Irish cream liqueur is a creamy liqueur that combines Irish whiskey with cream and other ingredients like coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. Originating from Ireland, this rich, smooth beverage has become popular worldwide. You can create hundreds of recipes with it like cocktails, ice creams, coffee, cakes (cheesecakes, brownies, cupcakes, etc), hot chocolate, or whipped cream.
Contents
Easy Irish cream liqueur recipe
I know it’s convenient to pick up a bottle at the store, but you can still make Irish cream at home. It is simple and you can customize the flavors to your liking. You can recreate this iconic liqueur in your kitchen with just a few ingredients and a blender. So even if I cannot purchase it for some reason, I can still enjoy the rich flavors of Bailey’s whenever the craving strikes.
Here’s how to make Irish cream with just some basic ingredients. You can even create a non-alcoholic version with the flavors of traditional Irish cream.
Easy Homemade Irish Cream
Ingredients
For Alcoholic Irish Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey like Jameson
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
For non-alcoholic version
- 1 cup heavy cream for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee cooled or a non-alcoholic Irish whiskey flavoring (available at some specialty food stores)
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients together. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and the coffee granules have dissolved.
- Taste the mixture and adjust it according to your preferences. You can add more chocolate syrup for sweetness or more coffee for a stronger flavor.
- Transfer the mixture to a bottle or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
- Serve your non-alcoholic Irish Cream over ice, mixed into coffee, or over ice cream for a decadent treat. It’s also delicious enjoyed by itself as a special dessert beverage.
Notes
Nutrition
How to serve and pair
1. Neat, On the Rocks, or in Coffee
This liqueur allows for various serving methods:
- Neat: Sipped slowly to appreciate the full flavor profile
- On the rocks: Ice softens the sweetness and adds refreshment
- In coffee: Creates an indulgent Irish coffee variation
Personally, I prefer my Irish Cream over a single large ice cube, which chills the liqueur without excessive dilution.
2. In Cocktails
Irish Cream elevates numerous cocktails, from the classic to the modern:
- B-52: Layers of Irish Cream, coffee liqueur, and orange liqueur
- Mudslide: A decadent mix of Irish Cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur
- Irish Martini: A creamy twist on the classic martini
- Irish Cream Espresso Martini: A caffeinated delight
- Salted Caramel Cocktail: Dessert in a glass
- Irish Cream Hot Chocolate: Perfect for chilly evenings
If you love this liqueur, here are the best 18 Irish cream recipes you can try.
The density of Irish cream liqueur makes it ideal for layered shots:
| Shot Name | Layers Bottom to Top |
| Irish Flag | Crème de Menthe, Irish Cream, Grand Marnier |
| Nutty Irishman | Frangelico, Irish Cream |
| Irish Car Bomb | Irish Stout, Irish Cream, Irish Whiskey |
3. In Desserts and Cooking
Irish Cream enhances a wide array of desserts. The alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind a complex, creamy flavor.
- Irish cream cheesecake
- Boozy tiramisu
- Irish cream brownies
- Irish cream glazes for cakes and pastries
Surprisingly, this liqueur can enhance savory dishes:
- Irish Cream sauce for steak
- Boozy mushroom risotto
- Irish Cream-infused whipped cream for fruit salads
4. Food Pairings
Irish Cream harmonizes beautifully with a range of flavors:
- Chocolate desserts
- Coffee-based treats
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Nutty pastries
Popular Brands
1. Bailey’s Irish Cream is the most popular Irish cream brand. It’s crafted by blending rich cream with the bold, spirited flavors of Irish whiskey, complemented by hints of cocoa and vanilla. Born in Ireland in the 1970s, Baileys quickly became a beloved beverage around the globe. It is renowned for its smooth texture and unique taste.
Over the years, Bailey’s has expanded its product line to include various flavors and limited editions. Some popular variations include Baileys Chocolat Luxe, Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon, Baileys Strawberries & Cream, or Baileys Salted Caramel. Each variant has new, complementary flavors
2. Carolans Irish Cream combines Irish spirits and whiskey with fresh cream and honey for a slightly different taste profile from Baileys.
3. The Irishman Cream Liqueur is part of the Walsh Whiskey family and combines Irish whiskey with fresh cream. It has a reputation for its smoothness and balanced flavor profile.
4. Coole Swan is a premium brand. This brand prides itself on using natural ingredients, including single-malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, and fresh cream. It’s known for its smooth, luxurious taste.
5. Five Farms Irish Cream: Touted as a “single batch” Irish cream, Five Farms sources its cream and whiskey from County Cork, Ireland. It’s known for its high-quality ingredients and rich flavor.
6. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream is named after the famous Irish explorer. This Irish cream liqueur drink uses cream from the Derry region and Irish whiskey to create its liqueur.
7. O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream blends wine, spirits, Irish whiskey, and fresh cream. It’s known for its versatility in cocktails and desserts.
8. Merrys Irish Cream offers a range of flavored Irish creams in addition to its original.
Each brand brings its unique take on this Irish cream liqueur, offering various flavor profiles and ingredients. Whether you prefer the classic taste of Baileys or the luxurious feel of Coole Swan, there’s an Irish cream liqueur that suits your taste.
Bailey’s Irish Cream vs Carolans Irish Cream
Bailey’s Irish Cream and Carolans are both popular brands of Irish Cream liqueur, a creamy, sweet beverage made with Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavors such as coffee or chocolate. They are both gluten-free, don’t contain caffeine, and have an alcohol content of 17%. So, what to choose? Here are the differences between them, you can check the table below:
| Feature | Bailey’s Irish Cream | Carolans Irish Cream |
| Origin | Introduced in 1974. Created in Ireland. | Introduced in 1978. Named after Turlough O’Carolan, with production in Ireland. |
| Ingredients | Cream, Irish whiskey, and cocoa | Cream, Irish whiskey, Irish spirits, and honey |
| Calories | 147 calories per serving (1.5 fl. oz) | 103 calories per serving |
| Flavor/Taste | Rich, creamy texture with hints of cocoa and vanilla. Balances creamy texture with whiskey warmth. | Sweet, smooth texture with noticeable honey notes and a lighter body compared to Bailey’s. |
| Brand Variety | Several flavors, including chocolate, coffee, salted caramel, mint, almond, vanilla strawberry, apple pie, red velvet, and vanilla cinnamon. | Fewer flavors with peanut butter or salted caramel. |
| Price | Higher | More affordable (a cheap version of the Baileys) |
What to choose between Bailey’s and Carolans? It all comes down to your preference. If you want a rich flavor and a more diverse flavor profile, Bailey is for you. If you need mild sweetness and a smoother taste at an affordable price, the Corolans is an ideal substitution.
Note: You don’t have to put Baileys Irish Cream in the fridge. It’s best to store it in a cool place, between 0°C to 25°C (32°F to 77°F), and keep it out of direct sunlight. The drink lasts for about 2 years from the day it’s bottled, whether you’ve opened it or not. But for the tastiest experience, you should drink it within 6
Irish cream liqueur alternatives
1. Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Options
For those abstaining from alcohol, non-alcoholic Irish Cream offers a similar experience:
- Monin Irish Cream Syrup
- Torani Irish Cream Flavoring
- Homemade non-alcoholic versions as above
These alternatives can be used in mocktails, coffee drinks, and desserts.
2. Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Almande Baileys almond milk-based
- Homemade versions using coconut cream
- Bom Bom Nilli Vanilli almond milk and rum-based
These options prove that creamy indulgence isn’t limited to dairy-based products.
3. Low-Calorie and Sugar-Free Versions
For the health-conscious, lighter options exist:
- Baileys Deliciously Light reduced calorie
- Sugar-free Irish cream syrups
- Homemade versions using sugar substitutes
These alternatives allow for indulgence without excessive calories.
