Irish Cream 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.
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 but still have flavors of traditional Irish Cream.
Ingredients:
Alcoholic Irish Cream Liqueur:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey (like Jameson)
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Non-alcoholic Irish Cream:
- 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 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee granules, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and the coffee granules have dissolved.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your homemade Irish Cream a taste and adjust it to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little more chocolate syrup or sweetened condensed milk. For a stronger coffee flavor, add a bit more instant coffee.
- Bottle and Chill: Pour the mixture into a bottle or airtight container. Store your homemade Irish Cream in the refrigerator. It’s best to let it chill for at least an hour before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serving: Serve your homemade Irish Cream over ice, in coffee, cocktails, or desserts. It’s also delicious on its own, sipped slowly as a luxurious treat.
Notes:
- Shelf Life: Your homemade Irish Cream liqueur can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Just be sure to give it a good shake before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adjusting the amount of whiskey, adding more or less coffee, or even incorporating other flavors like mint or coconut.
- The alcohol in Irish cream is Irish whiskey, but bourbon or dark rum can be used as alternatives.
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
Irish Cream Brands
Irish cream is a popular liqueur that blends cream with whiskey and other flavors. Here are some well-known brands of Irish cream liqueur:
Bailey’s Irish Cream is the most popular Irish cream brand. It is known for its rich, creamy texture and distinct taste.
Carolans Irish Cream combines Irish spirits and whiskey with fresh cream and honey for a slightly different taste profile from Baileys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream blends wine, spirits, Irish whiskey, and fresh cream. It’s known for its versatility in cocktails and desserts.
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.
