Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (2024)

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This quick and easy homemade Irish cream recipe is the one you’ve been looking for! You’ll never have to buy a bottle at the liquor store again when all it takes is 5 minutes and 6 ingredients to make the perfect copycat version of your favorite silky-smooth Irish cream liqueur!

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (1)

DIYing your own homemade Irish cream recipe is really too hard to pass up.

Six ingredients? That you probably already have on hand?

This recipe is absolutely delicious! I’m always so happy with the results of a copycat recipe, and I promise you will be too once you whip up a batch or three.

This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (2)

What is Irish cream?

Irish cream is a cream-based liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, or mixed in co*cktails, coffee, or used in desserts. Typically made with Irish whiskey, the drink is lightly sweetened and also contains hints of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla flavors.

It has been made popular mostly in the form of Baileys Irish Cream, a well known store-bought brand. I’m a big fan of all of their flavors, and I use it a lot in baking, so our liquor cabinet is never without a bottle.

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Ingredients

Your homemade Baileys will blow that 2-year shelf life stuff out of the water. Plus, it’s ridiculously quick and easy to make. You don’t even need any special blender or strainer – a bowl and a whisk will do the job as well as any high-powered small kitchen appliance.

  • Sweetened condensed milk – keep a few extra cans of this on hands for whim recipes like this.
  • Irish whiskey – it IS boozy, after all.
  • Heavy cream
  • Instant coffee
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Vanilla extract
Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (4)

How to make homemade Irish cream

  1. In a blender, combine the all of the ingredients and blend on high speed until combined, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 months. Shake well before using and serve chilled over ice or splashed in your morning coffee.
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The best ways to use homemade Irish cream

So what will you do with your homemade Irish cream? Aside from sipping it as a dessert co*cktail with a little ice or using it in an Irish coffee, of course!?

It adds a nice kick to festive co*cktails like my mint chocolate Guinness float, and jazzes up a creamy espresso martini or Baileys Grasshopper, as well. As far as baking, you can add it to just about anything from cupcakes to lava cake to truffles. It’s the star in this Irish Cream Coffee Mud Pie.

Even more delicious Irish recipes to enjoy!

  • The Best Slow Cooker Irish Guinness Beef Stew
  • Easy Irish Soda Bread with Caraway
  • Small Batch Irish Coffee Cupcakes
  • Dublin Coddle: Classic Irish Stew
Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (6)

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Homemade Irish Cream

This quick and easy homemade Irish cream recipe is the one you’ve been looking for! You’ll never have to buy a bottle at the liquor store again when all it takes is 5 minutes and 6 ingredients to make the perfect copycat version of your favorite silky-smooth Irish cream liqueur!

4.55 from 57 votes

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Course: co*cktail, Ingredient

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: homemade irish cream

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 364kcal

Author: Erica

Ingredients

  • 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cups Irish whiskey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a blender, combine the all of the ingredients and blend on high speed until combined, 30-60 seconds.

  • Transfer mixture to an airtight container or glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 months. Shake well before using and serve chilled over ice or splashed in your morning coffee.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 237mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Snap a pic, post it, and mention @CrumbyKitchen or tag #crumbykitchen for some Instagram love!

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade Irish cream last? ›

Safely Storing Your Homemade Irish Cream

Remember, you can typically store your homemade Irish cream in the refrigerator for up to two months. However, that's not to say that it will always last that long. Some recipes may last for just a few weeks to a month rather than a full two months.

What is the main ingredient in Baileys 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.

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.

What can you substitute Irish cream with? ›

Heavy cream – or half & half. Half cup of whole milk and half cup of heavy whipping cream will work as well. Don't use only milk or your drink won't be creamy enough.

Why did my homemade Irish cream curdle? ›

Recipe Tip

Avoid curdling – I did some research as to ensure a life free of curdling and it's all about adding the alcohol slowly and being sure to use heavy cream. Alcohol is an acid so making irish cream with, say, whole milk will definitely break the milk, which could result in some serious coagulation.

What kind of whiskey is used in Baileys? ›

Gluckman told Irish Central that, after getting the call from the IDV, he and Seymour-Davies went to the nearest grocery store and purchased Jameson Irish Whiskey, Cadbury's Powdered Drinking Chocolate, and cream. They mixed it up in a cleaned-out Schweppes bottle, and the rudimentary recipe for Baileys was born.

Can I drink 10 year old Baileys? ›

Can you drink 10-year-old Baileys? If it looks okay and it tastes okay it should be safe to drink. We had some that curdled and solidified in the bottle and even after I managed to get it out it didn't taste very good.

Why is Baileys Irish Cream so expensive? ›

Baileys is made from the very best of premium quality dairy cream, triple-distilled whiskey, and fine spirits. It takes about 220 million liters of fresh cream from 38,000 top-bred Irish dairy cows (Baileys Ladies) for the creation of baileys annually.

What's the difference between Baileys and Kahlua? ›

Baileys and Kahlua both complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, but there are distinct differences between the two liqueurs. Baileys is creamy and derives its taste from cream, cocoa, and Irish Whiskey. Kahlua is dark without the creaminess of Baileys and is made with 100 percent arabica coffee, rum, and sugar.

Is Costco Irish Cream same as Baileys? ›

"We always have this in the house for Sunday morning coffees," Michaeleen added. Purists, however, were quick to point out one major difference in the comments. Costco's store brand has 13.9% alcohol content by volume. Baileys, on the other hand, has 17%.

What is a cheaper version of Baileys? ›

Saint Brendan's Irish Cream

It's a great substitute when you want something more budget-friendly than Baileys, but still retains the liqueur's desired chocolaty notes and creamy body.

Is it OK to drink out of date Baileys? ›

How long is Baileys good after the expiration date? According to Fitbility.com, you should try and consume your Baileys before the expiration date. However, it can last longer than its expiration date if stored properly but the quality isn't guaranteed. You'll need to check the look, smell and taste of the product.

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.

What is a cheap Irish cream? ›

Ryan's Irish Cream is one of the most consistently affordable bottles of Irish cream you can buy. It's made with imported whiskey and, like most Irish creams, the brand suggests you enjoy it on the rocks or in an after-dinner drink.

Why not mix Irish cream with citrus? ›

The acidic lime juice causes the cream-based Baileys to curdle. The curdled Baileys does not taste sour, but it does rapidly gain viscosity and stick to the drinker's teeth, reminiscent of cement.

How long does homemade Baileys keep for? ›

Pour into sterilised glasses, seal and place into the fridge. Keep unopened in the fridge for 2 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 1 week.

How long is homemade cream liqueur good for? ›

Homemade Irish cream liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and sugar with hints of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and almond. Delicious served on the rocks for a rich and creamy holiday treat! Will keep for 2 months if refrigerated.

Does homemade Irish cream need to be refrigerated? ›

Does Homemade Irish Cream Need to Be Refrigerated? This homemade Irish cream mix should be refrigerated after mixing so the cream doesn't curdle even though the alcohol contributes to it's stabilization.

Do you need to refrigerate homemade Irish cream liqueur? ›

While refrigeration is not necessary, cream liqueurs taste great when they are well chilled, and for most of us, the most convenient cool place of storage is our refrigerator. We would also recommend that cream liqueurs should be consumed within six to twelve months of opening.

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