Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
This luscious, copycat Baileys Irish Cream Recipe is simple to whip up and makes an awesome homemade holiday gift. Make sure to package your Homemade Baileys in a pretty bottle with a festive label and ribbon it will be received with big smiles.
Need a new idea for a hostess gift? With only six ingredients, this Homemade Irish Cream takes only minutes to make in the blender and is a fun way to spread holiday cheer!
Why You Must Make this Homemade Liqueur
- This Baileys is creamy and delicious!
- It’s super easy to make so makes a wonderful last minute hostess or holiday gift.
- With minimal ingredients and a few you may already have on hand, there’s no excuse not to try a batch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baileys Irish Cream?
It’s a cream liqueur which is a sweetened spirit that’s been hydrogenized with cream making it smooth and velvety. Baileys is flavored with whiskey and cocoa extract.
What is the alcohol content of Baileys?
Baileys ABV (alcohol by volume) is 17%, which is less than spirits like gin, whiskey, etc. This homemade version may not have exactly the same ABV.
Does Baileys need to be refrigerated??
Storebought Irish Cream, whether open or unopened, is good for up to 2 years. It does not need to be refrigerated.
Homemade Baileys, despite the alcohol content, has a much shorter shelf life. It should always be kept in the refrigerator and used within 2-3 weeks.
How to Drink Irish Cream?
Homemade Baileys should always be shaken before serving. You can simply sip on it chilled or on ice or use it in cocktails.
Try it in shooters, martinis, Irish coffee, hot cocoa, or milkshakes.
How to Make Baileys Irish Cream
Each Christmas, I put on an apron and bake batch after batch of cookies and stir pans full of hot sugar making caramels, toffee, and fudge. Handcrafted gifts are a must. Plates of goodies are delivered to friends and neighbors, but my book club friends get a little something more. I’ve made limoncello, biscotti, spiced nuts, vanilla extract, and on and on.
So when Heather, a blogger friend, invited a group of bloggers to make a homemade holiday gift, it was just the push I needed. Last December I also made a batch of Kahlua for some special friends. My mind went to another homemade liqueur, this time a Copycat Baileys Irish Cream.
- Pour all ingredients into a blender and mix on high for about 30 seconds.
- Pour into sealable containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Shake before using.
Easy Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Vanilla Extract takes 6 months to age to perfection, Kahlua takes weeks, and Limoncello days. Homemade Baileys Irish Cream can be ready to serve in minutes. And it lasts up to 2 months when kept in the refrigerator. The hard part is picking the perfect bottles, ribbons, and labels. And maybe washing your blender, not my favorite chore.
Find some fun containers that have a cork or screw top, then add a festive label and a ribbon to make a lovely holiday gift. I’m not crafty at all, but even I can make create holiday packaging for liqueurs with some simple supplies.
More Homemade Holiday Gifts
- Candy Cookies in a Jar from Alida’s Kitchen
- Chai Tea Blend from Curious Cuisiniere
- Flavored Sea Salts {DIY} from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
- Homemade Coffee Liqueur from Cooking for My Peace of Mind
- Homemade Crunchy Granola from Magnolia Days
- Homemade Flavored Simple Syrups from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Homemade Steak Sauce from The View from Great Island
Helpful Tools (affiliate links):
Ingredient Notes
- Half and Half or Heavy Cream – I prefer heavy cream (should have at least 36% butterfat); half and half will have slightly fewer calories.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Eagle Brand is my go-to
- Irish Whiskey – Jameson’s recommended
- Instant Coffee – A store brand works fine
- Chocolate Syrup – Hershey’s brand is a staple at our house
- Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract, never imitation as the taste will be subpar.
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
An easy to make, homemade liqueur that's perfect for gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey (Jameson's recommended)
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a blender and mix on high for about 30 seconds.
- Pour into sealable containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Shake before using.
Notes
Adapted from recipe on Chow message boards.
Makes 4 cups.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 3g
71 Comments on “Homemade Baileys Irish Cream”
This irish cream looks absolutely gorgeous 😀
Cheers
CCU
Ohhh, I love Baileys! What a fun little blog hop you guys did! I love homemade gifts!! Everything looks great and I’d be happy to receive any f them.
Wow, sounds easy to make. Your packaging is gorgeous.
Leef
I’ve been making homemade Baileys for years, IMO it’s better than the store bought version. These bottles are perfect for storing them in too! I saw the nifty sea salt ones this morning with the spoon that I love and can’t wait to try. Nice giveaway and my favorite drink. Happy Holidays here we come!
I would get lots of Mason jars and use some of them to put homemade granola in for gifts!
I would use the mason jars and make homemade body scrubs and lotions. I would also make hot cocoa in a jar gifts.
Homemade Bailey’s irish cream sounds so yum! What a great gift for the holidays, especially in such pretty bottles!
Bailey’s Irish Cream! and it would be a great gift!
Wire bale air-seal jars are lovely! I love glass storage jars for everything from food to crafts.
Such a fun recipe, I bet you are the hit with everyone you know! 🙂
I love Freund Container and would spend all of my winnings on a case of 8.5-oz Clear Glass Bale-Wire Swing-Top Bottles for my homemade vanilla.
I can’t wait for my big kitchen so I can do the whole-homemade-treats-for-gifts thing. In the past I drove out to my aunt’s house to use her double ovens, but it’s kind of a pain. I love little bottles and things!! can’t wait to check out that site. And your Baileys looks amazing 🙂
These look great for homemade vanilla, etc.:
http://www.freundcontainer.com/blue-glass-fiji-bottle-cork/p/7008B54BLU/
Definitely going to try out some Baileys…I would try the French square glass bottles, trying to stay clear of plastic as much as possible!
I need to make this now! I love that it’s ready right away, I’m all about instant gratification. Lovely bottles, too. Hope I’m on your gift list 🙂
You must know the way to my heart – I love Baileys!
I love the labels you put on here Liz! You are crafty and these are just the perfect gift.
You had me at the mention of Baileys… Liz, thank you! Love home made gifts and this is one I have wanted to make for DECADES!
what a gorgeous gift idea !
This in some coffee would be the most perfect way to end a meal. What a treat for someone to receive this as a gift. I’m so glad it is super easy and quick to make.