How To Make Homemade Baileys Irish Cream | Copycat Recipe

Published: Apr 8, 2025 · Modified: Apr 8, 2025 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 139 Comments

Rich, creamy and absolutely irresistible – this homemade Baileys Irish Cream takes just 5 minutes to make using 6 simple ingredients! Whether you’re gifting it during the festive season or adding a splash to your dessert, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

This homemade Baileys recipe with no egg goes perfectly in all my Baileys-infused desserts, like my Chocolate Brownie Trifle, Baileys Malteser Cheesecake, and Boozy Baileys Brownies… or you can just drink it on it’s own over ice!

This recipe is so easy, you will never want to use store-bought again! It’s creamy and sweet with a splash of smooth Irish whiskey.

Jump to:

Every Christmas I make a big double batch of my Homemade Baileys and give it to friends and neighbours in little hampers filled with shortbread, gingerbread, fudge and Christmas cake.

If you’re looking for cocktails to use your homemade Baileys Irish cream in, try my Boozy Chocolate Easter Cocktail and Boozy Salted Caramel Cocktail.

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

There’s just something extra special about homemade Irish cream liqueur – and this one ticks all the boxes!

• Ready in 5 minutes – this is such an easy recipe! Pop everything into a blender or Thermomix, give it a quick mix, and you’re done!
• Just 6 ingredients – and I bet you’ve got most of them sitting in your pantry already.
• Perfect for gifting – pour into cute little bottles and you’ve got the ultimate homemade present for friends, family, neighbours or teachers at Christmas time (or even St. Patrick’s Day!). As an added special touch, handwrite the full instructions on a card and attach it to the bottle – the perfect DIY gift.
• Long shelf life – it lasts a long time (up to 2 months in the fridge if unopened), so it’s great for prepping ahead of time.
• Customisable – you can tweak the chocolate or coffee flavour to your liking… or even spike it with a little extra whiskey (no judgment here!).
• Copycat Version – it’s so easy to make your own homemade Baileys!

What Is Baileys Irish Cream?

Baileys Irish Cream is a world-famous Irish liqueur made from cream, Irish whiskey, chocolate and coffee. It’s smooth, rich and slightly sweet – the ultimate after-dinner sip, cocktail addition or dessert drizzle.

Making your own homemade version means you can control the sweetness and tweak the flavour to suit your taste perfectly.

What You Need

To make your own homemade Baileys Irish Cream, you’ll need:

• Cream – choose a cooking cream, pouring cream, light cream or heavy cream that doesn’t whip or curdle easily. Bulla Cooking Cream is my go-to.
• Sweetened condensed milk – gives that luxurious creamy sweetness and thicker texture.
• Vanilla extract – use pure vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavour.
• Irish whiskey – use your favourite brand; Jameson Irish whiskey is a classic.
• Instant coffee granules – or instant espresso powder mixed with boiling water and cooled (this adds a subtle mocha flavour).
• Chocolate syrup – a dash of chocolate syrup adds a rich cocoa flavour and helps balance the sweetness.

For the full list of ingredients and quantities, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Equipment Required

To make homemade Irish cream, you will need:

• Blender or Thermomix – for blending everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters here!
• Sterilised bottles or jars – for storing your homemade Baileys. Alternatively, you can use a sterilised airtight container.
• Funnel – to pour without any spills (especially helpful for narrow-neck bottles).
• Sieve (optional) – to rescue the mixture if it curdles slightly during blending.

Step By Step Instructions

Let’s whip up a batch of delicious homemade liqueur… it’s such a favorite recipe of mine and gives the perfect boozy kick!

Step 1 – Mix The Ingredients

Place all of the ingredients into a blender or Thermomix.

Tip: Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase to medium-low. Over-mixing or blending too quickly can cause the cream to curdle – slow and gentle is the key!

Step 2 – Pour Into Bottles

Using a funnel, carefully pour the Baileys mixture into sterilised bottles or jars. Seal well.

Step 3 – Store

Store in the fridge for up to 2 months (unopened), or up to 1 week once opened. Always keep it chilled and give the bottle a gentle shake before each use.

Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for getting that smooth, creamy, bar-quality Baileys – every time!

1. Blend Low and Slow – Always blend on the lowest speed to avoid whipping the cream. Over-blending can cause it to curdle.
2. Use the Right Cream – Choose a thin, pourable cream that doesn’t whip easily. Cooking cream (like Bulla) is best for stability.
3. Let the Coffee Cool – Dissolve your coffee granules in boiling water and allow it to cool completely before adding. Hot liquid can affect the cream’s consistency.
4. Don’t Skip the Chocolate Syrup – This adds depth and smoothness to the flavour, balancing the coffee and whiskey notes beautifully.
5. Shake Before Serving – Natural separation can occur while the Baileys is in the fridge, so always give it a gentle shake before pouring.
6. Chill Before Serving – It tastes best served cold (over ice is even better!).
7. Sterilise Bottles Properly – Clean bottles extend the shelf life and keep your Baileys fresher for longer.
8. Label and Date Your Bottles – Especially handy if you’re giving them as gifts or making a few batches ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There are SO many delicious ways to enjoy your homemade Baileys!

• Over ice – simple, classic and so satisfying.
• In coffee – the ultimate weekend treat or after-dinner pick-me-up.
• As a cocktail base – mix with vodka, espresso, or even salted caramel for the most decadent drinks.
• In desserts – drizzle over ice cream, add to brownies or tiramisu, or mix into a no-bake cheesecake.

Gifting Ideas

Homemade Baileys makes a fabulous DIY gift for Christmas, birthdays or as a thank-you gesture. Here’s how to make it extra special:

• Use small glass bottles or mason jars (available at Kmart, discount stores or craft shops).
• Add handwritten labels with the date and a sweet message.
• Tie a ribbon or festive twine around the neck.
• Pair with homemade shortbread, fudge, or rocky road in a hamper.

Variations

• Extra chocolatey – add 1 extra tablespoon of chocolate syrup or a teaspoon of cocoa powder.
• Dairy-free version – substitute with coconut cream and a dairy-free condensed milk (available at most supermarkets).
• Mint twist – add a drop or two of peppermint extract for a festive flair.

Storage

• Unopened: Keep your homemade Baileys in the fridge for up to 2 months.
• Once opened: Use within 1 week and shake gently before each pour.

More Baileys Recipes

Once you’ve made your homemade Baileys, why not try it in these delicious recipes?

If you tried this homemade Baileys Irish Cream, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram – I adore seeing your creations!

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