Homemade Baileys Irish Cream (video recipe)

Name: Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Heavy cream (38%); 2 tbsp Chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder); 1 can Condensed Milk (14 oz); 1 tsp Instant coffee; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 cup Irish whiskey

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Rich, creamy, and luxurious this homemade Baileys Irish cream is made with condensed milk, whipping cream, coffee, and a splash of chocolate. This homemade version is the perfect alternative to the store-bought Irish cream.

A glass with baileys — Easy Irish Cream homemade with Irish Whiskey - Copy Cat Baileys

Baileys was a popular drink in our home with all the ladies. They didn't drink hard alcohol like rum, vodka, or whiskey. I guess because Baileys is milk-based, it somehow masked the reality that they were drinking alcohol. If you told them they were drinking whiskey they'd probably ignore the fact anyway.

It's rich creamy and oh so delish. I myself make a few variations. If you have not tired my Butterscotch Irish Cream, or my baileys chocolate martini, you must.

About this Irish cream

Below, I have given you a very standard recipe, which is like a copy of the original Irish cream. However, everything in this recipe can be adjusted to your own preference.

Coffee - As you can see in the video, I've used more coffee because we love a bit more coffee flavor.
Chocolate - You can also add more chocolate syrup to bump the chocolate flavor. Take note that chocolate syrup is sweetened as well. So, when combined with the condensed milk it can be very sweet.
Whiskey - When I make Baileys, I divide it into two: in one I add alcohol for the adults, while the second is without alcohol and more chocolate so the kids can enjoy. You can add more than 1 cup or less than a cup of whiskey in the alcoholic version.

A person pouring Irish cream into a bottle. — Easy Irish Cream homemade with Irish Whiskey - Copy Cat Baileys

Ingredients and substitutes

Whiskey - It's got to be Irish whiskey of course. I use Jameson, but you can use any brand you fancy.
Cream - The thicker the cream the richer the Irish cream. I use 38% fat. I recommend no less than 32%.
Sweetened condensed milk - I use a 14 oz can. You can use homemade condensed milk as well.
Chocolate syrup - If you have it, use it. I never buy store-bought chocolate syrup. So, if I don't have homemade, I just use cocoa powder.
Vanilla extract - Vanilla is the only flavor in here, so use a good quality vanilla extract.
Instant coffee - You want just a hint of coffee to keep it original. But in our home, we do love a bit of extra coffee. As you can see in the video, I've used a little more coffee so the color is darker as well.

A glass with baileys and ice — Easy Irish Cream homemade with Irish Whiskey - Copy Cat Baileys

Step by step instructions

In a blender, combine cream, sweetened condensed milk, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, and vanilla.
Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
Add the whiskey and give it one more mix with the blender.
Pro tip - Do not overmix at this time as the alcohol can break down the whipped cream and curdle it.
Transfer the baileys to clean sterilized liquor storage bottles with tight-fitting lids.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Learn to make Baileys at home in just 2 minutes - Irish cream with Irish cream

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A glass with ice and baileys — Easy Irish Cream homemade with Irish Whiskey - Copy Cat Baileys

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good Irish cream?

The Irish whiskey of course. So, if you plan to make this Irish cream, make sure to use a good Irish whiskey. I'm using Jameson, and prefer that over the others. For example, scotch is a Scottish whiskey, but it's distilled only twice, while Irish whiskey is distilled three times. I didn't know that until two years ago.

Is Baileys the same as Kahlua?

Baileys and Kahlua, both are creamy and coffee-based liquors. However, Kahlua is stronger in coffee flavor while Baileys is more subtle.

Does Irish cream need to be refrigerated? How long can you store Irish cream?

Yes, it needs to be refrigerated at all times. Because it has dairy content in the condensed milk and fresh cream. Also, Irish cream tastes so much better chilled or over some ice. Ideally, it will last in the fridge for up to 2 months. I have yet to make a batch that has lasted more than a week.

Can I make Irish cream non-alcoholic? How do I make a virgin Irish cream?

Yes, I do it all the time. If you see in the video I saved some in the bottle with the blue cap before I added the whiskey. I always do that and keep some for my friends who don't drink alcohol. The drink on its own, without the whiskey, is an absolute treat.

Can I make Irish cream without condensed milk?

Yes, you can, by making homemade condensed milk, which is basically just reducing full-fat milk to about ⅓ of its original volume. You can also use my recipe for homemade condensed milk in 5 minutes. Whichever you use, let it cool before you use it in the recipe.

How do you drink Irish cream with or without ice?

Ice can dilute Irish cream making it more liquid, and yet Baileys over ice is common. I like my Baileys thick and creamy. So, I prefer it chilled rather than diluted with ice. Having said that, in winter we have it chilled in the fridge while in hot, humid summers we have it over ice.

What else can I do with Baileys Irish cream?

Try a splash of Bailey's in creamy desserts like chocolate mousse or Tiramisu. A generous splash of Irish cream over your favorite chocolate cake makes it moist and oh so delicious. Also, have you tried brownies with Irish cream and a dollop of ice cream?