Homemade Butterscotch Irish Cream – Rich Creamy and Luxurious
Did you know that you can make Irish cream in as little as 5 minutes? Today I take the classic Irish cream recipe to a whole new level with this butterscotch Irish cream. Rich, creamy and smooth, this homemade Irish cream is loaded with butterscotch flavor, and yet not too sweet. This is going to be your next favorite drink.
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The Secret is out
Did you know that Baileys is not the only one that made Irish Cream? Ha..! Well, back in university I didn’t know that.
I have been making this Irish cream for many years now but never told anyone why it tasted different and so much better than the original. It was my secret.
Yup, I kept the recipe a secret from my friends for a long time until a few years ago when I told them that the Irish cream I make is not the classic but a butterscotch flavor. I thought it was fun to watch them guess the recipe. The harder they tried, the more I guarded the recipe.
Ah well, not anymore. Today, I share it with you but with a warning. Once you have this butterscotch Irish cream there is no going back to the classic. The flavor is so rich, creamy and heavenly. Like a friend here said – it’s so exotic and luxurious.
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About this Butterscotch Irish Cream
As you can see its entirely different from the classic recipe.
First of all, butterscotch is sweet just like caramel. So adding a butterscotch sauce to the classic Irish cream tends to make it sweeter and thicker. Also, evaporated milk is condensed milk but without the added sugar. In addition, I’ve also reduced the amount of cream. Hence, these two ingredients offset the extra sugar and cream in the butterscotch sauce balancing it perfectly. As a result, you get this beautiful butterscotch flavored Irish cream that’s rich, creamy, thick and luxurious.
Now, I don’t know about you, but for me, Baileys is not just an after dinner drink. It’s a perfect addition to that cup of coffee or hot chocolate over the weekends. Especially in winter and definitely on Valentine’s Day.
Try a splash of Baileys 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?
What Makes a Good Irish Cream?
The Irish whiskey of course. So, if you plan to make this Irish cream recipe make sure to use a good Irish whiskey. I’m using Jameson, and I 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.
How do you Make Irish Cream? How to Make Baileys?
The classic Irish cream is very easy to make. Just blend all these ingredients in a blender and store it in the fridge for up to 2 months.
- 1 cup fresh cream
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup or 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 can (14 oz) can condensed milk
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 2/3 cup Irish whiskey
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 like 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 Recipe?
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 with the whiskey is an absolute treat.
Can I Make a Classic Irish Cream Without Condensed Milk?
Yes, you can by reducing milk for a while. BakeAlish has the recipe and video on how to make Baileys without condensed milk.
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 ubiquitous. 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.
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Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- Chocolate syrup – This is a sweet chocolate flavor syrup used on pancakes and waffles. If you do not have chocolate syrup, simply combine 1 tbsp cocoa powder in hot water with the coffee.
- Coffee – I’m using instant coffee. And yet, I still prefer to mix it in hot water. Since that way, I get the most out of it. If you like an intense coffee flavor use 30 ml of espresso instead.
- Butterscotch sauce – You can use store-bought, and these are readily available in any supermarket these days. BUT you can make some at home in less than 5 minutes (yes!! really – 5 minutes). Get my recipe and video here.
- Evaporated milk – Usually condensed milk is used when making classic Irish cream. And yet, since butterscotch is already sweet and creamy, I use evaporated milk, which is condensed milk without the sugar. Makes sense?
- Fresh cream – I used 38% fat because we want our Irish cream to be heavenly sweet, creamy and smooth.
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Recipe – Butterscotch Irish Cream – Rich, Creamy and smooth (Save/Pin)
Useful Tips and Tools
- Ideally, you do not need a blender because everything is in liquid form. You do, however, need to make sure you combine everything well. The sauce thickens in the fridge when cooling not in the blender.
- For me, a simple mixing bowl and whisk do the job beautifully.
- Also, you do need to make sure that you pour these in sterilized bottles or containers so they can last their shelf life of almost 2 months.
Ingredients
- 250 ml butterscotch sauce – Recipe here
- 2 tsp instant coffee (use espresso for stronger)
- 30 ml hot water
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup (see substitute above)
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 120 ml fresh cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Add coffee to the hot water – stir until it dissolves.
- In a bowl or large measuring cup.
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- Combine the butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla.
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- Use a whisk to combine well.
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- Next, add in the cream.
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- Followed by the evaporated milk – combine well.
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- Lastly, add the whiskey – combine well.
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- Pour into sterilized bottles that seal well.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
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Baileys Irish Cream Recipe, Best Irish Cream Recipe, Butterscotch Irish Cream Recipe from Scratch
Butterscotch Homemade Irish Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butterscotch sauce recipe here
- 2 tsp Instant coffee use espresso for stronger coffee flavor
- 30 ml Hot water
- 2 tbsp Chocolate syrup or 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 can Evaporated milk
- 120 ml Fresh cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add coffee to the hot water - stir until it dissolves.
- In a bowl or large measuring cup.
- Combine the butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla.
- Use a whisk to combine well.
- Next, add in the cream.
- Followed by the evaporated milk - combine well.
- Lastly, add the whiskey - combine well.
- Pour into sterilized bottles that seal well.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
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Debra
I love making homemade liqueurs to keep and give as gifts. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Me too – these make perfect homemade gifts.
Natalie
Oh wow. This sounds dreamy. So delicious. My husband is a huge fan of irish cream. I can’t wait to serve make him this. I bet he will be surprised.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Nathalie. I think he will love this.
Jagruti Dhanecha
Hubby loves Baily, definitely, it’s going to be his Valentin’s treat from me. Cream and butterscotch, just yum!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jagruti. Yes, that sounds perfect for Valentine’s Day treat.
Claire
I never knew you could make your own Irish cream!! Talk about a game changer. I have some friends who love Irish cream in their drinks so I’m definitely going to have to whip up a batch before their next visit.
Veena Azmanov
Yes, Claire. Its very easy and quick too. They will love this and be very fascinated that you made it home.
Daniela
Yum! Haven’t played around with cocktails as much as I’d like to… thanks for the inspiration :).
Veena Azmanov
You are welcome, Daniela.
Lorie
I have two bottles of Baileys in the house now. But homemade and with butterscotch?! This sounds like my kind of heaven!!!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Lorie. You will love this one.
Tammy
Ooh wow this looks incredibly delicious, Veena! I love the idea of butterscotch in Irish Cream…I’ve never made my own but I get homemade is better ;D
Veena Azmanov
Thank you,Tammy.
Kathryn
I’m a big Irish Cream fan but have actually never made my own. Adding the butterscotch flavoring to this might just be the right incentive to get me to do it!!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kathryn. This is so easy to make.
Amy
OMG you’re telling me there’s a home made butterscotch cream and we can make it at home? I’d love this over a cup of strong coffee 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Amy. Yes, you can bake butterscotch at home and then use it to make Irish Cream.
Marisa Franca
We make an Irish cream every year but not butterscotch flavored. What a great variation. I know the adults in our family would LOVE it. We like finishing a special meal with an after dinner drink. The sweet is just enough to satisfy the sweet tooth. Can’t wait to try the butterscotch.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Marisa. Yes, we make Irish Cream often here too. A small cup after meal is perfect. Great with coffee too.
Kiki Johnson
OH MY GOD, a shot of this heavenly concoction would take my Sunday morning coffee to a whole new level! LOVE this recipe! Also a great gift!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, would be great for gifts. Thanks Kiki.
Aleta
I didn’t think Irish cream could get any better.. but butterscotch flavoured Irish cream? That sounds delicious!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Aleta. I think you will love this.
Des
I need this cream in my life now! I am adding the ingredients to my grocery list now, so I can make this later this week.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Des. I think you will enjoy this.
Elaine Benoit
Holy moly! This butterscotch Irish cream looks so FUN and delicious! I love homemade liquor of any type and this is on my todo list!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Eline.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Butterscotch Irish Cream? This sounds positively magical! I’ve normally blended my Baileys in other cocktails, but this looks like it would be terrific on its own!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Lisa.
Demeter
I love that you can make a non-alcoholic version too! Now everyone can enjoy it!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, Demeter. Thanks
kim
Such a yummy easy recipe! So perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Kim.
Lisa Huff
Butterscotch and Irish Cream all in one?! OMG yes please! I don’t think it would last long in our house either.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Lisa. I know right!!
Danielle Wolter
this sounds so creamy and delicious! I don’t drink, but I can imagine this would be great as a coffee creamer sans alcohol!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Danielle. Absolutely a little in the coffee is all you need.