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Homemade Baileys Irish Cream

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Mix this copycat version of Baileys Irish cream into your hot chocolate or coffee, whip up some holiday cocktails, or simply drink it poured over ice.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

17 reviews
6 comments

ingredients

1 cup light cream
1 can (14 ounce size) sweetened condensed milk
1 2/3 cup Irish Whiskey
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for 30 seconds. Place in a tightly sealed bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Shake the Irish cream well before serving.

cook's notes

The liqueur will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator.

recipe tips


For a richer flavor, use high-quality Irish whiskey.

Try different flavor variations by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serve Baileys Irish cream over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Adjust the amount of instant coffee granules for a stronger coffee flavor.

Store the bottle of Baileys Irish cream upright in the refrigerator to prevent leaking.

Shake the Irish cream well before serving each time as the ingredients may settle.

common recipe questions


What is Baileys Irish cream?

Baileys Irish cream is a creamy liqueur made with a combination of dairy, Irish whiskey, and various flavorings like coffee and chocolate.

Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?

Yes, heavy cream can be substituted for light cream for a richer and creamier texture.

Why use instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules add a subtle coffee flavor without diluting the liqueur with extra liquid.

Can I use sugar-free or fat-free sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, either of those will work just fine in this recipe.

Can I freeze Baileys Irish cream?

It is not recommended to freeze Baileys Irish cream as the texture and flavor may be affected. Store it in the refrigerator instead.

How can I make a dairy-free version?

You can make a dairy-free version by using almond or coconut milk instead of light cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of dairy.

How can I make a stronger alcoholic version?

To make a stronger version, you can increase the amount of Irish whiskey used in the recipe.

Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavor?

You can substitute almond extract with other extracts like hazelnut or coconut for a different flavor.


nutrition data

692 calories, 20 grams fat, 62 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. WVCooker REVIEW:

    Love this recipe. For a more economical liquor, use Christian Brothers Brandy.

  2. Grammasue REVIEW:

    I make this also & it’s fat free but not calorie free. I use 2 cups FF H&H, FF Sweetened Cond Milk, and 1/4 c. Kahlua in place of coffee. When I double the recipe I use a Qt of FF H&H & double the rest of info. But only use one (1) can of sweetened cond milk as it’s too sweet with two cans. Don’t leave out the almond as it helps give the “Irish Cream” taste.

  3. Joe

    Does this need to be refrigerated?

    • Definitely! It contains cream which will go bad if not refrigerated. As per the recipe, it will keep up to 2 months when refrigerated.

  4. McDee REVIEW:

    I don't even know where to begin but this recipe is simply amazing! THANK YOU for sharing this with us! I have tried others and they don't even come close to this. However, I can say that I omitted the Almond Extract. Skip the almond and this recipe is spot on. Just wonderful!!!

  5. weezey REVIEW:

    Loved it..Thanks My recipe is a little different I don't put in cream I use whiskey,eagle brand milk, 1 T cho syrup 1t vanilla, 1/2 t coconut extract, 4-eggs whip for 5 min in blender keep refrig...Enjoy...

  6. lalana85 REVIEW:

    I made this according to the recipe and the cream got curdled and I had to strain it. Therefore, the thickness of the liquor was not there. But the taste was fabulous and we all enjoyed it. Where did I go wrong to have the cream curdled.I put everything in to the liquidizer for 30 seconds.

  7. Doug

    Cut out the almond as it over powered all other flavors, also not enough whiskey....use 2 cups or close to that to get the "BITE" of Bailey's

  8. Rocstud REVIEW:

    One must remember everybody taste is not the same so therefore if you try it and you dont like it dont be critical its only a recipe. For me its exelent for gifts. Especially for special friends.

  9. memphisjoet REVIEW:

    Ditch the almond and use fat free half and half and fat free sweetened condensed milk. Compared it to Bailey's and it's virtually the same. Just as good if you cut the Jameson's to 1-1/3 cup.

  10. Guest Foodie

    Sorry, i didn't like it at all. Followed directions to the T except used heavy cream. I do love corolans and baileys. I used Telledew irish whiskey. The almomd was to strong and maybe the instant coffee as well. I think I will stick to buying my irish cream.

  11. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    This receipe is good and simple. Just one comment use real Irish whiskey like Jamison's. I know it's expensive, but that is what gives it such a great taste. No substitutes. I've made this and given it as gifts just wonderful.

  12. TMercredi

    I too used heavy cream and cut the almond and chocolate amounts by half. I used a little less whiskey as well and it's great - a big hit with family and friends!

  13. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Johnny Walker is Scotch Whisky, not Irish Whiskey. You could use Tullamore Dew if you want to remain "Irish" or even Bushmills or perhaps poorer quality Paddy . . . but why waste good whiskey in a mix? The suggestion of Southern Comfort (a sweetened whiskey) is good as it is inexpensive.

  14. Jim in ABQ REVIEW:

    Tried recipe as posted, found it a bit too heavy with almond & chocolate. Also a bit thinner than our taste. We tried again substituting heavy cream (instead of light) and cutting chocolate & almond by half. It was excellent. A side note on whiskey's. Irish Whiskey is a whiskey distilled in Ireland. The two most popular that are available in the US are Bushmills and Jamesons. Either will make this a true "Irish" cream. While I love Segrams VO, Segrams whiskeys have a distinct flavor that carries through any drink recipe - this is NOT an irish flavor.

  15. Alaska REVIEW:

    This is a GREAT recipe! Off the shelf, I prefer Carolans Irish Cream over Bailey's, but this recipe is even better than Carolans, and much more "budget friendly". I doubled the recipe, used 1/2 & 1/2, a full bottle of Bushmills (750 mil) and a little extra chocolate syrup. It turned out SO good! In a nice decanter, this will make really nice and affordable Christmas gifts for my neighbors.

  16. FloridaJo REVIEW:

    Too much Almond like other reviewer said. Not creamy enough, I would use heavy cream next time. I used Seagrams 7 and it just wasn't working out. Overall, too thin, too almondy, too chocolaty, need a different whiskey. No where near as good as Baileys.

  17. I am Irish!

    You cant have Irish cream without Irish whisky preferabley Johnny Walker Red

  18. Shelley69 REVIEW:

    very good!!!! But insted of vanilla I used pure almond extract.Turned out excellent!!!

  19. Guest Foodie

    When making irish cream,try using butterscotch schnopps instead of almond or vannilla.It's perfect.

  20. DaggettBeaver REVIEW:

    A little heavy on the almond and chocolate. I cut these in half, used heavy whipping cream, and increased the whisky (I used Seagrams 7) to 2 cups. Very nice and warming.

  21. Aussie Jenny REVIEW:

    I've been making a similar recipe for years. I add a pinch of cinnamon. My family and friends love it. We think it's better (and cheaper) than the real thing. It's delicious served over ice cubes at the end of a meal on a hot day.

  22. Irish Colleen REVIEW:

    I made this for the neighbors for St. Patrick's Day 2006. It is just as wonderful as the 5 Stars indicated. I'm now the most beloved person in the neighborhood!

  23. Sandra22 REVIEW:

    Had to try this recipe since it was the only one using Southern Comfort and I couldn't imagine how it would taste. I can hardly tell the difference between this recipe and the ones using Irish Whiskey. This may be a little smoother. Big difference is whether the recipe uses eggs or not -eggs make it thicker and better, I think.

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