Homemade Irish Cream

No need to run to the liquor store anymore! This easy recipe for Homemade Irish Cream is bound to be your new favorite recipe for homemade liqueur. Rich, creamy, and with a touch of sweet notes this homemade version is ideal for St Patrick’s day, the holiday season, or any time of year. 

If you’ve never considered making your own liqueur you don’t know what you’re missing. Using just a handful of ingredients, this simple copycat recipe is absolutely delicious and way fresher than store-bought Bailey’s. 

Homemade Bailey’s

With a combination of Irish whiskey, chocolate syrup, coffee, cream, and some condensed milk you can make your very own bottle of fresh Irish Cream liqueur. Velvety and smooth, Irish cream is probably more versatile than you think. You can drink it straight, over some ice, mix it with other cocktails, or add some to your cup of coffee or mug of hot chocolate. You can also use it in or on desserts. I’ve been known to drizzle some homemade Bailey’s Irish cream over a bowl of ice cream on occasion. 

Homemade Gifts

If you are craving the taste of some Irish Cream but aren’t up for the alcoholic content you can make a nonalcoholic Irish cream by omitting the whiskey. 

This do-it-yourself Irish cream also makes a great hostess or holiday gift. Pick up a pretty bottle at the dollar store, attach a fancy label and you’ve got a great-looking homemade gift to bring as your next hostess present or to use for special occasions. At the bottom of this post, you will find photos of ways I have gifted this over the years. 

Are you looking for more cocktail inspiration? Try this recipe for Homemade Kahlua, this Pumpkin White Russian Cocktail, or this Blueberry Mojito. 

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Irish Cream

Find the complete measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Whiskey – any brand will work or use your favorite brand of Irish whisky. Omit for a non-alcoholic version.

Coconut extract – this is usually found in the baking aisle of the grocery store.

Sweetened condensed milk – note this is not evaporated milk. Fat-Free Sweetened Condensed milk also works. 

Chocolate syrup -I always reach for Hershey’s

Instant coffee – regular or decaf both work well

Half & Half – fat-free works, too.

 

How to make this Irish Cream Recipe

Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency.

Transfer the Irish cream liqueur to a bottle and store it in the refrigerator. 

How Long Does Homemade Irish Cream Keep?

Make sure to store Irish cream leftovers in an airtight container or a few mason jars in the fridge as you would other dairy products. It is not shelf stable like store-bought Irish cream so don’t let it sit on the counter. The homemade Irish cream will keep well until the date on the Half and Half.

Unfortunately homemade Irish cream does not freeze well. 

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this homemade Bailey’s recipe, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

FAQs

• How do you make Irish cream? Irish cream is way easier to make than you think. Follow this recipe and combine Irish whiskey, chocolate syrup, condensed milk, instant coffee granulates, coconut extract, and cream in a blender and you’ve got yourself a batch of homemade Irish cream. Way fresher than store-bought Irish cream. 

• What is Irish cream made of? This Irish cream recipe is made with Irish whiskey, cream, chocolate syrup, coffee, and condensed milk. There are other variations out there, too. 

• What can I use in place of Irish cream? If you are looking for a substitute for Irish cream you can use any cream-based liqueur or fresh cream, but the flavor will not be the same.

• What is the main ingredient in Bailey’s Irish Cream? The main ingredient in Bailey’s Irish cream would be similar to this recipe for Irish Cream where half and half dairy cream is the main ingredient. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Instead of coconut extract use mint extract, pure vanilla extract, or almond extract. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but still taste great. 

Use a plant-based cream instead of half and half if you are looking for a non-dairy alternative. Canned coconut milk is also an option. 

Half a cup of heavy whipping cream or heavy cream and half a cup of regular milk is a good substitute for half and half. 

 

Tips & Tricks

• To add some spice throw in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
• For a more intense coffee flavor use instant espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules. 
• To add more chocolate flavor add a tablespoon of cocoa powder. 
• Give the storage jar or container a good shake each time you serve the Irish cream so the ingredients are well combined. 
• More than just a holiday treat or special occasion drink, Irish cream liqueur can be enjoyed in many ways. Try adding some to your next dessert and taste how it transforms the flavor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are endless ways to enjoy this Homemade Irish Cream, but my favorite is over crushed ice. Let’s make some!

 

 

 

This recipe was originally posted on December 28, 2013. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on March 8, 2023.

 

I found these cool black bottles to use, and just added a tag to the front of them.