This Homemade Irish Cream recipe has been in our family for years and is one of our most delicious recipes. Whether it’s being made to enjoy with family and friends or to bring to a special gathering this easy recipe is always a crowd pleaser. With each sip, this rich creamy liqueur provides a smooth velvet finish on the palate. This liqueur is perfect to serve during the holiday season or on St Patrick’s day
Ingredients for making Irish Cream
- Irish Whiskey – our first choice is Jameson brand because of its authentic flavor. But, feel free to use the whiskey of your choice.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – for a rich creamy flavor. It can also be labeled heavy cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk -creates a silky texture to the finished liqueur.
- Regular Milk – we chose to use low-fat milk for our version.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup – use any brand of dark chocolate syrup.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – have you tried making your own? It’s easy to make Homemade vanilla extract.
- 2 Eggs – or optional espresso powder
- Instant Espresso Powder – sometimes labeled as simply espresso powder.
This version of Irish Cream is just like a homemade Baileys recipe
Irish cream is a cream-based liqueur with Irish Whiskey as the base. This Irish cream has a soft coffee flavor thanks to a blend of cream, sugar, chocolate syrup, and a splash of pure vanilla extract. Let’s not forget the Jameson whiskey!
Bailey Irish Cream has name recognition and is the most popular brand on the market. But, by using just a few fresh ingredients this homemade version is a simple recipe that can be made in minutes at home.
It’s easy to make this wonderful classic liqueur at home. We offer you two amazing options, and both are equally delicious.
The original family recipe calls for 2 eggs. For our friends who have a sensitivity to raw eggs, we also offer the different, but equally wonderful, option of using instant espresso powder.
How to make Irish Cream Liqueur
- Combine cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend thoroughly on a medium speed for a few minutes.
- Add in either 2 eggs or the Instant espresso powder. Use either the eggs or espresso powder, but not both.
- Add Irish Whiskey and blend briefly on low speed to combine.
- Serve neat or over ice. Can also be served in coffee or hot chocolate.
Pro Tip – To ensure the smoothest version of this scrumptious recipe add the whiskey last. Completely blend all of the ingredients – excluding the whiskey – then slowly drizzle in the whiskey and give it another blend to combine.
If you do not have an electric blender simply use a hand whisk and whisk thoroughly.
The best ways to serve Homemade Irish Cream
- This lovely recipe makes a wonderful after dinner drink on its own or as an accompaniment with dessert.
- Our favorite way to serve it is “straight up” or over ice.
- It is also a beautiful addition to your after dinner coffee or delicious poured over ice cream.
There are also several cocktail recipes, that go from good to crazy good when you add this Irish Cream! For example, our luscious Chocolate Martini Recipe.
If you add our Easy Pumpkin Spice Syrup to this Irish Cream you can make our Pumpkin Spice Martinis which are a Fall favorite.
How to make ahead and store
The best part of this quick treat is that it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three weeks or served immediately.
- Refrigerate in sealed airtight containers, or mason jars, for up to 3 weeks. After refrigeration give it a good shake before serving
We love to package Irish Cream and share it with our friends. There are so many beautiful glass bottles to choose from online. You can also create a fun gift tag to add to the pretty bottles letting your friends know what’s inside and how to store them.
Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream is a popular Christmas gift and is also a Valentine’s Day favorite.
Additional Beverages and Liqueurs to make at home!
- Cranberry orange liqueur
- Irish Coffee Recipe
- Chocolate Martini
- Pumpkin Spice Martini
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- White Chocolate Snowflake Martini
This Irish Cream pairs well with these amazing desserts
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Homemade Irish Cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Glass bottles
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ cup Milk (low-fat, 2%, or whole)
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tablespoon Chocolate Syrup (such as Hershey's)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, (optional can be made with instant espresso powder instead of eggs)
- 1 Tbsp Instant Espresso Powder, (optional, can be used instead of 2 eggs)
- 1 cup Irish Whiskey (i.e Jameson's)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender, except whiskey, and blend on medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Drizzle in whiskey and mix again.
- Pour into a jar or bottle with a lid. Can be served immediately. If not, keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
- Our original recipe uses 2 eggs, however, the substitution below works well.Egg-free Option: Substitute 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder. Use either eggs or instant espresso powder option. Don't use both.
- Irish Cream can be stored in the refrigerator, sealed, for up to 3 weeks. Shake well before serving.
Notes
- Instant Espresso Powder can be found by clicking here
- Want to make your chocolate syrup? Our hot fudge recipe will work!
Tonje
So happy to find a recipe for homemade Irish cream, and I love that it will last in the fridge for a while. Will definitely be making this!
Jayne
Thanks Tonje ~ hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Sara Welch
Perfectly creamy and delicious! This will be wonderful in my morning cup of coffee tomorrow!
Jayne
Perfect idea – that’s what we love to do too!
Haley D. Williams
Perfect homemade gift for the holidays!
Jayne
Everyone loves to get this as a gift! Hope you enjoy.
Cate
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing I’ve never thought of making my own!
Jayne
Hope you love it – and it is super easy!
kim
What a great recipe! This turned out so delicious and I’ll definitely be making it again!