Okay, so who else lives for those cozy nights in, wrapped in a blanket, wishing they had something a little extra special? I totally get it. That’s why I’m obsessed with making my own Bailey’s Original Irish Cream.
Seriously, if you’ve ever thought about how to make the best Bailey’s Original Irish Cream, you’re in the right place. Forget those store-bought bottles; this homemade version hits different.
It’s surprisingly easy. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum cozy vibes. This isn’t just about saving some cash, it’s about getting that rich, creamy, perfectly balanced flavor that you control.
This easy Bailey’s Original Irish Cream recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute chill sessions or when you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. It’s the ultimate hack for next-level coffee, cocktails, or just sipping on its own.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Your homemade Bailey’s is basically liquid gold, so let’s talk about how to slay with it. First, obviously, straight over ice is a classic. But it also takes your coffee or hot chocolate game from 0 to 100 real quick. For pairings, think rich, sweet, and comforting. This creamy goodness goes amazing with chocolate-heavy desserts.
Imagine a little shot of this alongside a slice of New York Style Cheesecake or after a bite of Chocolate Lava Cake. It’s also super legit with cookies like Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or Classic Chocolate Brownies.
You could even drizzle it over a scoop of Chocolate Affogato for an instant dessert upgrade. If you’re feeling extra, try it with a slice of Classic Tiramisu – the coffee and cream combo is chef’s kiss.
Tips and Notes
- Cream Choice: For the richest, creamiest result, go for heavy cream. You can use half-and-half if you want it a little lighter, but the full-fat cream just hits different here.
- Whiskey Matters: Use a good quality Irish whiskey. You don’t need the fanciest bottle on the top shelf, but avoiding the cheapest stuff will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Smooth Blending: Make sure all your ingredients are well combined. An immersion blender or a regular blender works best for getting that perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.
- Sweetness Level: Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can add a little more condensed milk or a touch of simple syrup if you like it sweeter.
- Storage: Store your homemade Irish Cream in an airtight bottle or jar in the fridge. Because it contains dairy, it’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks. Give it a good shake before serving!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a creamy, dreamy homemade liqueur? Let me know in the comments below! If you’re feeling inspired, check out our other homemade drinks like Homemade Limoncello or Homemade Kahlua!
Bailey’s Original Irish Cream
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup light cream - for a smooth texture
- 1 can 14 oz Eagle sweetened condensed milk - adds sweetness and creaminess
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey - for an authentic flavor
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee - enhances the richness
- 2 tablespoons Hershey’s chocolate syrup - for chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - for depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon almond extract - adds nuttiness
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender set on high speed for 30 seconds.
- Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate. The liqueur will keep for at least 2 months if kept cool. Be sure to shake the bottle well before serving.