This Recipe for Homemade Baileys Irish Cream is as close to the real thing as it gets! It’s creamy, so much easier to make than you might think and is perfect on its own, in coffee or as a tasty addition to several dessert recipes.
I’ve been a baileys lover for as long as I can remember! In fact, I have SO many memories just downing baileys in other countries (Peru, I’m looking at you!). There’s nothing quite like a simple baileys on the rocks and there really ain’t nothing quite like waking up to a piping hot baileys coffee. Am I right?! It’s just so lusciously creamy and the perfect blend of simple ingredients. When I found out just how easy it is to make myself at home, I immediately knew I had to share it with you! With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, now seems like the perfect time to pull out the blender and get started.
Baileys Irish Cream is an iconic liqueur popular for its creamy texture and rich flavour. Originating from Ireland, this indulgent drink is made with a blend of Irish whiskey and fresh dairy cream with hints of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Its velvety smoothness and delightful sweetness make it a much loved choice for sipping on its own, over ice or as a versatile ingredient in cocktails and desserts all over the world! It’s perfect for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration but let’s be real, it’s a go-to treat any time of year!
So whether you’re a baileys lover like I am or just like the challenge of making things yourself from scratch at home, this recipe for homemade baileys irish cream is sure to impress! St. Patrick’s Day or not, it’s time to pull out the blender and the few simple ingredients you need to make it and go on feeling badass that you, yes YOU, made your own baileys right at home from scratch! I promise… it cannot be any easier!!!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE BAILEYS IRISH CREAM
These ingredients may be simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavour and texture of homemade Irish cream. Together, they combine to make a delicious and indulgent beverage that’s perfect for sipping on its own or adding to coffee or cocktails. Let’s discuss each one in a little bit more detail down below:
- Irish Whiskey: This is the base spirit of Irish cream, providing its characteristic warmth and depth of flavour. Irish whiskey typically has a smooth and slightly sweet profile, which complements the other ingredients in the recipe. I used jameson in this recipe for homemade baileys Irish cream but other popular choices include bushmills or tullamore D.E.W.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweetened milk adds creaminess and sweetness to the Irish cream. It serves as a primary sweetener and helps create a rich texture. Feeling adventurous? Try making your very own sweetened condensed milk at home following THIS EASY RECIPE!
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, also known as whipping cream, contributes richness and creaminess to the Irish cream. It enhances the smooth texture and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the drink.
- Chocolate Syrup: Adds a rich chocolate flavour to the Irish cream, enhancing its depth and complexity. It also contributes to the drink’s sweetness and complements the other flavours.
- Instant Coffee Granules: Provide a subtle coffee flavour and aroma to the Irish cream. They enhance the overall flavour profile and add a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavour to the Irish cream. It enhances the sweetness of the drink and contributes to its overall complexity.
- Almond Extract (not pictured – optional): Adds a hint of nuttiness and depth to the Irish cream. While optional, it can enhance the flavour profile and add an extra layer of complexity to the drink.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BAILEYS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this easy recipe for homemade baileys in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use high quality ingredients. Since Irish cream relies on a few key ingredients, using high quality ones will make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of your drink. Opt for good quality Irish whiskey, fresh heavy cream and pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Ensure proper mixing. Whether you’re using a blender or a food processor, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This will ensure that all flavours are evenly distributed throughout the Irish cream.
- Adjust sweetness and flavour. Taste the mixture as you go and adjust the sweetness or flavourings to your preference. You can add more chocolate syrup for extra sweetness or more coffee granules for a stronger coffee flavour. Tailor the recipe to suit your taste buds. EXTRA TIP: Feel free to experiment with the ratios of ingredients to customize the flavour and consistency of your Irish cream. You can adjust the amounts of whiskey, cream and flavourings to suit your personal preferences.
- Allow flavours to meld. Letting your homemade Irish cream sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight can allow the flavours to meld together, resulting in a smoother and more harmonious taste.
- Store properly. Once prepared, store your homemade Irish cream in a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. But be sure to keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness. Shake well before serving, as ingredients may settle and separate over time.
- Serve chilled or over ice. Homemade Irish cream is incredible cold or over ice. Pour it into a glass over ice cubes for a refreshing and indulgent treat! It’s also great in coffee!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The original Baileys Irish Cream is known for its creamy texture and rich flavour, achieved through a combination of carefully selected ingredients. At its heart is Irish whiskey, chosen for its smoothness and depth of character. This whiskey is blended with fresh dairy cream, sourced from local Irish farms, to create a velvety smooth base. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and thickness to the blend and also a rich dairy flavour. Hints of cocoa and vanilla impart a subtle sweetness and complexity to the final product. Together, these ingredients create the iconic flavour profile of Baileys Irish Cream, easily enjoyed on its own, over ice or as a luxurious addition to cocktails and desserts.
The base liquor in Baileys Irish Cream is Irish whiskey. This whiskey serves as the foundation of the drink, contributing to its smoothness and depth of flavour. Irish whiskey is popular for its distinctive character, which includes a mild sweetness and a smooth finish. In Baileys Irish Cream, the Irish whiskey is blended with other ingredients such as cream, instant coffee granules and vanilla to create its iconic flavour profile. The combination of these ingredients results in a creamy, indulgent liqueur that is everyone around the world enjoys.
Yes, homemade Baileys Irish Cream does require refrigeration. Since it contains dairy ingredients such as cream and sweetened condensed milk, it is prone to spoilage if left at room temperature for an extended period. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Storing homemade Baileys in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container helps to ensure its quality and safety for consumption. It’s best to chill it promptly after making it and to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy it. Additionally, giving it a good shake before serving can help to redistribute any settled ingredients and ensure a consistent flavour and texture. Storing homemade Baileys in the refrigerator will prolong its shelf life so you can continue to savour it over time!
You can store homemade baileys Irish cream in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavour. It’s important to keep it in a clean, airtight container to prevent any contamination or exposure to air, which could cause it to spoil more quickly. Additionally, homemade Baileys may separate slightly over time, so give it a good shake before serving to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed. If you notice any off smells or changes in appearance, it’s best to discard the remaining batch.
RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE BAILEYS IRISH CREAM
This Recipe for Homemade Baileys Irish Cream is as close to the real thing as it gets! It's creamy, so much easier to make than you might think and is perfect on its own, in coffee or as a tasty addition to several dessert recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Irish Whiskey such as Jameson or Bushmills
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk*
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Chocolate Syrup
- 1 tsp Instant Coffee Granules
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender (or food processor if you don't have one), combine the Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- Blend on high speed until everything is well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavourings to your preference, adding more chocolate syrup or coffee granules if desired. Transfer the Irish cream to a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before serving, as the ingredients may settle and separate over time.
Notes
Try making your own homemade sweetened condensed milk from scratch by following THIS EASY RECIPE.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
LOVE THIS RECIPE? TRY IT IN MY HOMEMADE IRISH COFFEE WITH BAILEYS!
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