Decadently delicious creamy cocktails are in easy reach with this simple recipe for homemade Irish cream liqueur.

This easy recipe lets anyone enjoy the rich, luxurious taste of Bailey’s Irish Cream without straining their wallets!

A glass of homemade Irish cream.

What is Irish Cream?

  • Irish cream is a thick, creamy, nutty flavored liqueur that you can make at home. It’s especially delicious splashed over ice, or featured in creamy cocktails, hot chocolate, or coffee drinks just like Starbucks!
  • Homemade Irish cream is ideal for topping ice cream or stirring into cake frostings or adding to eggnog or boozy milkshakes!
  • This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
  • Homemade Irish Cream makes a thoughtful gift. Put it in pretty jars tied up with ribbons.
  • Non-alcoholic versions of this recipe are as easy as leaving out the whiskey! It will still be super delicious!
Ingredients to make Homemade Irish Cream labeled: whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, coffee cream, chocolate syrup, coconut extract, and eggs.

Ingredients and Variations

Dairy – Make your Irish cream as rich or light as you like! Start with sweetened condensed milk, then add heavy cream, half & half, or even whole milk. For dairy-free versions try coffee cream, coconut cream, or even oat milk. And how about giving it some cozy warmth with a splash or two of this delightful pumpkin spice creamer?

Whiskey – The classic choice is Irish whiskey, but any spirit, will do. Try bourbon, cognac or brandy, or neutral tasting vodka. Hazelnut liqueur will elevate the nutty flavors even more. For non-alcoholic versions, use bourbon extract.

Eggs – Eggs will thicken and add extra richness to this liqueur.

Chocolate – Use chocolate syrup, or cocoa for the signature flavor of Irish Cream. Other good options to consider are coconut and vanilla extracts to layer in more flavors.

Variations – Get creative with different extracts or liqueurs to give your own signature! Hazelnut and coconut extracts or liqueurs are especially delicious in Irish cream. Toss a few crystals of instant coffee into the blender for a hint of mocha. Combine it with homemade grand marnier over ice, for a creamy chocolate-orange cocktail.

How to Make Irish Cream 

This easy recipe comes together in a flash!

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, as described in the recipe below.
  2. Serve chilled over ice or in coffee drinks or cocktails.
a bottle of homemade Irish cream

Ways to Use Irish Cream 

Homemade Irish cream is delicious on its own over ice or vanilla ice cream. Use it in place of creamer when brewing coffee drinks, or as a substitute for the dairy in dessert recipes or this breakfast French toast casserole. Stir it into powdered sugar for a glaze to drizzle over cupcakes or cinnamon rolls. A luscious Irish cream custard that you can use as a filling for layer cakes or pastries can be made by using it as a substitute for milk in a basic pudding recipe.

homemade Irish cream in a glass with ice

Storing Irish Cream

  • Irish cream will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Shake it well before using each time.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays, and use the cubes for cocktails or blended coffee drinks.
Two glassed of homemade Irish cream with a bottle in the background

More Delicious Drinks!

Have you tried this Homemade Irish Cream recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!

glasses of Homemade Irish Cream with jar full in the background
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Homemade Irish Cream

Make this rich and delicious Irish cream liqueur right at home with this easy recipe!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 32 servings
Author Candace

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 1 ¼ cups Irish whiskey or rye whiskey (may add up to ¼ cup more depending on the brand)
  • 1 cup coffee cream 18% (or table cream)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon chocolate syrup *
  • ¼ teaspoon coconut extract optional (can use up to ½ teaspoon)

Instructions 

  • In a blender, combine whiskey, cream, condensed milk, eggs, chocolate syrup, and coconut extract (if using). Blend until smooth.
  • Serve chilled, over ice.

Notes

  • *In place of chocolate syrup, can add 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons cocoa, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • Hand mixer method: Beat eggs until frothy. Add whiskey, cream, condensed milk, chocolate syrup, and coconut extract if using, and mix until smooth.
    Refrigerate for up to one month, stirring before using.
     
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 75 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Irish

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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