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 so easy to make, and it’s great to use in all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and desserts. It’s the perfect thing for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or cozy winter nights.
What’s in Irish Cream
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.
- Heavy Cream: This creates a thick and creamy texture. You can substitute half and half to cut the richness if you prefer.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds to the creamy, rich, silky texture.
- Irish Whiskey: Use your preferred brand of whiskey.
- Instant Coffee: Instant coffee granules work best for this recipe–I don’t recommend substituting regular coffee grounds.
- Chocolate Syrup: This adds a nice chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Almond Extract: Just a little bit more for the perfect flavor.
Yes, Irish cream is a liqueur and it contains whiskey.
Because this recipe contains heavy cream, the mixture might just turn into a thick, whipped cream if you over-blend. If this happens, pour it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
You can use a high-powered blender or an immersion blender to mix everything together.
How to Store Homemade Bailey’s
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.
What to make with Irish cream
This homemade Baileys Irish cream can be used in so many recipes, especially cocktails, drinks, and desserts. Use it to make Irish coffee, this Irish cream milkshake, a frozen mudslide, or chai latte milkshakes. Or pour it directly over a bowl of ice cream!
Irish Cream Recipe
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
Recommended Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
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.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Can also put in cute mason jars and give as gifts. Be sure to date the jars.
Nutrition Information
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 !!!
cute bottles u got for the photo! May i ask where you got them so i can get myself some, please? Also, thanks for sharing the recipe! will try :)
Of course! I got them from various antique stores but Etsy also has a ton! I’m always on the prowl :)
i am on weight watchers but plannto try this for sure! I may have overlooked it, but How much is a serving? 1 oz? Moderation of irish cream is hard for me :)
ThaNks for sharing!
I’d say about 1 1/2 ounce, about the size of a shot. I agree…moderation is HARD!
I just made this without any modifications. It was perfect. Thank you!
Oh so glad to hear that!
Wow this sounds amazing! This would be a great gift for my co workers! How much would one recipe yield do you think?