors without the strong alcohol note dominating your palate.
Serving Your Homemade Creation
You’ve made this lovely liqueur, now how do you enjoy it? The possibilities are wonderfully extensive. Of course, sipping it straight over ice is a classic and perfectly indulgent choice.
It’s a magical addition to hot drinks. Stir an ounce or two into your morning coffee for an Irish coffee, or into a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat. Just let your hot beverage cool for a minute first to prevent curdling.
Don’t forget about desserts. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, brownies, or even pancakes for a spectacularly boozy finish. You can even whip it into cream for a boozy topping or blend it into a decadent milkshake.
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy recipe for making your own Baileys Irish Cream at home! Perfect for stashing in your fridge or giving away as gifts. Smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor—ready in just 5 minutes!
ingredients
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree on high speed for 30 seconds.
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Transfer mixture to an airtight container or glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Shake well before using.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 34
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 94kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 13mg5%
- Sodium 18mg1%
- Potassium 52mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 7g3%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 1g2%
- Calcium 38 mg
- Iron 0.1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Nutritional values are based on one ounce.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Shake well before using.
