Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site

Shaina · December 27, 2012 · 36 Comments

A recipe to make your own homemade Irish cream using Irish whiskey, coffee, chocolate, and of course, cream. A delightful toast to the New Year.

So we head towards the close of another year on the Gregorian calendar.

The end of the year and the beginning of a new one always seems like a good time to become that introspective person reflecting on life and its purpose, the meaning of it all, why we exist, and where we are headed, to reorient our personal path, make difficult choices or changes, and to embrace new opportunities. It’s also an excuse to kiss the people you love, hold them tightly, and be glad they are there.

Life is funny in how it twists and turns, bobs and weaves. Still, all those detours and potholes have led to this moment, and without them you would be missing important bits and pieces of what makes you who you are today. On the road of life, it is a series of experiences and the things we carry away with us as we move on, wearing them as badges on our breast and scars on our skin, that effect who we are going forward.

As we embark on another year of life’s journey, it naturally follows that we would also then be toasting with a glass of uisce beatha, aqua vitae, water of life. Whiskey, of course, of the Irish variety, and mixed with a few dangerously delicious friends: chocolate, cream, and coffee.

My Weck Juice Jars were up to the task. See how that one to the left is a bit lower? Taste testing. Important stuff.

Last night we said farewell to two people we love – again – as they head off into the sunset on yet another adventure, this one taking them even farther away from us than the last and with no return date in sight. As they set off for New Zealand and all the wonders of Kiwis, Maori, and hobbit holes I wish them the best and look forward to visiting their new plot of green grass on the other side of the ocean.

Homemade Irish Cream

Print me!

4 ounces milk chocolate
375 milliliters Irish whiskey (like Jameson or Bushmills)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon espresso powder (or Starbucks Via)

In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate bar until smooth. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the Irish whiskey and the vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the evaporated milk. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it is warm and stir in the espresso powder until combined. Whisk the warm cream slowly into the mixture until incorporated.

Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Serve over ice or mixed into coffee.

Makes 1.5 liters

So, what are you doing New Year’s Eve? However you choose to celebrate the impending midnight hour, may you have a joyous New Year!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Tara @ Unsophisticook says
December 28, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Yum, I’ll take two please!
Reply
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
December 28, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Pretty sure I will be celebrating with a little (or a lotta ;)) bit of this all the way into the New Year. Yummy!
Reply
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
December 28, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I think it’s fate that all the ingredients for your homemade Irish Cream are in my pantry right now. We’re staying in this year, and I’ve already begun to think of things I’d like to accomplish in 2013. I’m not a fan of resolutions. Instead, goals. Goals for being better, doing better. And with that, I’ll start by telling you how glad I am to call you friend, Shaina. I couldn’t imagine life (or 2013) without you. Happy New Year!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 29, 2012 at 11:48 am
  Thanks so much, Amber. I love the idea of goals being about action and getting things done.
  Reply
Elizabeth Ann says
December 28, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Oh YUM! 😉 This looks to die for! 🙂
Reply
Justin- Writing Pad Dad says
December 28, 2012 at 5:22 pm
All I can say is “Pour me one!”. Already printed this one out!
Writing Pad Dad
Reply
Miss says
December 28, 2012 at 9:09 pm
See Also
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All I’m missing is the whiskey, and I will be getting some to try this! I’m sure it is fantastic! Happy New Year!
Reply
Angie says
December 29, 2012 at 7:35 am
What a great gift this would make!
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Sandy @ RE says
December 29, 2012 at 10:10 am
So yummy. I love Irish Cream. I had to read this word several times – ha ha. milliliters … 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 29, 2012 at 11:46 am
  Ha. Weird seeing it all spelled out, isn’t it? It’s just half a 750mL bottle, so not too difficult to measure by eye.
  Reply
Paula - bell'alimento says
December 29, 2012 at 3:24 pm
I love this. Just made homemade Amaretto and said to hubs that this would be next! xoxo Happy New Year to y’all!
Reply
Diane {Created by Diane} says
December 29, 2012 at 4:53 pm
looks delicious!
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Winnie says
December 29, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Oh my gosh…this looks incredible! Happy New Year Shaina!
Reply
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
December 29, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Wish (yet again) that we were neighbors. This looks crazy good, Shaina! Definitely stocking up on the ingredients to try my own.
Reply
Elisa says
December 30, 2012 at 1:24 am
Can’t wait to try it! Is there a crockpot method?
Reply
JulieD says
December 30, 2012 at 2:22 am
Looks awesome, Shaina!! I want to try to make this too! Happy New Year, friend!!
Reply
shelly (cookies and cups) says
December 31, 2012 at 9:58 am
See Also
Coconut Date Balls Recipe
This is so great! Saying good bye to loved ones is always tough, isn’t it? Hate it.
Happy New Year to you!
Reply
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
December 31, 2012 at 10:53 am
Ooooooo, that looks fabulous!! Think I need to make it for tonight….
Reply
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
December 31, 2012 at 1:46 pm
I love making stuff like this at home!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 31, 2012 at 4:01 pm
  I should warn you that it has ruined the store-bought variety for me. Not that that’s a problem.
  Reply
Marly says
December 31, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Beautiful photos and I love the idea of making this yourself…that way I can make mine vegan. Life is so good!
Reply
- Shaina says
  December 31, 2012 at 4:00 pm
  Thanks, Marly. Have a Happy New Year!
  Reply
Emmy Anderson says
January 1, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Aw, for crying out loud. I am GONNA DO THIS!
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Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
January 2, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Now that’s much better choice than using those weck jars for juice. 😉
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Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says
January 3, 2013 at 9:31 am
I’m so glad you go the extra mile and taste test… it’s very important, yes? 🙂
Happy New Year to all of you – I’m really looking forward to the day when we can clink glasses in person again! I’ll make a batch of this, if you want.
Reply
KRisten says
January 3, 2013 at 5:24 pm
I want to be your neighbor… please?
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Jessica says
January 4, 2013 at 12:05 am
I’m pretty sure the meaning of it all is to drown myself in your Homemade Irish Cream. YUM! Hope you have an awesome 2013 Shaina!
Reply
- Shaina says
  January 4, 2013 at 9:02 am
  Perhaps bathing in it rather than drowning would be a less tragic tale?
  Reply
Erin @ The Hopeless Housewife says
January 4, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Happy New Year, this looks amazing!
Reply
Nancy Pfeifer says
January 4, 2013 at 2:22 pm
YUM! I love this…. I’d love for you to link to my party if you get a minute- http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/01/tuesday-link-party-4.html
Reply
Tracy says
January 11, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Homemade Irish cream, how can it get any better? This looks heavenly and a perfect way to start off the new year.
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happy wheels says
March 10, 2020 at 10:08 pm
SOOO good. Followed your instructions, and it turned out perfectly. Even made a second batch the next day so we wouldn’t run out over the holidays. Next year, I’m making a ton of this for gifts. Thanks for the great gift idea!
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bubble shooter says
August 16, 2020 at 2:45 am
It looks so beautiful and delicious, I really like your recipe, I’m thinking about making it for the kids at home and making them happy, thank you.
Reply
y8 says
March 13, 2021 at 5:27 am
Great post, Thanks for providing us this great knowledge, Keep it up.
Reply

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Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site_title (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.

View Details ›

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.

Show Me More ›

What's the difference between Baileys and Irish cream? ›

The verdict

That being said, Kirkland's Irish cream lacked the hint of cocoa for which Baileys is known and loved. Baileys also boasts a more whiskey-forward flavor that may be preferred by fans of the brown spirit.

Tell Me More ›

What makes it Irish cream? ›

Irish cream is a rich liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream. It can be served straight, on the rocks, or mixed into co*cktails. You can also use it as an ingredient in boozy, decadent desserts.

Know More ›

Can I drink 10 year old Baileys? ›

Baileys Original lasts 2 years from the day of bottling, opened or unopened when stored at the optimum temperature (0 to 25°C/32 to 77°F). For other Baileys products, shelf life varies depending on the flavour. See below for the full list.

Discover More ›

Why did my homemade Irish cream curdle? ›

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, resulting in some serious coagulation.

Find Out More ›

Why is Bailey's 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.

Tell Me More ›

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.

Learn More ›

Why is Baileys Irish Cream so good? ›

Fresh dairy cream that has been carefully sourced to assure its quality is used to make the cream. The taste of Baileys is velvety and chocolate-like because of the inclusion of cocoa. High-quality cocoa is used in Baileys to deepen the flavour and balance the whiskey's distinctiveness with the cream's sweetness.

Is Costco Irish Cream same as Baileys? ›

According to a commenter, Costco's version is "wine-based," while Baileys uses whiskey. This claim is further supported by the label, as Kirkland Irish Country Cream is described as a wine co*cktail, while Baileys is a liqueur.

Show Me More ›

What is a cheaper version of Baileys? ›

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? ›

Manufacturers of cream liqueurs point to the effective preservative qualities of alcohol as the reason that refrigeration is not required. Baileys™ guarantees it's product for 2 years from the date of manufacture, opened or unopened, and suggests a storage temperature range of 0-25˚Celsius.

Read On ›

How long can you keep home made Baileys? ›

Transfer mixture to an airtight container or glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Shake well before using.

How long can you store homemade Baileys? ›

If stored in an air-tight container, homemade Baileys can last up to 2 months in the fridge. The alcohol helps preserve it, but always sniff the mixture first to make sure it hasn't gone off (trust me, you'll know if the half and half has gone sour).

Read On ›

Do you need to refrigerate homemade Irish cream liqueur? ›

While refrigeration is not necessary, cream liqueurs taste great when they are well chilled, and for most of us, the most convenient cool place of storage is our refrigerator. We would also recommend that cream liqueurs should be consumed within six to twelve months of opening.

Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | #site_title (2024)