Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site

Shaina · December 27, 2012 · 36 Comments

A recipe to make your own homemade Irish cream using Irish whiskey, coffee, chocolate, and of course, cream. A delightful toast to the New Year.

So we head towards the close of another year on the Gregorian calendar.

The end of the year and the beginning of a new one always seems like a good time to become that introspective person reflecting on life and its purpose, the meaning of it all, why we exist, and where we are headed, to reorient our personal path, make difficult choices or changes, and to embrace new opportunities. It’s also an excuse to kiss the people you love, hold them tightly, and be glad they are there.

Life is funny in how it twists and turns, bobs and weaves. Still, all those detours and potholes have led to this moment, and without them you would be missing important bits and pieces of what makes you who you are today. On the road of life, it is a series of experiences and the things we carry away with us as we move on, wearing them as badges on our breast and scars on our skin, that effect who we are going forward.

As we embark on another year of life’s journey, it naturally follows that we would also then be toasting with a glass of uisce beatha, aqua vitae, water of life. Whiskey, of course, of the Irish variety, and mixed with a few dangerously delicious friends: chocolate, cream, and coffee.

My Weck Juice Jars were up to the task. See how that one to the left is a bit lower? Taste testing. Important stuff.

Last night we said farewell to two people we love – again – as they head off into the sunset on yet another adventure, this one taking them even farther away from us than the last and with no return date in sight. As they set off for New Zealand and all the wonders of Kiwis, Maori, and hobbit holes I wish them the best and look forward to visiting their new plot of green grass on the other side of the ocean.

Homemade Irish Cream

Print me!

4 ounces milk chocolate
375 milliliters Irish whiskey (like Jameson or Bushmills)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon espresso powder (or Starbucks Via)

In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate bar until smooth. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the Irish whiskey and the vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the evaporated milk. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it is warm and stir in the espresso powder until combined. Whisk the warm cream slowly into the mixture until incorporated.

Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Serve over ice or mixed into coffee.

Makes 1.5 liters

So, what are you doing New Year’s Eve? However you choose to celebrate the impending midnight hour, may you have a joyous New Year!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Tara @ Unsophisticook says
December 28, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Yum, I’ll take two please!
Reply
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
December 28, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Pretty sure I will be celebrating with a little (or a lotta ;)) bit of this all the way into the New Year. Yummy!
Reply
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
December 28, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I think it’s fate that all the ingredients for your homemade Irish Cream are in my pantry right now. We’re staying in this year, and I’ve already begun to think of things I’d like to accomplish in 2013. I’m not a fan of resolutions. Instead, goals. Goals for being better, doing better. And with that, I’ll start by telling you how glad I am to call you friend, Shaina. I couldn’t imagine life (or 2013) without you. Happy New Year!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 29, 2012 at 11:48 am
  Thanks so much, Amber. I love the idea of goals being about action and getting things done.
  Reply
Elizabeth Ann says
December 28, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Oh YUM! 😉 This looks to die for! 🙂
Reply
Justin- Writing Pad Dad says
December 28, 2012 at 5:22 pm
All I can say is “Pour me one!”. Already printed this one out!
Writing Pad Dad
Reply
Miss says
December 28, 2012 at 9:09 pm
See Also
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie - The Recipe Well A Tribute to Woody (Homemade Ginger Ale Float) Recipe on Food52
All I’m missing is the whiskey, and I will be getting some to try this! I’m sure it is fantastic! Happy New Year!
Reply
Angie says
December 29, 2012 at 7:35 am
What a great gift this would make!
Reply
Sandy @ RE says
December 29, 2012 at 10:10 am
So yummy. I love Irish Cream. I had to read this word several times – ha ha. milliliters … 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 29, 2012 at 11:46 am
  Ha. Weird seeing it all spelled out, isn’t it? It’s just half a 750mL bottle, so not too difficult to measure by eye.
  Reply
Paula - bell'alimento says
December 29, 2012 at 3:24 pm
I love this. Just made homemade Amaretto and said to hubs that this would be next! xoxo Happy New Year to y’all!
Reply
Diane {Created by Diane} says
December 29, 2012 at 4:53 pm
looks delicious!
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Winnie says
December 29, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Oh my gosh…this looks incredible! Happy New Year Shaina!
Reply
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
December 29, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Wish (yet again) that we were neighbors. This looks crazy good, Shaina! Definitely stocking up on the ingredients to try my own.
Reply
Elisa says
December 30, 2012 at 1:24 am
Can’t wait to try it! Is there a crockpot method?
Reply
JulieD says
December 30, 2012 at 2:22 am
Looks awesome, Shaina!! I want to try to make this too! Happy New Year, friend!!
Reply
shelly (cookies and cups) says
December 31, 2012 at 9:58 am
This is so great! Saying good bye to loved ones is always tough, isn’t it? Hate it.
Happy New Year to you!
Reply
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
December 31, 2012 at 10:53 am
Ooooooo, that looks fabulous!! Think I need to make it for tonight….
Reply
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
December 31, 2012 at 1:46 pm
I love making stuff like this at home!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 31, 2012 at 4:01 pm
  I should warn you that it has ruined the store-bought variety for me. Not that that’s a problem.
  Reply
Marly says
December 31, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Beautiful photos and I love the idea of making this yourself…that way I can make mine vegan. Life is so good!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 31, 2012 at 4:00 pm
  Thanks, Marly. Have a Happy New Year!
  Reply
Emmy Anderson says
January 1, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Aw, for crying out loud. I am GONNA DO THIS!
Reply
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
January 2, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Now that’s much better choice than using those weck jars for juice. 😉
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Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says
January 3, 2013 at 9:31 am
I’m so glad you go the extra mile and taste test… it’s very important, yes? 🙂
Happy New Year to all of you – I’m really looking forward to the day when we can clink glasses in person again! I’ll make a batch of this, if you want.
Reply
KRisten says
January 3, 2013 at 5:24 pm
I want to be your neighbor… please?
Reply
Jessica says
January 4, 2013 at 12:05 am
I’m pretty sure the meaning of it all is to drown myself in your Homemade Irish Cream. YUM! Hope you have an awesome 2013 Shaina!
Reply
- Shaina says
  January 4, 2013 at 9:02 am
  Perhaps bathing in it rather than drowning would be a less tragic tale?
  Reply
Erin @ The Hopeless Housewife says
January 4, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Happy New Year, this looks amazing!
Reply
Nancy Pfeifer says
January 4, 2013 at 2:22 pm
YUM! I love this…. I’d love for you to link to my party if you get a minute- http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/01/tuesday-link-party-4.html
Reply
Tracy says
January 11, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Homemade Irish cream, how can it get any better? This looks heavenly and a perfect way to start off the new year.
Reply
happy wheels says
March 10, 2020 at 10:08 pm
SOOO good. Followed your instructions, and it turned out perfectly. Even made a second batch the next day so we wouldn’t run out over the holidays. Next year, I’m making a ton of this for gifts. Thanks for the great gift idea!
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bubble shooter says
August 16, 2020 at 2:45 am
It looks so beautiful and delicious, I really like your recipe, I’m thinking about making it for the kids at home and making them happy, thank you.
Reply
y8 says
March 13, 2021 at 5:27 am
Great post, Thanks for providing us this great knowledge, Keep it up.
Reply

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Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site_title (2024)

FAQs

What is Irish cream made from? ›

Irish cream is a rich liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream. It can be served straight, on the rocks, or mixed into co*cktails. You can also use it as an ingredient in boozy, decadent desserts.

Read On ›

What should you not mix with Baileys? ›

Baileys can be easily mixed with all manner of beverages to make a simple, creamy drink. The only rule is to avoid citrus or anything with a lot of citric acid, which makes it curdle. That means avoid juices and soda.

Find Out More ›

How long does homemade Irish cream last? ›

Now, you'll notice that this homemade drink contains dairy. This means that once you've made it, proper storage is key or you won't get to keep enjoying the drink for long. As a general rule of thumb, you can store your freshly made Irish cream for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Learn More ›

Why did my homemade Baileys curdle? ›

Certain blenders (particularly the powerful ones) can curdle the mixture slightly as they 'whip' the cream. To avoid this, start your blender on a very low speed and increase slowly to medium-low. Mix until ingredients only just combined.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the original Irish cream? ›

This is where it all began! Original Irish Cream blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream and a touch of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. Pour over ice cream, mix into coffee, or enjoy it with ice for an originally delish Baileys moment.

Discover More Details ›

What not to mix with Irish cream? ›

The key thing to remember when experimenting with Molly's Irish Cream drinks recipes is that cream liquors do not mix well with citrus based ingredients.

Learn More Now ›

Can you drink Baileys 3 years out of date? ›

Does Bailey's Irish Cream go bad or expire? Generally as long as you don't subject it to temperature extremes it will last well beyond the official 2 year "best taste before" date. Over time the taste will change and the liquid tends to go a bit darker but only really noticeable if you do a side by side comparison.

Read The Full Story ›

What's the best mix for Baileys? ›

Baileys and vodka go so well together, and Baileys and coffee is already a classic mix! It's so simple to make at home. In just three easy steps, you'll have a show-stopping co*cktail that'll treat your friends – or why not add a touch of decadence to your group's movie night?

What gives Irish cream its flavor? ›

Good old Irish cream comes together with an easy-to-love blend of whiskey, cream, a sweetener, and flavorings like chocolate syrup and instant coffee powder. Sure, it's not top-level mixology, but it doesn't need to be — it's hard to deny the allure of a stiff, sweet, and creamy drink.

Tell Me More ›

Can homemade Irish cream be frozen? ›

Keeps well in the refrigerator for about 2-4 weeks. Swing-top glass bottles are great for storing and gifting this Irish cream. Homemade Bailey's can also be kept in an airtight and leakproof jar in the freezer. Shake well after freezing.

What happens if you don't refrigerate Irish cream liqueur? ›

How should I store cream liqueurs? It is recommended that cream liqueurs be stored in a cool place, but refrigeration is not necessary. Manufacturers of cream liqueurs point to the effective preservative qualities of alcohol as the reason that refrigeration is not required.

Show Me More ›

Does the milk in Baileys go bad? ›

Yes, Bailey's can go bad. It's a cream liqueur and as such can break down. You would see some curdling and it would taste sour, like milk gone bad.

Discover More Details ›

Does homemade Baileys need to be refrigerated? ›

Instructions. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree on high speed for 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to an airtight container or glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

How do you mix Baileys without curdling? ›

Use full-fat milk or cream: Using full-fat milk or cream in your coffee can help prevent curdling. The higher fat content helps to stabilize the mixture [1]. Allow the coffee to cool slightly: Allowing the coffee to cool slightly before adding Baileys can reduce the likelihood of curdling.

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What kind of alcohol is in Irish cream? ›

Baileys Irish Cream is a liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa that's manufactured in Ireland. It was invented in 1973 and went on to become the top selling liqueur worldwide.

Learn More ›

What is Baileys Irish Cream made of? ›

Baileys Irish Cream is an Irish cream liqueur made of cream, cocoa and Irish whiskey emulsified together with vegetable oil. Baileys is made by Diageo at Nangor Road, in Dublin, Ireland and in Mallusk, Northern Ireland.

Discover More ›

Can I drink 10 year old Baileys? ›

Read The Full Story ›

What's the difference between Baileys and Irish cream? ›

At its simplest, Irish cream contains Irish whiskey and cream, but many brands, including Baileys, add other flavorings like chocolate and vanilla.

Read The Full Story ›

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site_title (2024)

Homemade Irish Cream

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FAQs

What is Irish cream made from? ›

What happens if you don't refrigerate Irish cream liqueur? ›