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Irish Cream is a rich and flavorful liqueur made with whiskey, coffee, cream, and just a few other ingredients. This homemade Bailey’s recipe is easy to make, and it’s great to use in all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and desserts. It’s the perfect thing for homemade Christmas gifts, St. Patrick’s Day, or cozy winter nights.

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“So easy and tastes just like the real thing.” -Kathy
Irish Cream Recipe
This sweet coffee and cream liqueur is so tasty! You only need a handful of ingredients and just one step to make this DIY Bailey’s recipe. I love adding this homemade Irish cream to my favorite drinks and desserts to take them to the next level!
Sometimes I’ll transfer the Irish cream to cute mason jars and give them away as housewarming or hostess gifts. If you do give them as gifts, be sure to date the jars.
Irish Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- High Powered Blender OR
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream 227 grams
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 397 grams (1 can)
- 1⅔ cup Irish whiskey 378 grams
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules 4 grams
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup 18 grams, such as Hershey's
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
- ½ teaspoon almond extract 2 grams
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or use an immersion blender for 30 seconds. You don’t want to blend for too long or whipped cream may form :) If you do get a bit of cream on top, just sift though a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.1 cup heavy cream, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1⅔ cup Irish whiskey, 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
- Shake well before using.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Irish Cream Step by Step
Combine the ingredients: Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1⅔ cup Irish whiskey, 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract in a blender and blend for 30 seconds. You don’t want to blend for too long, or whipped cream may form.
Store: Transfer to a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
Shake and enjoy: Shake well before using.
How to Store
Store homemade Irish cream in a tightly-sealed container or jar, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Be sure to give it a good shake before you use it, because the cream will separate as it sits.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade Baileys Irish cream can be used in so many recipes, especially cocktails, drinks, and desserts. Use it to make a hot Irish coffee, or if you’re in the mood for something cool, you can prepare an Irish cream milkshake or a decadent frozen mudslide. Or pour it directly over a bowl of ice cream!
I’ve been making this for gifts for the past two years ever since I discovered this recipe. The taste is amazing, better than Baileys, and people LOVE getting this as a gift. I always make a big batch right before Christmas and give them out. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Worked great, and will make again, but note that you cannot use this to make an Irish coffee – you could use it to make a Bailey’s coffee though.
Perfect homemade Baileys! I followed the recipe exactly and made it with Jameson. My husband (who is from Ireland) and I did a taste test with this recipe compared to the real Baileys we had. We both actually prefer this one. It’s a little bit lighter, and you can taste the almond extract, which makes it SO good. I made a batch for gifts and it was really fun to give them to our friends. I will be saving this recipe forever!
I use Seagram’s and double the recipe to make a half gallon. Also, use one half half-and -half and one half heavy cream. Everyone finds it equal to or better than Bailey’s.
Thanks so much for sharing, Cappy!
How much does this recipe make? 750ml? I will be using mason and 750 ml bottles…
It makes a bit more than that… probably closer to 1100ml.
Hello thankyou so much for sharing your recipe I am going to make it this Christmas for gifts. I am curious have you have used scotch whiskey for this at all, Irish whiskey is so hard to come across where I am.
Irish Whiskey is best to make sure it has the right taste!
Thank you
So easy and tastes just like the real thing.
I’m so happy you loved it!!
Can’t wait to try !
Enjoy!
Can I substitute canned coconut milk for the sweetened condensed milk?
Unfortunately it wouldn’t be the same consistency at all. It might still work but wouldn’t be quite the same. I haven’t tried it. Please let me know if you do!
Must to go in dark glasses bottle !!!