There’s something incredibly special about giving homemade gifts during the holidays, and this Homemade Baileys Irish Cream is the ultimate festive present that friends and family will absolutely adore. Rich, creamy, and luxuriously smooth, this copycat recipe rivals the store-bought version at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re enjoying it over ice, stirring it into coffee, or drizzling it over desserts, this Irish cream liqueur is pure indulgence in a bottle.
The best part? This recipe comes together in just minutes and makes enough to fill several decorative bottles for gift-giving. Package them with pretty ribbons and personalized tags, and you’ll have the most coveted gift at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup Irish whiskey (Jameson or similar)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra depth)
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for authentic flavor)
Instructions
Mix the Base:
In a blender, combine the Irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Blend on medium speed for about 10 seconds to combine the liquids thoroughly.
Add the Flavorings:
Add the chocolate syrup, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and optional almond and coconut extracts to the blender. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and the coffee granules have dissolved. The mixture should be silky and uniform in color with no visible streaks.
Taste and Adjust:
Give your Irish cream a taste test. If you prefer it sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of chocolate syrup. For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder slightly. Want more boozy kick? Add another splash of whiskey. Blend again briefly to incorporate any additions.
Bottle and Store:
Gift baskets
Pour the Irish cream through a funnel into clean glass bottles or mason jars. Decorative swing-top bottles work beautifully for gift-giving. Seal tightly and refrigerate immediately.
Storage and Shelf Life
This homemade Baileys will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months when stored properly in an airtight container. The alcohol acts as a preservative, but because this recipe uses fresh dairy, refrigeration is essential. Always shake well before serving, as some separation is natural and doesn’t indicate spoilage.
