Heavenly Homemade Irish Cream is a combination of rich cream, Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of chocolate producing an incredibly smooth drink. It’s a delicious adult indulgence. You can sip the Bailey’s copycat after a holiday meal, a special occasion, or just because you want a luscious drink.
Inspiration for homemade Irish Cream
We never thought to make a Baileys-style Irish cream. It’s not hard to find, why should we go to the trouble to make it? You don’t even have to go to a liquor store; Wal-Mart carries the brand.
The idea came to us when we found a recipe for homemade Irish cream, and we realized we had all the ingredients. Wouldn’t it be a nice touch to make an after dinner drink from scratch for our Christmas Eve family dinner?
Ingredients for homemade Irish Cream
It only takes five ingredients to make this recipe that rivals Baileys:
- Irish whiskey
- heavy whipping cream
- sweetened condensed milk – be sure NOT to get evaporated milk.
- cocoa – optional espresso coffee
- vanilla
I know! People always say that copycat recipes are just as good as the original, but believe me, it really is. This after-dinner drink is incredibly smooth and heavenly delicious.
Chef Tips
Now, the best part about making it homemade is that you control the amount of the ingredients you use.
Don’t like it boozy? Use less Irish whiskey.
Too sweet? Use more heavy cream.
You love a coffee taste? Use instant espresso with the cocoa.
It’s not just for after dinner
There are many drinks you can make with this delicious boozy cream:
- Salted Caramel Corn
- The Lady Luck
- Irish Coffee Drop.
There are so many mixed drink recipes it would take you months to try them all. Wouldn’t that be fun?
But the recipes don’t stop at drinks! I found recipes for fantastic desserts such as:
- Fudge Cream Pie
- Chocolate Mousse
- Choccoccino Cheesecake to name a few.
How to put it together
- Put the cocoa powder in small glass measuring cup and mash out any small lumps.
- Whisk the cocoa powder with a spoonful of cream. It will form a very thick paste. If using espresso add it now with additional heavy cream.
- Add the cocoa and cream in a pitcher and whisk in the remaining cream.
- Whisk in the condensed milk, whiskey, and vanilla
- Cover with lid or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator.
- Will keep in refrigerator for 2 months.
- Serve chilled in small glass or add ice. Can also add to coffee.
I don’t believe our Heavenly Homemade Irish Cream will last long at our house. We hope you give this recipe a try.
If you like a creamy after dinner drink, this fits the bill.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter. We’re planning on posting a lot of new recipes in the coming weeks; we’d love to share them with you. See you next year!
More delicious heavy cream recipes to celebrate special occasions…
Cherry Amaretto No-Churn Ice Cream — A delicious no-churn ice cream that is easy to make with cherry pie filling. It is rich and very elegant, perfect for beautiful ending to a holiday meal.
Smooth Creamy Cinnamon Ice Cream — Heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk is the base of the dessert while the spicy cinnamon, vanilla, and flavored vodka give it the flavor.
Nutella Hazelnut Chocolate Ice Cream – A delicious creamy ice cream made with heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and flavored with Nutella, roasted hazelnuts, chocolate chips and lightly laced with Frangelico, a hazelnut herb infused liqueur.
Make these dishes anytime you want to celebrate.
Vi auguriamo un felice anno nuovo! {We wish you a Happy New Year}
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
You may need…
To make drink special we like serving them in stemmed glasses. We even serve our ice cream in them and just think of a chocolate mousse. So yummy.
What’s new? check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We’ll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
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Heavenly Homemade Irish Cream Recipe
A liqueur that is easy to make any time of year and keeps for two months in the fridge. It’s also a welcome host/hostess gift. This delicious beverage can be made into many cocktails and desserts. In fact, it’s so good we enjoy it in place of dessert.
If you like this recipe please give it a 5-star rating.
Heavenly Homemade Irish Cream Rich & Smooth
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup 235 ml heavy or whipping cream
- 1 14-oz. or 415 ml can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 235 ml Irish whiskey (I used Jameson)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder if you like a light coffee flavor. Add the espresso with the cocoa whisking the cream slowly as per the directions.
Instructions
- Put the cocoa powder in a small glass measuring cup and mash out any small lumps. Whisk the cocoa powder with a spoonful of cream. It will forma a very thick paste.
- Add more cream a spoon full at a time until the paste is smooth and loose enough that you can whisk in more cream.
- Add the cocoa and cream in a pitcher and whisk in the remaining cream.
- Whisk in the condensed milk, whiskey, and vanilla.
- Cover with lid or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator.
- Will keep in refrigerator for two months.
- Serve chilled in a small glass or add ice. You can also add it to coffee. Top with a sprinkle of cocoa if you like more of a chocolate taste.
Notes
Why spoil the delicious taste with reality! 😉 Inspired by: Smittenkitchen’s Irish Cream
Nutrition
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Jo says
I absolutely love Irish cream. I love how creamy, rich and perfect the drink is. It’s absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas night gatherings.
Ramona says
This Irish cream really does look super creamy and delicious! I have never made anything like this before and I am looking forward to trying it out. I can’t wait to make this, thank you for sharing this recipe!
Kushigalu says
This Irish cream looks so rich and delicious. What a great recipe to try for thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks for sharing this.
Veronika Sykorova says
Yum I love creamy cocktails in the winter. I can’t wait to make this one!
Denise says
This Irish cream looks decadent, I must give this a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Bernice Hill says
I was reading this while having my morning coffee and realizing I’m missing something…Irish Cream Liqueur! What a great idea to make it as Christmas gifts too. I’m making all of mine this year.
Candice says
This is so good!! I can’t believe how easy this was to make. And I’m excited to enjoy this deliciousness all holiday season long. Can’t wait to make another batch!
Gloria says
We enjoy Irish cream all year long. A must during the holidays. Perfect creamer for coffee on Christmas morning.
Susie says
Hi Marisa….Yes, we enjoy a liqueur to finish dinner or as dessert or just because……I’m so glad to get your recipe today…..I open my refrigerator this morning and notice the container of heavy cream and was thinking of what to do with it……I have all ingredients for your recipe so I plan to make It this week. Thank you…
Merry Christmas to you, the Master and family……Have a beautiful Christmas with the family????. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with the grand kids????????????????????????
Terri Carroll says
Could you make this with Bourbon
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Terri! I suppose you could. I’m not a Bourbon drinker so I don’t know what the taste would be but I believe it would turn out fine. Let me know how it turns out.
Phyllis says
Tried your Baileys recipe and love it. We try a new one every year and this ones a keeper for sure! ???? thank you.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you for your sweet comment, Phyllis. I hope you have a Happy New Year. ❤️
Ann leegard says
The best recipe I have ever made in the 20 years I have been making Baileys. The only thing I do different is I use Mexican instant espresso and 1/4 cup amaretto
Marisa Franca says
Thank you for that wonderful tip, Ann!! We are making some more in a few days and I’ll try your tips. Sending a big hug for a great tip!!
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Thank you Marisa for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothers End of the Year Link Party 2018! Party ends January 5, links are unlimited so feel free to add more!
Laurie says
Yummy! I will be making this for sure. It’s low-calorie, right! 😉
Christi Meyers says
Just made this- super good! I don’t think it’s going to last long…
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Christi!! We know how you feel — our kids are torn — make it cuz it’s so good. Don’t make it cuz there is no willpower.
Pam says
Servings 8 3/4 coups or 30 fluid ounces?
You have approximately 3.6 cups of ingredients, how do you end up with the serving amount? Did I over look something?
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Pam! I see where the confusion is. I switched recipe cards and when the transition occurred from one recipe card to another the word fields for makes and serves got confused. Instead of saying serves 8 — 4-ounce servings. The correct amount is in the nutrition but not how many it serves. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. It’s really VERY good. I can’t wait to make it again (and so is the family).
Ellen says
This will be delightful during the holidays.
Debrashoppeno5 says
I love making liqueurs to give as gifts. Thank you for this recipe it sounds so good.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Debra! It is super easy and delicious! It’s difficult to part with once you make it — it’s that good.
Mimi says
This is a great recipe and this is the second time I have made it. I only added about half the alcohol because I’m a cheap date.
Also I did add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder since I like that flavor a little better. I like it as an aperitif, but I also like it in hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. Very yummy and smooth.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Mimi! Thank you for commenting. I’m glad you like it — it’s so good and it’s not just the alcohol. I would never call you cheap — discerning is a more apt description. ???? We’re planning on making several batches. I’m going to do a Facebook Live on it soon. Hope the Christmas Season is starting off well for you!!????
Arlene Mobley says
Oh this look so creamy and delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Arlene! It certainly was good. Looking forward to making more. Have a great week, we should learn a lot!!
Veena Azmanov says
I have the tendency to get addicted to Irish Cream!! Usually not a big alcohol drinker but Irish Cream is always the exception. When I made it I’l like to add it to everything my hot chocolate, my mousses, cookies and of course just over ice.. I had to stop making it at home just so I would not have so much..! ha! This looks so awesome Marisa. I think I’ll make some this holiday..
Marisa Franca says
I know what you mean, Veena! We took our Irish Cream to our family gathering and left it there. There wasn’t much left. Out of sight, out of mind. It sure is good, though, isn’t it? We’re due to make more.
Jolina says
You’re right, I never thought to make my own Irish cream but now I want to! I can’t wait to do all the customizations you suggested. Then it will be perfect for me 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jolina! You should be warned, though. That stuff is so good you’ll keep wanting to keep it on hand.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
OMG….I really don’t want to think of ALL the holiday treats. I just got back from a blogging convention….I have to walk MILES to wear all this food off. Just in time to get ready for the decadent holiday eating. I have never made this at home, but sure do use it a lot over the festive season. I will have to give this a try. Homemade is always better…and likely cheaper too.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Gloria! Irish cream is so good and just as rich and decadent as the name brand. Once you make it you’ll want to keep it on hand. And I don’t want to talk calories — I get depressed.
Denise Wright says
This sounds wonderful! Do you put it in your coffee too? I also like the sounds of that Salted Caramel corn drink too…..perfect kinds of drinks for this time of year.
Ashima says
This sounds so delicious for a cocktail party! Putting it down for my year end party dinner drinks list 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Ashima! You may want to make a double batch. We didn’t have any left and the guests were clamoring for more. xoxo
Molly Kumar says
This sounds wonderful Marisa. I’m a big fan of Irish Cream but never tried making them at home. Bookmarking your recipe to try later.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Molly! You’ll love it! It turns out so good.
Christne says
I love White Russians, so this is calling my name!
Marisa Franca says
They go down soooo smoothly! YUM!!
Frank says
Sounds like a lovely alternative to eggnog!
Marisa Franca says
You’re right, Frank. This would be perfect for the people who are afraid of raw eggs in their drink. It sure does taste good and I like eggnog too.
Lisa at celebrate creativity says
Marisa, you’ve created a tasty sounding and most beautiful drink here.
Your pictures look so pretty. I love how you styled the cream with the pinecones too.
Hope you enjoyed Christmas and all the best for a wonderful new year.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Lisa! We had a wonderful Christmas — I hope you did too. Wishing you a successful and Happy New Year! Hugs!!
Chiara says
I like Irish coffee but I would love this with chocolate, looks delicious, Felice anno Nuovo a te e alla tua famiglia, un abbraccio !
Marisa Franca says
Grazie, Chiara. Anche a te e alla tua famiglia, un abbraccio forte!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Oh how delicious and easy! I’m going to make this! YUM!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Yvonne! Just remember to enjoy the drink and stay off your feet 🙂
Angela Roberts says
Cheers. This looks rich and delicious and a great way to celebrate with friends over the holidays. Happy New Year Marisa!
Marisa Franca says
Cheers to you too, Angela! Here’s to a brand new year bringing us all good news! 🙂
Susie says
Delicious, decanent way to round off a special dinner. Thanks, MARISA
CHEERS AND TOAST……HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND HONEY???
Marisa Franca says
Cheer to you too, Susie!! Happy New Year to you and the whole family. Love and hugs!!
Rosemary says
Hi Marisa, my favourite liqueur. Looks so good and I will be making this for sure. Happy New Year to you my friend. Auguri do Buon Anno!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Rosemary! I’ll toast with you to a successful 2017. Abbracci!
Elizabeth | Ellie & Elizabeth says
Who knew? All this time I just thought it was only for coffee! I’m realizing after following your dishes I’m not as food savvy as I thought I was. Sounds good!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Elizabeth! Nope, not just for coffee! Try it chilled in a small glass (you don’t want a lot — it’ll sneak up on you) and it is as satisfying as a dessert 🙂
Jovina Coughlin says
How clever. This certainly looks like an awesome drink. Very festive and great for New Year’s Eve parties.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jovina! It is a great drink. Very smooth going down and we still have a little left here in the fridge. The rest we took for Christmas Eve. We will be in your neck of the woods New Years Eve.