This homemade Baileys recipe makes the perfect boozy-spiked drink, whether you serve it over the rocks, in your coffee, or over your favorite ice cream. It’s a less expensive, tastier homemade alternative to store-bought brand Irish cream liqueur.
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“I made this Irish cream as a test for possible neighbor gifts. Well, it is so easy but so so delicious! I absolutely love it and will make it again and again.” -Rosemary, FoodieCrush reader
My Favorite Boozy DIY Christmas Gift
I love going the DIY route when it comes to Christmas gifts. From my grandma’s homemade fudge and homemade granola to a jar of marinated olives (perfect for cocktail hour), I enjoy gifts that have a personal touch.
This homemade Baileys recipe is creamy, sweet, and spiked, and definitely takes the edge off. It’s the perfect DIY gift for any Christmas or New Year’s morning.
Baileys Irish cream tastes like a sweet coffee drink and feels especially appropriate for sipping at brunch or as an after-dinner treat.
Heidi’s Tips for Recipe Success
Choosing your whiskey. Keeping in line with authenticity, I used an Irish whiskey to make my Irish cream. Because it uses both malted and unmalted barley, Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whiskey which uses only malted whiskey. Jameson and Bushmills are some of the more familiar brands, but a bespoke brand would be excellent to try too.
Don’t be afraid of this liquor’s bold booze flavor. Because this liquor is often used as a flavoring, its potency is real, with whiskey at the forefront in all the best ways. Don’t skimp on the amount of booze or your final drink could taste taste limp or tepid, and more like a milkshake instead of a cocktail.
Double, if desired. A single batch of this recipe makes about 3 ¾ cups or almost 28 ounces. Feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed.
The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Heavy whipping cream — For creaminess and richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk — My sister-in-law’s recipe called for raw eggs to provide the creaminess. Now more than 20 years later and armed with a heightened awareness of food safety, I’ve subbed in sweetened condensed milk for the eggs and heavy cream for even more creaminess.
- Irish whiskey — I like Jameson.
- Chocolate syrup — For that classic Baileys flavor (I don’t recommend using cocoa powder).
- Pure vanilla extract — For flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
- You could probably sub half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter version.
- Peppermint extract and almond extract aren’t traditionally used in Baileys, but could make a yummy addition if you wanted to mix things up a bit. I wouldn’t use both though, just pick one or the other.
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream
- Simply combine all of the ingredients and whisk well. I use a 4-cup glass container for measuring, mixing, and pouring. Be sure to get into the corners when whisking well to blend your mixture so it’s homogenous.
- If doubling the batch, use a blender to blend the ingredients together. Just 1-2 minutes in a blender will ensure your boozy batch is well combined.
Ways to Serve Your Homemade Baileys
- Serve over ice. Chocolatey and creamy, my favorite way to enjoy this homemade Baileys is straight poured over ice. It’s a comforting sipper with the strong whiskey taste tempering as the ice melts into the velvety drink.
- Enjoy it in coffee. Or, if heading into weekend brunch mode, spiking coffee with Irish cream is pure joy. Plan on packing a flask when camping, skiing, or any time you’re craving that warm feeling. You can also add a splash to your morning blended iced mocha, if you’re drinking this out of season.
- Pour over ice cream. For a special dessert, this homemade Baileys is exceptionally good when poured over no-churn vanilla ice cream. And if you really wanted to gild the lilly, make it a milkshake!
How to Package This for a DIY Christmas Gift
Here’s what you’ll need to make this a very joyful Christmas gift for neighbors, family, or friends:
- Wash and sterilize an 8-ounce bottle with a stopper or top. I like these bottles for their sturdiness.
- Fill with homemade Irish cream.
- Tie with red and white kitchen twine or ribbon, adorned with a sprig of greens, holly, or other festive flair.
- Refrigerate until ready to gift.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6-8 ounces Irish whiskey , to taste (about 1 cup)
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients in a large measuring cup or glass decanter.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or until cold. Serve on ice or with coffee for a tasty, boozy, chocolate treat. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Tips
Homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe will keep in an airtight container or sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
It should be refrigerated after mixing so the cream doesn’t curdle even though the alcohol contributes to its stabilization. Plus, it’s best enjoyed chilled IMHO, so why not keep it in the fridge to enjoy at a moment’s notice?
What to Serve With Homemade Baileys
More Boozy Christmas Drinks
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Lorenzo
I made this for my Aunt and she said it’s better than the boughten, will be making it for the holiday’s.
Thanks Lorenzo! And I’m glad your aunt enjoyed a sip or two!
Pam
mine curdled.. what did I do wrong?
I’m not sure Pam! Can you give me more info? Maybe the dairy was past it’s date?
tracey
Hi, this is delicious! Any ideas for a non-alcohol version other than just leaving out the whiskey? Thanks!
Oh boy I haven’t made it without the whiskey. It’s what gives it that KICK.
Amy
I made this last year and shared with my sister and brother-in-law. We all agreed it was good, but a little too rich. Will make it again, but with half and half.
Thanks Amy! Half-and-half will give it a little lighter character and I’m glad you’ll be making it again. Thanks for the comment and rating!
Rosemary
I made this Irish cream as a test for possible neighbor gifts. Well, it is so easy but so so delicious! I absolutely love it ad will make it again and again. Thank you.Merry Christmas!
Nicolle
YUMMY! My favey fave! I add coconut flavouring to mine instead of the vanilla. It gives it more of an authentic “Bailey’s” taste to it, well in my opinion anyhow. ;)
Cheers and happy holidays to you and yours!