Homemade Baileys Irish Cream — Homemade Baileys Irish Cream comes together 1 minute, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Rich, creamy, and the flavor is a dead ringer for store-bought!
Homemade Baileys Recipe
Homemade Baileys comes together in under one minute in the blender. It’s so easy that if you’re a Baileys Irish Cream fan, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Simply combine cream or half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, a pinch of instant coffee, dash of chocolate syrup, vanilla, and blend.
The flavor is spot on and so very creamy. I used half-and-half rather than cream, and can only imagine how rich it would be with cream.
Between the sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, and vanilla it’s no wonder I’ve always loved the stuff. Dessert in a shot glass.
I don’t think it’s any cheaper to make homemade Irish cream, but it’s also not more expensive than store-bought. With the exception of the Irish whiskey, I always have the rest of the ingredients on hand so it didn’t feel like I bought things just to make homemade Baileys from scratch.
The real satisfaction comes from being able to say, oh yes, I can make Baileys Irish cream.
At parties, there’s always that one person who can mix a great drink, juggle shot glasses, catch peanuts in their mouth, or tie cherry stems into knots with their tongue. Now you’ll be the star of the party with this little Baileys recipe up your sleeve.
Serve it chilled, over ice, in mixed drinks or in coffee. Make cake, donuts, cupcakes, brownies, or frosting with it. There’s no wrong way to use it.
And if you need inspiration, just read food blogs the week before St. Paddy’s Day. Or Google “Baileys desserts” for 2.8 million ideas. My idea is to pour a little jigger and sip happily.
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe:
- Irish whiskey
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Half and half
- Chocolate syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Instant coffee granules
How to Make Baileys Irish Cream
This homemade Irish cream recipe couldn’t be simpler to make! Just add all the ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth.
How Long Does Homemade Irish Cream Last?
If stored in an air-tight container, homemade Baileys can last up to 2 months in the fridge. The alcohol helps preserve it, but always sniff the mixture first to make sure it hasn’t gone off (trust me, you’ll know if the half and half has gone sour).
I also recommend shaking the homemade Baileys before enjoying it, just to mix everything back together.
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee Granules?
No, you want to use instant coffee or espresso granules and not regular coffee. Instant coffee granules have a more concentrated flavor and will deliver that coffee taste Baileys is known for without watering down the drink.
What Type of Whiskey Should I Use?
I used Jameson whiskey in my homemade Baileys recipe, but any Irish whiskey will do.
Tips for Making Baileys Irish Cream
Sweetened condensed milk: Make sure to buy sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter and won’t water down the Baileys.
Vanilla: For the best flavor, I recommend using pure vanilla extract and not the imitation kind. I like using imitation vanilla in some of my baked goods, but for this Baileys recipe you want the real stuff.
Half and half vs. cream: As I said before, you’re welcome to use either half and half or heavy cream in this homemade Irish cream. Don’t use regular milk though, otherwise your Baileys won’t be creamy enough.
Chocolate syrup swap: One way you can tweak this recipe for a nutty and cinnamon taste is to add 1-2 tablespoons of Perfect Keto’s Chocolate Hazelnut Nut Butter. This would be a good replacement for Hershey’s Chocolate syrup if you want to reduce the amount of sugar in your drink.
Recipes Using Baileys Irish Cream
Now that you know how to make Irish cream from scratch, it’s time to enjoy it! Some ideas for repurposing this Baileys Irish cream recipe include:
- Santa’s Magic Potion (Eggnog and Bailey’s) — Not sure what to mix with eggnog? Baileys, of course! This creamy eggnog cocktail mixes the two to create a holiday drink you’ll love!
- Creamy Chocolate Martini — Everything is better with Nutella, including these martinis that go down so easily! The Frangelico adds hazelnut, cinnamon, and vanilla notes, while the Baileys Irish Cream provides richness and creaminess.
- Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes — A tender chocolate cupcake made from scratch with batter that’s spiked with Guinness, along with a hint of Jameson Irish whiskey in the chocolate ganache filling. The cupcakes are frosted with a silky smooth Baileys buttercream frosting!
- Frozen Mudslide — These frozen mudslides are decadent dessert-like drinks made with three types of alcohol for a slightly boozy milkshake with an abundance of chocolate syrup!
- Death by Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars — Only for serious chocoholics because they’re rich, creamy, decadent, and loaded with chocolate!! NO-BAKE and an easy MAKE-AHEAD dessert!!
Pin This Recipe
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream comes together 1 minute, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Rich, creamy, and the flavor is a dead ringer for store-bought!
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey (I used Jameson)
- one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream (I used half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (I used Hershey’s)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or instant espresso (make sure it’s instant so it dissolves)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the canister of a blender and blend on high speed until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.
- Transfer mixture to a glass bottle or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months (I have read anywhere between 1 to 2 months; the alcohol helps preserve it, but always use the sniff test and common sense).
- Shake well before using.
Notes
Recipe intended for those whom alcohol consumption is appropriate. Always drink responsibly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 731Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 218mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 0gSugar: 80gProtein: 13g
More Easy Drink Recipes:
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini – An indulgent chocolate martini that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, date-night-in, or a girls-night-in! Plenty of chocolate flavor in this festive, fun, and easy martini!
Tequila Sunrise — Not only is it pretty to look at, but a Tequila Sunrise is also refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch!
Malibu Sunset — A fun, fruity, easy Malibu drink recipe!! Because there’s really no wrong way to do pineapple, orange juice, coconut rum, grenadine, and cherries! If you’ve never had this fruity alcoholic drink, you should change that!!
Tropical Strawberry Lemonade Party Punch — This Tropical Alcoholic Punchis one of my all-time favorite party drinks! Feel free to leave the alcohol out if desired. This punch tastes delicious even without it!
Tropical Mango Mimosas – A fun, easy, and refreshing twist on classic mimosas!! A party favorite at your next brunch or event! Everyone will want REFILLS!!
Homemade Margaritas — How to make a margarita with just three natural ingredients! Nothing fake, neon green, and no sugary chemicals. This is the best homemade margarita recipe I’ve tried and it’s the easiest!!
Kiss on the Lips Cocktail — This frozen drink is quick and easy, fruity, tropical-tasting, and the colors are so fun. It goes down way too easily and would be extra refreshing on hot summer days.
Originally posted March 14, 2013 and reposted March 17, 2021 with updated text.
I made this for New Years, and it went over like gangbusters. I even had to make another store run to get more ingredients to make a couple more batches. I did sub out the half and half and used heavy cream, and OMG… It was sooooooo creamy and smooth. I also subbed out the Irish whiskey and used Korbel brandy to lose the whiskey bite. I think I must have made about 5 gallons and bottled it up for friends. Thanks for the recipe. So easy and sooooooo gooood!!!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this went over like gangbusters! And that you even had to make a run to the store to make more batches! I love hearing comments like this one. Thank you for taking the time to give feedback! And wow, 5 gallons…you have lucky friends!
How do you keep chocolate from settling? Been making for years and always happens. Shaking doesn’t really help mix back in.
I just shake to re-incorporate and it mixes in fine for me. I don’t know what to suggest other than just shake vigorously.
I want to make this but i have no idea that how to use in coffee. What should be the proportion if usig in one cup of coffee or should it be drink just like that either hot or cold? Sorry for my silly question.
Add a splash like you would add half and half.
Wow this recipe is great, it makes me farewell instant coffee, like it , thanks for sharing!
This looks great. Thanks for sharing. Did I miss the actual amounts for the cream, condensed milk & Irish Whiskey?
Yes I think you must have missed it because the recipe with all the amounts of ingrededients are listed clearly.
This Irish cream recipe is phenomenal. Definitely sometime to indulge in once in a while (not frequently because of the high sugar and fat content). Due to religious reasons, I cannot drink alcohol. The first time I tried the recipe, I used whipping cream and it came out very thick. The second time, I used half whipping cream and half full cream milk (this was an accidental discovery as I had poured half a cup of whipping cream away accidentally and was only left with half a cup). I also used 2 teaspoons of non-alcoholic rum and brandy essence both times and it came out lighter (less heavy which I prefer) but was still very creamy. You can add more essence/extract if you want more of the alcohol flavouring. This is HEAVEN!!
I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Ah crud…my computer auto filled my last name & I can’t figure out how to edit it off! :(
Averie, can you edit or fix it please?
Now I have a use for the instant coffee we have! I got my guy to switch to real coffee by getting him a one cup coffee maker for Christmas…
I’m stoked to give this a whirl…but I don’t have a blender, ha!
I had all these ingredients on hand and figured I had two spare minutes, so what the heck. Yum. I have a major sweet tooth and felt the need to add a tablespoon of sugar, but the flavor was spot on. Makes an excellent Irish Coffee! Thanks for the idea.
So glad it worked out well for you! Thanks for trying it!
Cannot wait to make this for the holidays! Pinned! Thanks Averie!
Don’t wait for the holidays. Make it tonight! Haha!
I hope you love it as much as I do! And thanks for pinning!
I saw this on Pinterest and it called out to me. I love Baileys but have never tried making it!
In the long run this will save you some $$ too!
This one really taste very clsoe to the original, I tried several other copycat recipes and never really got a satisfying result, this one was very easy and GOOD!
I used it in the power blender with some banana and ice cubes -it made the perfectBanana-bailey-smoothie.
Thanks for sharing.
Glad you approve and thanks for coming back to LMK you tried it – with a banana sounds like a great idea!
Homemade Bailey’s–my husband said something along the lines of Oh that’s darn good! He asked me what all was in it and is certain he can make more for himself tomorrow. It tastes like the real stuff to me–and so quick! Great recipe!!
Thanks for coming back to LMK you tried it and that it’s even husband-approved & that he thinks it tastes like the real thing!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Averie! Please do stop by with a batch of this Irish creme…we can listen to Tori and discuss the fabulousness of the 90’s. :D
I would love to stop by with a batch. How FUN would that be to listen to Tori and drink Baileys and we could cook something decadent together. If only we didn’t like 2500 miles apart! Thanks for the Pin, too!
I just made this using Jack Daniels because that’s what I had. I’m giggling, not because I’m buzzed (which will be truth verrrry soon) but because it’s sooo good!
So glad to hear you’re giggling, happy, and pleased (and hopefully by now buzzed!). Trust me, I’ve been loving it too :)
Wow, this is great! I ran out of Bailey’s, and now I can make my own! Thank you for this recipe!!! You saved me a trip to the store!!
Ok if you tried it, please LMK your thoughts. Glad I could save you a trip to the store!
That looks like pure perfection Averie! Thanks so much for including a link to me!
My pleasure :)
I LOVE making my own Baileys!! I feel like it comes out stronger, and way more delicious! I make it really similarly too, except, you know me, it’s all trying to be “healthy”–or at least as healthy as Irish cream gets ;)
it comes out stronger, and way more delicious! <-- AMEN to that! And glad to hear you're already on board with DIYing!
My mother—now gone on ahead of us—would have loved making her own Irish cream whisky. She made her own “kahlua.” Her grandsons thought she was the best grandma in the world. My bad—I didn’t get her formula for making kahlua. Wah!
Oh wow, the homemade Kahlua sounds amazing! I bet you can google and find plenty of ideas though; of course nothing is ever like mama’s, totally.
I am not a big drinker (I just don’t like the taste of alcohol!), but I have such a weakness for Bailey’s. It would never occur to me to try to make it myself, but now I’m going to obsess about this recipe until I do. ;)
I can’t believe how amazingly easy this is! I love how you suggested the half and half, instead of using cream. And with the sweetened condensed milk…in complete heaven! Thank you for sharing, Averie!
So easy! And half & half was super rich and creamy; really didn’t need full on cream, and I’d be the first to say it! However, I wouldn’t say no to drinking it if someone wanted to make me some w/ heavy cream :)
I think that sounds fantastic! My mother loooves Baileys. I’m a fan if it replaces dessert, but other than that it is too sweet for me to have in addition to anything! Maybe as a coffee creamer, but not sure my boss would like that ;-)
It’s so good in coffee! :)
I would be worried about using the trade marked name “Bailey’s”. It would be safer just using irish cream.
I have a very similar recipe, Averie, so I know this recipe is a winner. It looks amazing. I’ll take one of those mugs, please :)
Glad to hear you’re already making something similar :)
I’m not a drinker by any means. But there have always been 2 or 3 drinks that I can enjoy if I feel like being an adult, and Baileys is one of them.
It’s amazing how it can be made at home too. So awesome. I may have to try it out one day.
if I feel like being an adult … <--- I love that!
Nothing like a Baileys poured over some vanilla ice cream for me!
My two fave drinks I think are champagne and Baileys. And coffee! And that night of the White Party, I was lucky enough to have 2 of the 3! :)
I can’t believe I’ve never tried this!
Whoa – are you at least part Irish? Folks seem to like my traditional Irish soda bread which is pretty amazing, since I am such a terrible baker that I almost tossed the kneaded dough out – but it worked OK. http://lizthechef.com/2013/03/13/traditional-white-irish-soda-bread/
Not Irish in the least but lived in Chicago for a long time and something about Baileys, mmm, so good! Oh yes, the sugar and the cream!
I absolutely DO have a favorite way to enjoy Baileys, and the recipe is very simple- Baileys and a load of ice. Works every time. Especially great around the holidays, but good any time of year ;)
Some Snapshots Blog
Jess
Omg! You cracked another recipe to make at home (PB, choco PB, now Baileys!). LOVE this! Especially the addition of condensed milk :)
It’s so quick & easy and pretty soon I’ll be making my own flour and knitting our clothes. Kidding :)
MMMM!!! My middle name is Bailey. My family is British. I have dual (british & american) citizenship. I work at a British Pub (that’s my st. paddy’s day plans – 2nd busiest day of the year! Insane) so it’s only obvious I would LOVE Bailey’s and I do! My drink of choice ;) Now I have to make it, you make it sound so darn easy!
Well with all those factoids, this is destined to get made by you! If you try it, please LMK!
This is so great. What a fabulous idea to make Bailey’s at home. I never would have thought to do that and how easy it is! Score! I think Bailey’s ice cream or cookies or cupcakes or cake would be AWESOME. Since I don’t skulk much around through blog world all that much, I didn’t know it was a thing right now. Super cool though! :-D
I totally remember your Bailey’s peanut butter and frosting. Oh my goodness – YUM!!
I can’t remember if you drink? I finally remember about your corn allergy and other random tidbits but for some reason I thought you may not drink. But if you do, this is a keeper!
No, I do not drink at all, ever. But, my husband does and I like the sound of it all! :-)
Ok glad my memory is not totally failing me!
I could literally taste this Bailey’s as I read your post! I need to make this, all I have are a couple of airline sized bottles!
I think it’d be a great It’s After 5 ‘o Clock Somewhere thing :)
My kind of dessert! I love me some Baileys!
I bet this was a fun one to taste test!!!
Ohh my I love everything about this post! It’s 5:00 somewhere, no?? :)
You know it girl! xoxo
This is so brilliant! I love it, bring on the Homemade Baileys milkshakes :)
Somehow I think you could work this into that ice cream you just posted – or pretty much ANY of your creations. Stout, Baileys, same difference, right? :)
I like the way you think, Averie. Fuggedabout baking one of those million and one recipes and just pour a tall glass of this homemade Bailey’s instead. A good friend of mine made Bailey’s over the holidays and I couldn’t stop drinking it. It’s amazing! I just recently bought a bottle to make Bailey’s chocolate mousse with and I’ve been indulging a bit too much on the leftovers. Ah well! It just means I’ve been an extra happy girl lately ;)
Well glad to hear you’re as big of a fan as I am! Now you never have to buy it again & can DIY!
Dangerous! And there’s no way this would last 1-2 months here anyway ;)
Yeah it really doesn’t make THAT much…maybe half of what an average-sized grocery store bottle of real Baileys is. It’s so good it really has not been lasting long here!
You know I could drink this all year long!
My husband is going to LOVE you for this one!!! The guy loves his baileys, but he will be over the moon when I tell him that I have the recipe for it!!
LMK how it goes over!
You’re so right, I can see recipes with Baileys around as well. And it makes me very happy, because I like it’s sweet taste so much :)
I have not so fond memories of trying to get drunk when I was sixteen on Baileys. It got me more sick then anything. Since then, I have not drunk the stuff but I might have to try it again. Homemade does taste better.
Yeah it’s not exactly that sort of beverage you drink for effect. It’s a drink-for-taste one, for sure :)
Cheers!! Love this. Normally I just sup baileys on ice, but sometimes I like to have it with espresso :)
Mmm, both ways are delish!
Love that this is soo easy to make!
The Chocolate Molasses Chocolate Chip Cake looks amazing, and please pass me those jars of the homemade Chocolate and Cookie Butter Peanut Butter!
I’d be glad to pass you a slice of cake right after I can go bakery-case dessert sampling with you..omg how FUN! :)
This would go perfectly with the mousse I just posted…in fact, I’m going to add a link to your recipe :).
Thank you for that, Laura! Pinned your post, too. Those cups of chocolate are gorgeous..I want! :)
I love this idea of making your own! I am not one to drink much of any alcoholic beverage because to me, they are all SOOOOOOOOO strong!!!!! With this, it’s great to be able to modify the amount of alcohol that goes in. :) I guess you can either call me a lightweight or a woos!!!!! :)
Never thought of that, but yes, you can make this one extra creamy/lower alcohol by modifying the ratios. Enjoy!
This is great! I’m one of those people that always has whiskey on hand and never baileys, so this will save me plenty of trips to the store for last minute cocktails :) Such a great idea
Oh that’s awesome that you always have it on hand and can whip this up. LMK if you try it!
Should I be embarrassed to say I made this as soon as I got home? Ha! It tastes amazing! Slightly creamier even. So good!
You’re the first one who’s reported back saying she’s made it – and YAY! Glad you love it and it’s amazing..and I agree, slightly creamier with half&half for me. Can’t even imagine real cream :) Thanks for LMK you tried it! Happy St Paddy’s Day!
I usually just enjoy Bailey’s over ice…and it never occurred to me to make it! Such a simple recipe. My husband likes whiskey and bourbon and said he has been wanting some Bailey’s when I showed him this. He is impressed to see a recipe for it and wants me to make him some this weekend. I’m happy to oblige! We don’t have any St. Patrick’s Day plans. There are some big events going on around town, but it’s still a little too chilly for me!
Please LMK if you try it and if it’s husband-approved :) It takes 32 seconds to make. lol
OH are you serious? Yes, yes you are and I love it.
Wish we could have drinks together! ;)
“Oh yes, I can make Baileys”. Love it! Hello, party savvy hostess. Sorry if this was embedded in the post and I accidentally missed it–do you have any thoughts on how long it might keep?
Discussed in the actual recipe section of the post!
I love Bailey’s and need to drink it (or bake with it) more often. I don’t think I’ve ever bought whiskey before, but this DIY recipe may be the one thing that convinces me to buy some. I am starting to enjoy the DIY thing!
WHAT are you doing to me! Now it’s 7:45 AM and I want some Bailey’s. I am on Spring Break, after all… ;)
I love this! The Irish now hoe to eat and drink!
I’m not a huge Bailey’s fan but that might be from one too many hard nipples one evening. LOL. It’s just a little too rich for me I think. No plans for St. Patty’s day. There are some block parties going on downtown, but I’m not really sure we’ll fight the crowds for cheap green beer ;-)
fight the crowds for cheap green beer <-- oh really, that doesn't sound like fun to you? :)
I love whiskey.
I haven’t heard anyone use the word ‘jigger’ since my grandma died. I don’t think anyone calls shots jiggers outside of the midwest! Thanks for the smile this morning.
WHAT!!! I never even THOUGHT to make Bailey’s at home before Averie! I’m obsessed with this. I always drink Baileys with my coffee around the holidays. Why don’t I do it more often? I never feel like buying a huge bottle of it at the store! Now… for MUCH less, I can make it at home. I’m freaking out and so excited for this. The only person who may love Bailey’s more than I do is my sister. She named her puppy Bailey too. :) Sending this to her this morning! Love the pretty photos too! Wish I could shoot pretty drinks like you!
I’m obsessed too. And like having plates of dough balls chilling in the fridge, or making your own PB in 5 mins, etc is all pretty tempting, it’s quite tempting to want to throw a splash of Baileys in everything…haha! But yes, cheaper overall (once you buy the Irish whiskey – not something I usually keep around, or ever!) but after that, the rest I have everything, always. Hope you and the fam enjoy the recipe! LMK if anyone tries it!
My last bottle of bailey’s was a gift but, especially after seeing this, I will never buy it again because it’s so expensive! Thanks for sharing!!
I was just at the groc store and did a price check on it yesterday and for the ‘normal’ sized bottle, what looks to be about a half gallon, it was $27.99! My groc store was running a sale on it, probably b/c of St Paddy’s Day, but it was still 19.99! In doing the math, it just seems cheaper to make it at home! Even though you still have to buy whiskey, it does seem money ahead to make it!
Mmmmm . . . Bailey’s . . . . yes, please!! My favorite is a splash in some coffee. What a treat!
I’ve always meant to do this. Maybe now is the time! I can drink my calories instead of eat them. But I’d definitely have to have one with a cookie!
All that stands in the way of drinking your calories is about 30 seconds of time. So easy!
There really aren’t enough words to express my love for Bailey’s. I made a drink called “PS I Love You” that used Bailey’s though, and found the name very fitting:
http://scrumptiousgruel.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/p-s/
Cause I LOVED it!
Love the name of that drink and that you’re as passionate about your Baileys as I am!