Indulge in a Luxurious Bailey’s Irish Cream Recipe
Food has the power to transport us to different places and cultures, and one of the most iconic drinks that embodies this notion is Irish Cream. Its creamy texture and delightful combination of whiskey and cream make it a beloved drink around the world. However, did you know that you can create a homemade version of this popular liqueur? That’s right! With just a few ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, you can make homemade Baileys Irish Cream that will rival its store-bought counterpart.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am honored to share with you my signature recipe for homemade Baileys Irish Cream. This recipe offers you the chance to create an indulgent drink that is perfect for gatherings or as a special treat on a cozy night in. In this article, I will guide you through the entire process and give tips on how to personalize it to your liking. So why not bring a touch of Irish hospitality into your home by making your own homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to indulging in a delicious drink, few options can compare to a homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream. This liqueur is the perfect combination of cream and whiskey, with the addition of sugar, coffee, and cocoa powder to make it extra special. Here are some reasons why you’re going to love this recipe:
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways. Whether you want to sip it as a relaxing after-dinner drink or use it as an ingredient in your favourite dessert recipes like Baileys ice cream or Baileys brownies, this homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream will not disappoint.
Secondly, this recipe is easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, instant coffee granules, Irish whiskey and vanilla extract, you’ll have a scrumptious and decadent libation in no time. Mix all the ingredients together and blend them until everything is well combined. Done!
Thirdly, making your own Baileys Irish Cream means you can customize it according to your taste preferences. You can change the amounts of ingredients such as heavy cream or whiskey depending on what tastes best for you. Perhaps add more cocoa powder if you want your Bailey’s cream recipe more chocolatey or add more coffee if you want a slightly stronger flavour.
Lastly, the homemade Baileys Irish Cream recipe allows for substitutions and variations so you can create different versions over time. For instance, instead of using regular whiskey, try using Jameson Irish Whiskey or swap out the heavy cream with half and half for a lighter texture.
Overall, there are a lot of great benefits to making your own homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream recipe. It’s delicious, versatile and customizable – all qualities that make it hard not to love! Whether you prefer drinking it neat or incorporating it into different dessert recipes, this luscious beverage is definitely worth trying out.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to create homemade Baileys Irish Cream. Be sure to have these essential ingredients for this creamy, whiskey-based liqueur:
Dry Milk
You will need dry milk to give the Baileys Irish cream its creamy texture.
Sugar
Sweetness is essential to the flavor of Baileys, and sugar is the ingredient that delivers it.
Butter
Adding butter is important for combining and emulsifying the ingredients together.
Boiling water
The boiling water is used to dissolve and activate the instant coffee granules later on in the recipe.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee helps to replicate some of the rich roasted notes that come from brewing coffee. You can use your favourite brand for this recipe.
Pure vanilla extract
Pure vanilla extract gives this homemade Baileys a subtle yet indulgent flavor.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for making this recipe rich and able to blend together smoothly.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream in this recipe will give it that signature thick, silky mouthfeel of commercial cream liqueurs.
Sweetened condensed milk
Adding sweetened condensed milk in a can, which contains sugar and a concentrated milk flavour provides sweetness and richness to our mixture.
Irish whiskey
We’re using Irish whiskey for an authentic Baileys. Any brand that you love is great!
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or online. Once we’ve gathered everything we need let’s get started on making our homemade Baileys Irish Cream!
The Recipe How-To
Preparation time: 10 minutes\
Cooking time: 10 minutes\
Total time: 20 minutes
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
To get started, you will need a blender. Add the following ingredients into your blender:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients Together
Put the lid on and blend on high for approximately one minute or until all ingredients are well blended. Scrape down any stray bits from the sides with a spatula to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Add Ice Cubes and Blend (Optional)
If you like your Bailey’s Irish Cream drink extra cold, feel free to add some ice cubes before blending. Blend the mixture again until all ice cubes are crushed and the drink reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the drink into a glass container with a lid or bottle it up in individual serving bottles. Keep refrigerated until ready to drink. Your homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream drink is now ready to be served.
Note: Shake well before drinking.
Enjoy your homemade Bailey’s Original Irish Cream drink with ice or as a cocktail ingredient for unique drinks like those found in Baileys drinks and cocktail recipes like Baileys brownies, Baileys chocolate mousse, or Jameson Irish whiskey cocktails. Cheers!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making the perfect Bailey’s Irish Cream, there are countless substitutions and variations that can be made. Here are a few options to consider:
– For a dairy-free version, swap out heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
– If you want to go easy on the alcohol, you can reduce the amount of Irish whiskey in the recipe or substitute it with another liquor like rum or brandy.
– For a richer chocolate flavor, add in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or espresso chocolate.
– To make homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 â…” cups Irish whiskey, 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth and store in an airtight container for up to two months.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different flavors and create your own unique cream liqueur. Add in ingredients like caramel sauce or hazelnut spread for a nutty twist.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can also try adding Bailey’s Irish Cream to various desserts like ice cream, brownies or mousse for an Irish-inspired twist.
Serving and Pairing
When you finally have your homemade Baileys Irish Cream recipe ready, it’s time to enjoy its delicious taste. The perfect way to savor this creamy delight is by pouring it over a few ice cubes in a tumbler glass. Watch as the small droplets of condensation form on the outside of the glass and feel the refreshing chill of the ice cubes against your lips. Take a small sip and let the flavors of sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, and creamy vanilla extract blend together into an irresistible concoction.
For those who prefer something more decadent, try adding a splash of your homemade Baileys to a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for an elevated treat. You could also experiment with different desserts like Baileys chocolate mousse or Baileys ice cream. Create classics like Baileys brownies or use it as an ingredient in a cocktail recipe for a festive party drink.
When it comes to pairing alcoholic beverages, homemade Baileys Irish Cream can be mixed with other liquors such as Kahlua or Amaretto for an extra boost of flavor. You could also try serving it alongside sweet treats like cakes, tartlets, or macarons to complement its soft and smooth texture.
It’s important to remember that while Baileys Irish Cream is undoubtedly delicious on its own, it can also be used as an accent flavor in many different recipes. So go ahead and get creative with your homemade Baileys; there are endless pairing possibilities!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
There are times when you don’t want to make a fresh batch of Bailey’s Irish Cream but still want to have it at hand. In that case, you can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for later. Homemade Bailey’s will remain fresh for up to two months in the fridge.
Before storing, transfer the Irish cream to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and label it with the date of preparation. Make sure that there is enough room in the container for expansion due to temperature changes. Store it in the coldest part of your fridge (which is usually towards the back).
If you are short on time or if you want to warm up on a cold winter evening, heat up the Bailey’s Irish cream in a small saucepan over low heat. You can also microwave it in 20-second intervals until warm.
If you prefer to serve Bailey’s over ice or use it as an ingredient in desserts like brownies, ice cream or mousses, freeze it into cubes using an ice cube tray. The cubes will come in handy whenever you need them and will prevent dilution from adding regular ice cubes.
Note: Freezing may affect the consistency of your homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe, so simply give the jar a good shake before using it or warming it up.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your homemade Baileys Irish Cream turns out perfectly, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Use fresh eggs, good whiskey such as Jameson Irish Whiskey or Tullamore Dew, and high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.
When adding the hot water, make sure it is boiling hot to help dissolve the instant coffee granules completely. The coffee is an essential flavor in this recipe, so use a good quality instant coffee for maximum flavor.
When mixing the ingredients together, it is important to blend everything thoroughly. You don’t want to end up with chunks of dry milk or undissolved sugar in your final product. A blender or food processor works best for getting everything perfectly combined.
To give your homemade Baileys Irish Cream a smoother texture, pass it through a fine-mesh strainer after blending it in the blender or food processor. This will remove any lumps or clumps and give it a velvety finish.
Finally, if you are planning on serving your homemade Baileys Irish Cream chilled, make sure you chill it before serving. Pop it into the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving, or leave it in there overnight for even better results. And don’t forget to give it a good shake before serving to ensure that all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
With these tips in mind, you are sure to create a delicious and indulgent homemade Baileys Irish Cream that rivals anything you can buy at the store. So grab your ingredients and start mixing!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making your own Bailey’s Irish Cream recipe is easier than you think, and the result is a deliciously creamy and indulgent beverage that is perfect for sipping or adding to your favorite cocktails. With a little bit of creativity and experimentation, you can also customize the recipe to suit your specific tastes.
This homemade version of Bailey’s Irish Cream will impress your friends and family, and it’s an excellent way to add some variety to your cocktail game. Whether you’re a whiskey-loving enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy night in, whipping up a batch of this decadent elixir is sure to hit the spot.
So, whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just need a touch of Irish flavor, try making your own homemade Baileys Irish Cream recipe today. Plus, with all the variations and substitutions available, there are endless possibilities for creativity!
Bailey’s Irish Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (or use recipe below)
- 1 1/2 cups good Irish whiskey
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons Hershey's syrup (in the CAN)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee, dissolved in 4 tbls. warm water
Homemade sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/3 cups dry milk
Instructions
- Homemade sweetened condensed milk: Combine ingredients and stir well.
- Mix all in a blender except cream and sweetened milk.
- Pour mixture in a covered container and add cream.
- Gently shake.
- Refrigerate over night.
- Keeps three weeks.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.