Crafting our own version of Homemade Irish Cream has been a journey of experimentation and delight. We’ve perfected our recipe to capture that rich, indulgent flavor we cherish during special occasions.
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season at our home. As soon as December rolls around, we eagerly dive into our favorite traditions: decorating the tree, baking batches of festive cookies, and of course, whipping up a velvety smooth batch of Homemade Irish Cream.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding. From the first pour into those pretty glass bottles to watching loved ones savor each sip, every step feels like a gift in itself.
Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade Irish Cream
Combining heavy cream, vanilla extract, espresso powder, chocolate syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and just the right amount of Jameson Irish Whiskey gives it that signature smoothness.
For those cozy St. Patrick’s Day gatherings or chilly winter nights by the fire, a sip of our homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream over ice or mixed into hot chocolate is simply blissful.
Homemade Irish Cream: Bailey’s Copycat Recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 14 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 can
- 1 ½ Cups Irish Whiskey
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 Tablespoons Chocolate Syrup
- 1 Teaspoon Instant Coffee Granules
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
Instructions
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, coffee granules, vanilla, and almond extract to a blender.
- Blend on high speed just until blended. Just 30 seconds.
- Store in the refrigerator. Use a tightly sealed container like a glass bottle with a cap or other airtight container. It will last up to two months.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips and Flavor Variations
Espresso Powder for Rich Coffee Flavor
If you’re a fan of the deep, robust flavor of coffee, adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee granules will elevate your homemade Irish cream.
The coffee enhances the richness of the liqueur, providing a flavor that’s more reminiscent of a professional barista’s touch. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for a subtle hint or a more pronounced coffee undertone.
Adjusting Sweetness
You can easily customize the sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, try reducing the amount or swapping in some dulce de leche for a richer, caramel-like flavor. Swap out the chocolate syrup for unsweetened cocoa powder.
You can also use light cream if you’re looking for a balance between richness and lower fat content.
Controlling Whiskey Strength
Some people love their Irish cream with a robust whiskey kick, while others prefer it milder. The beauty of this homemade version is that you can adjust the cup of Jameson Irish Whiskey to suit your taste.
If you want a lighter option, try reducing the whiskey by 1/4 cup. For those who enjoy a bolder version, feel free to add a bit more!
Peppermint Twist
For a festive, holiday-ready version, add a drop or two of peppermint extract. This gives the liqueur a fresh, minty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base and adds a touch of holiday cheer, making it ideal for Christmas or winter-themed parties.
Storage for Freshness
Preserve its freshness and flavor for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Be sure to store your Irish cream in an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Always shake the bottle well before each serving to ensure the ingredients are well combined, especially if it’s been sitting for a few days.
Dairy Free Baileys Irish Cream
If you or your guests avoid dairy products, replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Using coconut milk will give the liqueur a tropical twist while still maintaining its creamy texture.
- Almond milk creates a lighter, nutty version.
Vanilla and Almond Variations: Swapping or adding pure vanilla extract with vanilla bean seeds will give your Irish cream a deeper, more luxurious vanilla flavor. You can also add a touch of almond extract for a subtle nutty note that complements the whiskey perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Serving Ideas. Pour your homemade Irish cream over ice for a smooth and satisfying drink. Stir it into a drink or cup of coffee for a deliciously creamy twist on your morning brew.
For dessert, drizzle it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Use this creamy liqueur as an ingredient in your Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day desserts.
You can add it to baked goods, use it as a base for boozy milkshakes, or mix it into cocktails for a festive flair.
Try adding it to a chocolate cake recipe for a unique flavor or stir it into a rich hot chocolate for a special winter drink.
This Irish cream is perfect for creating holiday cocktails like Irish cream martinis or a delicious take on a White Russian.
It’s also fantastic in coffee-flavored drinks, bringing out the rich coffee flavor with its smooth creaminess.
Gifting Ideas
Presenting your homemade Irish cream as a gift is a delightful way to share the holiday spirit. Look for pretty glass bottles with cork stoppers or vintage-inspired jars.
Add a festive touch by tying a ribbon or attaching a recipe card to the bottle. You could even include a small tag with serving suggestions or notes about the next time they might enjoy it. Whether that’s with friends over dinner or snuggled up by the fire.
My family loved this!