A glass of Homemade Baileys Irish Cream with its creamy chocolate flavour rounds out dessert time and gives you an easy way to finish dinner with something gently sweet.
Baileys has always been one of my favourite liqueurs. I enjoy it plain, poured over ice, mixed into cocktails, and stirred into sweets.
My Baileys Ice Cream is a family favourite, and I often point people to it when they want an easy homemade ice cream that doesn’t need a machine.
Now, back to today’s story. I had bought fresh cream for a party dessert, then the party was postponed at the last minute. Fresh cream doesn’t wait around, so I needed to use it. I thought about making that Baileys Ice Cream, but there was no Baileys left in the house. Typical, right?
That moment made me think of a few homemade Irish cream recipes I had seen online, so I decided to try some Homemade Baileys Irish Cream copycat instead.
I found whiskey in the liquor cabinet, although I didn’t have any chocolate syrup. I made a quick batch, blended everything together, and hoped the flavour would come together well.
It turned out delightful. So smooth and so easy that I decided there was no reason to buy Baileys anymore. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a homemade gift for the holidays, so keep this recipe handy for your own festive giving.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Baileys
- You can mix it into cakes, frostings, chilled desserts, or your next batch of Baileys Ice Cream.
- A homemade bottle works well as a thoughtful gift during the holidays.
- Making it at home costs less than buying multiple branded bottles.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Baileys
Fresh Cream
Gives the drink a full, velvety texture. Thickened cream or pure cream both work well, as long as they are the type used for whipping.
Irish Whiskey
Offers warmth and depth with a clean finish. Irish whiskey blends easily with dairy and keeps the flavour rounded.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Brings a luxurious creamy sweetness and creates the thicker texture that gives the liqueur its rich feel.
Espresso or Instant Coffee
Brings a mild roasted flavour that complements the chocolate and keeps the sweetness balanced. Even a teaspoon deepens the liqueur.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Pour the mixture into a glass bottle, seal it well, and keep it in the fridge.
Step 3: Shake the bottle before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Irish whiskey gives the smoothest taste, but another mild whiskey works. Strongly peated or heavily spiced options can shift the flavour.
Yes. Reduce the chocolate syrup slightly if you want a less sweet drink. Keeping the condensed milk as written helps maintain the right thickness.
Yes. To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the whiskey with whole milk before blending. The drink turns sweeter and creamier, with a softer flavour overall.
It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge. Shake the bottle before pouring to keep the texture smooth.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Choose the Right Cream – Thickened cream or pure cream gives the liqueur a smooth finish and blends well without curdling, even when mixed with whiskey.
Keep Ingredients Cold – Cold cream and condensed milk come together more evenly in the blender and help maintain a silky texture.
Avoid Over-Blending – A short blend keeps the mixture fluid and prevents the cream from whipping, which would make the drink heavier.
Use a Narrow-Neck Bottle – A narrow opening reduces air contact and helps the liqueur stay fresh for the full 2 weeks.
Test the Sweetness – Taste a small spoonful before bottling so you can adjust the chocolate syrup or coffee to match the flavour you prefer.
Variations and Twists
Make It Extra Chocolatey – Add 1 extra tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a fuller cocoa flavour and a richer finish.
Use Hazelnut Extract – Replace the almond extract with hazelnut extract for a gentle nutty aroma that works well with the cream, coffee, and chocolate.
Homemade Vegan Baileys Irish Cream – Use dairy-free condensed milk, a plant-based cream alternative, and a dairy-free milk such as canned coconut milk or oat milk. Blend with cocoa, coffee, vanilla, and whiskey for a smooth vegan version.
Strengthen the Coffee – Use a slightly heaped teaspoon of instant coffee if espresso is not available, giving the drink a clearer roasted taste.
Homemade Non-Alcoholic Baileys Irish Cream – Replace the whiskey with whole milk and blend it with the cream, condensed milk, chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla for an alcohol-free version.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Homemade Baileys Irish Cream in a clean, tightly sealed glass bottle in the fridge. Keep it chilled at all times to maintain its texture. The liqueur stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream separates once thawed and does not return to a smooth consistency. Shake the bottle before pouring and place it back in the fridge after serving.
Ways to Use Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Ice Cream – Pour it over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert or fold it into your own Baileys Ice Cream for a creamy, grown-up version everyone enjoys.
Cupcakes – Stir a spoonful into buttercream for chocolate or coffee cupcakes to give it a fuller taste.
Coffee – Add a splash to hot or iced coffee for a roasted sweetness that complements the cream and chocolate notes.
Pancakes – Mix some into pancake batter or warm syrup for a breakfast with deeper flavour and a softer, creamy aroma.
Brownies – Add some to the batter or glaze for brownies with a richer chocolate base and a softer crumb.
More Recipes for the Christmas Season
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Recipe
A glass of Homemade Baileys Irish Cream with its creamy chocolate flavour rounds out dessert time and gives you an easy way to finish dinner with something gently sweet.
Ingredients
- 235 g – 1 cup fresh cream – for whipping cream
- 395 g – 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 400 ml – 1⅔ cups Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp espresso OR instant coffee
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup – I used my homemade chocolate syrup; store-bought also works
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
-
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed for 30 seconds.
-
Pour the mixture into a glass bottle, seal it well, and keep it in the fridge.
-
Shake the bottle before serving.
Recipe Notes
Store it in the fridge for up to 2 months.
It tastes amazing but the top layer of the drink froths up and goes lumpy every time and I can’t figure out why or how to stop it
not bad, tasted the coffee and not enough whisky, but nearly there!! not as nice as shop bought but still drinkable!
same!! too much coffee and not enough whisky i shall make more and amend!!
I have all the ingredients to make this today! Can hardly wait xo
Sorry but the almond extract overpowered the rest of the flavors. I suggest 1/4 tsp. and adjust upward with caution to taste.
Oops, accidentally used rum ! My bad, now I have to make a second batch with Jameson’s. Shucks ;)!
Most of the recipes for Homemade Bailey’s that I have used in the past call for a ripening period, some as lenthy as a month…has anybody done a side by side trial of fresh vs. aged?
I have never aged my Baileys… the Whiskey is already aged and as it contains fresh cream, I don’t think it could last for weeks without getting spoiled (though I don’t know for sure, as mine has never lasted long enough to test this! ;-)). Let me know if you try!
The alcohol content will preserve it. Even unrefrigerated.
Super late, but I just wanted to check, how was this with rum? I’m allergic to corn and therefore can’t do whiskey. I was hoping rum or brandy might work!
It was just fiiiiine with rum
Is the espresso or instant coffee granules or prepared liquid, please?
Hi Jill!
It’s liquid (I used espresso), but if you have instant coffee granules, they work fine too… no need to make them into coffee. 🙂
i used expresso bit strong!
My recipe calls for coconut essence instead of almond and it is a nice touch. Also calls for the eggs but not worth the risk.
Needed to add about a cup of sugar to make comparable to Baileys.
its missing something! i cant figure it out!
I made this today and omitted the whiskey. Then I poured it into a whipped cream dispenser.
I’m planning on treating myself to coffee with whipped Irish cream each morning to make it a bit easier to get out of bed. I didn’t think the whiskey before work was such a good idea. But I can add it in at night for a nice Irish coffee.
Ohhh that’s such a clever idea! I will have to try it! 🙂
Its not irish cream without whiskey hahahaha
I totaly agree :)!
exactly!! POINTLESS! HAHA
Oh my goodness! Baileys my favourite but it never cross my mind to make it at home *slap forehead*. Tis is great, thanks for sharing – so excited now to make it 🙂
tried this today, EVERYONE LOVED IT
Really yummy, just remember to blend for a very short time, otherwise the cream will whip.
Ciaooo per fortuna che mastico l’inglese abbastanza bene perchè le traduzioni sono pessime ma le immagini aiutano molto. Questo liquore mi piace da matti ma come tutti i liquori sono aumentati di brutto quindi……ciaoooo e buona settimana.
Delightfully simple and with the homemade Chocolate Syrup you made I bet it’s really delicious. I’m going to give this one a try.
Righto, I am definitely making this one! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful recipe xox
Put this in a Baileys bottle & my guests didn’t believe I made it. It’s really nice, smooth & cheap to make.