Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (2024)

Created On: &nbsp|Updated: | 3 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see ourfull Disclosure Policyfor details.

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

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.

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (3)

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.
Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (5)

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)

If you love this recipe, please consider leaving a 5 STAR RATING! If you really love it, leave us a comment and let us know – we appreciate all forms of feedback!

LET’S CONNECT!

Join in on the fun inour Facebook group!Feel free to share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, help out your fellow home cooks, and see what’s new with The Crumby Kitchen (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to joinHERE.

Also, don’t forget to follow us onInstagramand tag #crumbykitchen so we can see all the wonderful recipes YOU recreate from this site!

ORDER OUR #1 BEST SELLER COOKBOOK!

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (7)

You can also enjoy exclusive content before anyone else bysubscribing to our weekly newsletter– and you’ll never miss a delicious recipe again!

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe (8)

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

Print Pin Rate Save

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? ›

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? ›

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 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.

Is Irish cream the same as Baileys? ›

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

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 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.

Can I drink 10 year old Baileys? ›

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. I've tasted samples of all ages up to and including 10 years old - didn't taste "off" or cause any sickness.

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.

What does Starbucks use for Irish cream? ›

What's included. Everything and more that you ever wanted in a sippable, dreamy holiday drink: Starbucks® Cold Brew swirled with Irish cream syrup, and topped with a cloud of vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a hint of cocoa.

Why does Irish cream taste so good? ›

For several reasons, Baileys Irish Cream is regarded as a quality liqueur. The fusion of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa flavour contributes to its distinct and creamy taste. These components work together to produce a smooth, decadent flavour that many people find appealing. Its adaptability is another justification.

What is a substitute for Irish cream flavor? ›

The liqueur is whiskey-based but neat whiskey as a straight replacement may be too strong for the dessert. However a combination of whiskey and cream should give a close alternative to the liqueur.

What is a cheaper alternative to Baileys Irish Cream? ›

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.

Should Baileys be refrigerated? ›

It's not essential to store cream liqueurs like Baileys the fridge if you haven't got any room, but it's preferable. However, the most important thing is to avoid higher temperatures and sunlight so anywhere cool and dark will do the job.

What's the difference between Kirkland Irish Cream and Baileys? ›

Kirkland's version was noticeably creamier than its counterpart with a more balanced flavor that would play well with other spirits in a sweet co*cktail or dessert without bringing in an overbearing alcoholic bite. That being said, Kirkland's Irish cream lacked the hint of cocoa for which Baileys is known and loved.

How long is five farms Irish cream good for? ›

DOES FIVE FARMS EXPIRE? Unopened, a bottle of Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur has a shelf life of two years. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within six months.

How do you preserve Baileys Irish Cream? ›

When stored in the right conditions, an opened bottle can last for up to two years. The key to preserving Baileys quality after opening lies in storing it correctly. To maximize its time, store the opened bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. A cupboard or liquor cabinet are ideal locations.

How long does homemade Kahlua last? ›

If stored properly, homemade Kahlua will maintain its flavor and potency for about three to four years. Kahlua that has gone bad will smell off and have a watered-down taste.

Can Baileys be kept in the fridge? ›

Once opened, you might be tempted to store the creamy liqueur in the fridge in order to make it last longer - but contrary to popular belief, you don't need to. You can store the tipple at room temperature - and doesn't have to go in the fridge.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6219

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.