Homemade Irish cream is a Baileys-style liqueur made by blending 250 ml of cream, 400 ml of condensed milk, instant coffee, chocolate sauce, and vanilla at low speed, then adding 400 ml of Irish whiskey for a few more seconds, bottling it, and keeping it refrigerated for up to 2 months. It takes 5 minutes to prepare and makes 8 servings.
It is a quick, economical version of the famous cream liqueur, perfect for sipping over ice or gifting in bottles.
How to Make Irish Cream at Home?
Homemade Irish cream combines cream, Irish whiskey, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee with condensed milk for a smooth, emulsified drink. The key is blending at low speed so the cream does not curdle.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of homemade Irish cream contains approximately 230 kcal, 22 g of carbohydrates, 11 g of fat, 3 g of protein, 21 g of sugars, 38 mg of cholesterol, and 65 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe
Preparation: 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of Irish whiskey
- 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of condensed milk
- 250 ml (1 cup) of heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons of chocolate sauce
- 1 teaspoon of instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the cream, condensed milk, instant coffee, chocolate sauce, and vanilla, cover, and blend at low speed for 30 seconds.
- Lower the speed to minimum, open the lid, and without stopping, pour in the whiskey carefully so it does not splash. Blend just until smooth, about 10 seconds more.
- Pour into sterilized glass bottles with airtight lids, ideally swing-top, and keep refrigerated for up to 2 months. Shake well before serving over ice.
Additional Tips
Blend at low speed
High speed can curdle the mixture; the goal is only to combine the ingredients.
Adjust to taste
Add more chocolate or whiskey, or replace the coffee with raspberry liqueur or salted caramel.
No chocolate sauce?
Use 1 or 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder whisked with a spoonful of cream.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Half whole milk, half cream | 1:1 | Lighter |
| Irish whiskey | Other whiskey or rum | 1:1 | Different flavor |
| Instant coffee | Salted caramel | 1 tablespoon | Sweeter |
| Chocolate sauce | Cocoa powder | 1 to 2 teaspoons | Less sweet |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does homemade Irish cream keep?
Up to 2 months in sterilized bottles in the refrigerator; the alcohol and sugar help preserve it.
2. Can I use only milk instead of cream?
No. Use cream or half milk and half cream, or it will not be creamy enough.
3. Can I mix it with cola?
It is not recommended; the acidity of cola curdles the cream into unappetizing lumps.
4. How should I serve it?
Pour about 50 ml over three ice cubes in a short, wide glass, or add it to coffee.
What Is Irish Cream?
Irish cream is a liqueur made from cream and Irish whiskey, sweetened and flavored with chocolate and vanilla, made famous worldwide by Baileys.
How to Drink It
Serve it chilled over ice in a low, wide glass, or use it to flavor coffee, milkshakes, and desserts.
Did You Know?
Baileys, launched in Ireland in 1974, was the first commercial product to blend cream and whiskey stably, and its recipe remains a trade secret.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
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- Chilean Murtado Liqueur
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