Take the classic Irish cream to a whole new level with this butterscotch Irish cream recipe. Rich, creamy and smooth, loaded with butterscotch flavor, and yet not too sweet. This is going to be your next favorite drink.
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.
Today, I share it with you, but with a warning. Once you have this butterscotch Irish cream there is no going back to anything else. The flavor is so rich, creamy, and heavenly. Like a friend of mine said - it's so exotic and luxurious.
About this recipe
As you can see it's entirely different from the classic recipe. We use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk so its' not too sweet. In addition, I've also reduced the amount of cream because butterscotch is thick and already has cream for consistency. 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, chocolate martini, or hot chocolate. Especially in winter and definitely on Valentine's Day.
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?
Ingredients and substitutes
- 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.
Step by step instructions
- n a small bowl, combine instant coffee with hot water - stir until it dissolves. Set aside
- In a bowl or large measuring cup. Combine the butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla. Using a whisk works better
- Next, add in the cream followed by the evaporated milk - You can use a hand blender to combine well.
- Lastly, add the whiskey - combine well.
- Pour into sterilized liquor storage bottles (these bottle seal properly so the alcohol won't evaporate)
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
Baileys and Kahlua, both are creamy and coffee-based liquors. However, Kahlua is stronger in coffee flavor while Baileys is more subtle.Â
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.Â
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 too.Â
Yes, you can by reducing milk for a while. BakeAlish has the recipe and video on how to make Baileys without condensed milk.
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.Â
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?
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Butterscotch Irish Cream Recipe
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Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) Butterscotch sauce recipe here
- 2 tsp Instant coffee use espresso for stronger coffee flavor
- 4 tbsp Hot water
- 2 tbsp Chocolate syrup or 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 can (354 g) Evaporated milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) Fresh cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup (250 ml) Irish Whiskey or similar (you can add less or more)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine instant coffee with hot water - stir until it dissolves. Set aside
- In a bowl or large measuring cup. Combine the butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla. Using a whisk works better
- Next, add in the cream followed by the evaporated milk. You can use a hand blender to combine well.
- Lastly, add the whiskey - combine well.
- Pour into sterilized liquor storage bottles (these bottle seal properly so the alcohol won't evaporate)
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Karen Young
Can you please tell me how to unsubscribe to this website? I can't find the information to unsubscribe anywhere!
Veena Azmanov
Hey Karen, If you referring to an email, then every email has an unsubscribe at the bottom of the email. If you referring to the phone notification then that setting is not on the blog. It's on your phone browser settings under saved or similar. You need to remove the site from your list of favorites. Hope this helps. Thanks
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.