This homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe can be made at home in just minutes. All you need to make this copycat recipe are 6 common ingredients you probably have on hand and a blender. You’ll never have to go without the fabulous taste of Baileys!
Homemade Irish cream is perfect for adding to your coffee and it can be used in so many cocktails and dessert recipes. This copycat recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any holiday, and makes a great homemade gift.
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You don't need to make a trip to the liquor store to get some Irish cream. Make it at home in just minutes with a few common ingredients. Get the recipe on The Gardening Cook. Click To TweetWhat do you need to make Baileys Irish cream?
This copycat Bailey’s recipe is rich and creamy and the flavor is very much like the store-bought version. You’ll need these ingredients:
- Irish whiskey
- Chocolate syrup
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Instant coffee granules
- Vanilla extract
Since I like to bake, these ingredients are ones that I normally have on hand all the time in my pantry. That makes this recipe so convenient when a drink or dessert recipe calls for Bailey’s Irish cream as one of the ingredients.
How to make Baileys at home
Got a blender and your ingredients? In minutes, with this quick and simple recipe, you’ll have a rich and creamy alternative to Bailey’s!
Homemade Baileys comes together quickly in the blender. It’s so easy to prepare that you will wonder why you didn’t make some sooner.
Start by adding all your ingredients except for the Irish whiskey in a blender. Blend on low speed for 30-60 seconds. Be sure not to mix on too high a speed. You don’t want whipped cream in there!
Once the ingredients are well mixed, pour in the Irish whiskey and blend on low for another 30 seconds.
Pour into a clean, air tight container. This home made Baileys will keep for about two months. It’s a good idea to give the bottle a shake when you plan to serve it each time since the ingredients can separate in storage.
How long will homemade Baileys last?
Normal store-bought Bailey’s Irish cream lasts for two years, either opened or unopened. It can be stored in the fridge or pantry as long as it is not in direct sunlight and stored between 32 and 77° F.
Homemade baileys has a shorter life. Even though the alcohol in homemade Irish cream acts as a preservative, it should still be kept in the refrigerator.
If you store it in the pantry, it can curdle and turn bad. The homemade version will keep under refrigeration for up to two months
How to enjoy homemade Baileys Irish cream
Baileys Irish cream is delicious served on the rocks, or poured into a cup of hot coffee. This homemade Baileys recipe makes the perfect cocktail when mixed with other spirits.
Serve it neat as an after dinner cocktail. It’s like dessert in a glass! You can also use it to make cakes, cookies, brownies, or even frosting with it.
Add an extra creamy flavor to your favorite Irish coffee recipe in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
From trying to warm up in the evening, or serving drinks at a St. Patrick’s Day get together, having this homemade Bailey’s on hand is a delight. The flavor is so great that there is simply no wrong way to use it!
Tips for making homemade Baileys Irish cream
This recipe is so quick and easy, there aren’t too many things that can go wrong. Here are a few questions that readers have asked about the recipe over the years.
What type of whiskey should I use to make Baileys?
Any Irish whiskey works well. I used Jameson whiskey in my recipe since I wanted the taste to be as close to the store-bought brand as possible.
If you are wanting the general flavor of Baileys but also like to experiment, the sky is the limit. There are lots of whiskey flavors for sale.
Can I use half and half or milk instead of cream?
Substituting half and half for cream will give a similar flavor but will save you a few calories.
However, avoid using normal milk. It won’t give you the creamy result that you are looking for.
Is evaporated milk okay to use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
This is a substitute that doesn’t work well. Sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter and thicker than evaporated milk.
Using it gives the sweetness you want and doesn’t water down the mixture like milk would.
Can I use coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules have a more concentrated flavor that normal coffee does. For an even more intense coffee flavor, you can use instant espresso instead.
The granules gives the coffee taste that Baileys is known for and doesn’t water down the creamy mixture.
Is imitation vanilla extract okay to use?
Pure vanilla extra is what I recommend for this Baileys recipe. It gives much more intense flavor to the drink. Save the imitation flavoring for baked goods, instead.
Baileys Irish cream recipes
This homemade Bailey’s Irish cream adds a fabulous flavor to so many different recipes. From cocktails to desserts, or even a rich sauce over beef, the taste of Baileys lends itself to all sorts of recipes.
Bailey’s Irish cream drink recipes
If you enjoy the taste of rich and creamy drinks, you will love these drinks made with your homemade Baileys.
- Bailey’s mudslide – be sure to drizzle the glass with chocolate for an extra special experience.
- International Incident Cocktail – several spirits combine with Bailey’s in this decadent cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day.
- After 8 Cocktail – you don’t have to wait until after 8 o’clock to enjoy this yummy drink.
- Ghostbuster Martini – you’ll be chasing all sorts of spirits after you drink this Halloween cocktail!
- Baileys thick Italian hot chocolate – topped with whipped cream and chocolate, so perfect for a cold night!
- Bailey’s frozen mochaccino – this drink will help you cool down on a warm summer evening.
Recipes using homemade Irish cream
Baileys is a secret ingredient that will completely transform your desserts. Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking to jazz up some of your favorte sweet recipes at home, try one of these ideas:
- Bailey’s Irish cream fudge – get the taste of Irish cream in this sweet and decadent fudge recipe.
- Baileys mudslide truffle recipe – for a really tasty way to infuse the flavor into candy.
- Bailey’s Irish cream and coffee fudge – add some coffee and marshmallows to your Baileys for this tasty fudge.
- Bailey’s Irish cream brownies – they have a chocolate ganache made with Baileys that tastes amazing.
- Bailey’s cheese cake cookie cups – a perfect fluffy indulgence in bite sized servings.
- Sirloin steal with Baileys Irish cream sauce – a great example of using this drink in a savory recipe.
Admin note: This post for homemade Baileys Irish cream first appeared on the blog in November of 2013. I have updated the post to add new photos, a printable recipe card with nutritional information and a video for you to enjoy.
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Homemade Baileys Irish Cream

This homemade Baileys Irish cream is a rich and creamy alternative to the store-bought variety. It's made in minutes and tastes amazing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the whiskey n a blender.
- Mix on low speed for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add the whiskey and gently mix for another 30 seconds.
- Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
- Shake well before serving.
Notes
This recipe makes 750 ml. Each serving is measured at 50 ml.
Please drink responsibly.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 244Total Fat: 8.7gSaturated Fat: 5.5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1.9gCholesterol: 31.1mgSodium: 44.4mgCarbohydrates: 23.6gFiber: 0gSugar: 23.3gProtein: 3.2g
Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission from the sale, but the price is the same for you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Anna
Friday 4th of November 2016
I don't like chocolate, do I have to add it?
Carol
Friday 4th of November 2016
Hi Anna. If you don't add the chocolate, it won't taste as much like Bailey's. Carol
Sharon
Wednesday 12th of October 2016
Wondering how to make the "MINT" flavor as they discontinued this a few years ago,and its the only one I like!!
Carol
Wednesday 12th of October 2016
Hi Sharon. Adding 1 teaspoon mint extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract to my recipe would probably give you the flavor you are looking for. Just adjust the extracts until you get the taste you like. Carol
donna
Thursday 25th of June 2015
how long do you have to let it sit before you can use it
admin
Thursday 25th of June 2015
Hi Donna. I used mine in the recipe right away and also tasted it just plain and it was fine. Carol
Karman
Saturday 15th of November 2014
Thanks so much for posting this recipe! I'm going to love trying it out! I'm allergic to flavoring so I have to avoid most liquors; this will be a big help!
admin
Sunday 16th of November 2014
HI Karman. I hope you enjoy it. Carol
Jenny
Monday 25th of August 2014
I live in Australia, what can I replace Hersheys chocolate syrup with????
admin
Monday 25th of August 2014
Hi Jenny, Any chocolate syrup that you use over ice cream can be substituted. Carol