This beloved Homemade Irish Cream recipe has become a staple not only for treating our guests but also for gifting to friends and family. The joy of sharing a bottle of this creamy liqueur, lovingly made from scratch, is a tradition that warms both hearts and spirits.
The first time I tasted this was at our friend’s house for Holiday brunch. They have a fall pumpkin patch, and my husband helps them with their wagon rides through their farm. Each year between the Holidays, they have brunch. Well, this is an annual staple on the menu. Once I tried it, I had to get the easy recipe.
What Does Irish Cream Taste Like?
Irish cream has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, indulgent flavor that combines several elements. The primary taste comes from a blend of whiskey, cream, and sugar, with undertones of chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of coffee. The whiskey adds a slight warmth and depth without being overpowering, while the creaminess makes it smooth and velvety.
The sweetness is balanced by the boldness of the whiskey, and depending on the specific recipe, you might also pick up subtle notes of almond extract, espresso powder, or cocoa powder.
Some versions, like our Bailey’s Copycat, emphasize more pronounced coffee or chocolate flavors, especially if using additional ingredients like instant coffee granules and unsweetened cocoa powder.
In general, Irish cream is known for its luxurious, dessert-like flavor that makes it perfect to sip on its own, mix into cocktails, or add to coffee for a touch of indulgence.
Delicious served on the rocks for a rich and creamy holiday treat.
Homemade Irish Cream Bailey’s Copycat Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream or whipping cream
- ½ Cup Whole Milk
- 14 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 can
- 1 Cup Irish Whiskey
- 1 Teaspoon Instant Coffee or instant espresso powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
text ingredients
Instructions
- Add the heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, instant coffee, unsweetened cocoa powder, Irish whiskey, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Blend just long enough to combine.
- Do a taste test. Adjust any of the ingredients to your liking.
- Pour into a clean bottle with a top, or other airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to two months.
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Delicious Recipe Variations
By adjusting the levels of sweetness and creaminess or experimenting with seasonal flavors and non-dairy alternatives, you can create a version of Irish cream that’s perfectly suited to your tastes or the occasion.
Here are several recipe variations for homemade Irish cream, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, creaminess, or add fun seasonal twists.
Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream
Add pumpkin liqueur or a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin purée along with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version. This variation is perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and seasonal. The warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger) pair beautifully with the whiskey and cream.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or substitute part of it with dulce de leche or even heavy cream for a richer, less sugary taste. For those who like it sweeter, you can add a tablespoon or two of chocolate syrup or even a dash of maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Changing the Creaminess
For a richer, more indulgent version, use light cream or even a combination of heavy cream and whole milk. If you want a lighter texture, reduce the amount of cream and substitute with more milk, or use half-and-half. You can experiment with the ratio of cream to milk to achieve the desired balance of thickness and creaminess.
Non-Dairy Irish Cream Option
Make a non-dairy Irish cream by swapping the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Any non dairy product like these will work. This is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based version. You can also use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to maintain the sweetness.
Peppermint Irish Cream
For a festive holiday twist, add a teaspoon or two of peppermint extract to your homemade Irish cream. The minty freshness works well with the creamy texture and whiskey warmth, making it a perfect addition to holiday drinks or desserts. This version is particularly great for Christmas celebrations.
Mocha or Espresso Irish Cream
For coffee lovers, intensify the coffee flavor by adding more espresso powder or instant coffee granules. This variation adds a rich mocha flavor that pairs well with desserts or can be served in a coffee cocktail. You can also mix in a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a mocha twist.
Caramel Irish Cream
Add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce or butterscotch liqueur to your Irish cream for a caramel-flavored version. This adds a smooth, sweet layer to the drink, making it even more luxurious and perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream.
Spiced Irish Cream
For a warming winter variation, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little allspice to your Irish cream. This gives it a warm, spiced undertone, ideal for serving on cold nights or during holiday gatherings.
Chocolate Lover’s Irish Cream
If you’re a chocolate fan, add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup or add more unsweetened cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolatey version of the liqueur. For an extra indulgent touch, consider using dark chocolate syrup or melting high-quality dark chocolate and mixing it in.
Low-Alcohol Version
If you want a milder version of your Irish cream, reduce the amount of whiskey or use a lighter whiskey. This way, you can enjoy the creamy texture and flavors without too much of an alcoholic kick. You could also experiment with half the whiskey amount for a more subtle effect.
Vanilla Bean Irish Cream
Add the seeds from a vanilla bean or increase the amount of pure vanilla extract for a luxurious, warm vanilla flavor. The vanilla blends beautifully with the whiskey and cream, making for a slightly sweeter and more aromatic version.
Homemade Baileys for Christmas gifts
Perfect Homemade Gifts. This homemade Irish cream is the perfect gift for the holidays, especially if you’re looking to create something personal and heartfelt.
It’s great for hosts, family members, or even as part of a homemade gift basket that includes other homemade goodies like cookies or jams.
Don’t forget about St. Patrick’s Day. Make it as is or add a touch of green food coloring.
We hope you enjoy this Homemade version too. While we love the bottle of baily you can get in the grocery store, it is always fun to know how to make it yourself. You can adjust the flavors to your liking too.
Here are a few other delicious recipes for you to try.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
patternprincess1
Saturday 14th of September 2024
My family loved this!