How to make homemade Irish cream

Want to show off? How about making your own Irish cream liqueur?

Irish cream is a cream liqueur based on Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavorings. It typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) level of 15 to 20 percent and is served on its own or in mixed drinks, most commonly Irish coffee. 

The whiskey used in Irish cream is typically a blend of malted and unmalted barley, which is distilled three times to create a smooth and flavorful spirit. The cream used in Irish cream is typically fresh cream from Irish cows, which is blended with whiskey and other ingredients.

The ingredients are blended together until they are smooth and creamy, and then the mixture is pasteurized to ensure that it is safe for consumption. Once the mixture is pasteurized, it is bottled and ready to be enjoyed.

Irish cream is not a traditional Irish product. The first version of it, Baileys, was invented by a creative agency working for International Distillers & Vintners's Dublin office in 1973. However, within the European Union, Irish cream is a protected geographical indicator product that must be produced in Ireland.

While most of us know Irish cream by its most famous brand name, Baileys, we were just tickled pink to see how easy it is to make your own. The great thing about making your own Irish cream is that you can tweak the recipe to your taste.

Irish cream has a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly bitter. The cream gives the drink a smooth and creamy texture, while the whiskey adds a warming and slightly spicy flavor. The other ingredients, such as vanilla and caramel, give the drink a sweet and slightly nutty flavor that balances out the bitterness of the whiskey.

Irish cream is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice, or mixed into cocktails and recipes. It is often used in desserts, such as cakes and cheesecakes, to add a rich and creamy flavor. It is also a popular ingredient in coffee drinks, such as Irish coffee, which is made with coffee, Irish cream, and whiskey.

Homemade Irish cream recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can of sweetened milk
• 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee grains
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend. Then store in an airtight container.
• Irish cream can be served on its own, on the rocks, or as an alcoholic substitute for milk/cream and sugar in a hot coffee (sometimes with whipped cream added on top).

* Originally published in 2016. Updated in July 2024.