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.
In This Post
I love going the DIY route when it comes to Christmas gifts. From my grandma’s homemade fudge and homemade granolaย to a jar of the best 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.
Why You’ll Love It
- This homemade Baileys recipe is simple and fast to make, with just 5 ingredients
- It’s a less expensive, tastier homemade alternative to store-bought brand Irish cream liqueur
- It’s great for gifting, especially over the holidays
What are the Main Ingredients in Baileys?
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.
Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:
- Heavy whipping creamโfor creaminess and richness (though you could probably sub half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter version)
- Sweetened condensed milkโfor creaminess, sweetness, and thickness (without the need for eggs)
- Irish whiskeyโI like Jameson
- Chocolate syrupโfor that classic Baileys flavor (I don’t recommend using cocoa powder)
- Pure vanilla extractโfor flavor (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.)
Find the complete recipe with measurements below
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream
This easy Baileys recipe comes together in no time.
Here’s how to make it:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: A single batch of this recipe makes about 3 ยพ cups or almost 28 ounces. Feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed.
FAQ
- How long will homemade Baileys last? This homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe will keep in an airtight container or sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- What is the alcohol base for Baileys? Keeping in line with authenticity, I use an Irish whiskey in 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.
- Does Baileys need to be refrigerated? This homemade Irish cream mix 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?
How to Serve 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.
- Pour over ice cream. For a special dessert, this homemade Baileys is exceptionally good when poured over vanilla ice cream. And if you really wanted to gild the lilly, make it a milkshake!
How to Make Homemade Baileys a DIY Christmas Gift
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.
What to Serve With Homemade Baileys
- My Mom’s Easy Homemade Fudge (for the best breakfast!)
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Banana and Chocolate Chip Baked French Toast
- Deep-Dish Spinach, Leek and Bacon Quiche
- How to Serve a DIY Bagels and Lox Brunch Bar
- French Toast Casserole with Maple Bacon and Pecans
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo andย tag me on Instagramย with #foodiecrusheats.
Homemade Baileys
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
More Boozy Drink Recipe Ideas
- The Best Bloody Mary Recipe (+ Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar)
- Pomegranate Martini Recipe
- How to Make the Perfect Mimosa
- Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
- How to Make a Blended Iced Mocha spike it with homemade Irish cream!
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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!