This homemade Baileys recipe is the perfect addition to your morning coffee, delicious served over ice cream for dessert and perfect over ice for sipping.

Did you know it takes less than 5 minutes to make this Copycat Baileys Irish Cream at home (and the flavor is amazing)!

a bottle of homemade Irish Cream

A bottle of DIY Irish Cream makes for easy and delicious Christmas gifts (although you’ll want to make a double batch to save some for yourself too)!

Start by pouring the Irish Cream into mason jars or glass bottles. Seal tightly and tie with a ribbon. Be sure you let the person know that they have to keep it in the fridge (and not under the tree).

Ingredients for Homemade Baileys

You need only 5 ingredients to make this homemade Baileys Irish cream.

Sweetened Condensed Milk thickens and sweetens the mixture.

Light Cream makes this creamy of course and helps balance out the sweetness of the condensed milk. You can use coconut milk or even heavy cream if it’s all you have (add a bit of milk to thin it out if needed).

Whiskey is the alcohol in this recipe. Of course, Irish whiskey (like Jameson) is ideal but really, there is no need for a fancy whiskey. An inexpensive brand works just as well (in a pinch you could even use vodka).

Flavor Instant coffee (or instant espresso) and pure vanilla extract add flavor. Some recipes add a touch of cocoa powder, almond extract, or chocolate syrup. We think this recipe is perfect as is.

To Make Irish Cream without Alcohol

Irish cream contains alcohol but this copycat Baileys recipe can be made without alcohol. Skip the whiskey and add a teaspoon or so of rum extract or whiskey extract. Brands can vary so add a little bit at a time until you reach the desired flavor!

homemade Irish cream ingredients

How To Make Baileys

Irish cream is super easy to make, place all of the ingredients in a large bowl (per the recipe below) or pitcher and whisk to combine. Voila, homemade Baileys!

Storage

As long as your cream is fresh, homemade Baileys will last about 2 weeks in the fridge.

If giving this as a gift, leave a note to ensure your recipients refrigerate it.

pouring Copycat Baileys Irish Cream into a glass of coffee

Recipes to Spike with Irish Cream

Homemade Baileys can be served over ice or added to cocktails or coffee. Poke some holes and drizzle a little over cakes or cupcakes.

Did you love this Irish Cream Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

a bottle of homemade Irish Cream
5 from 19 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Copycat Baileys Recipe (Homemade Irish Cream)

Baileys Irish Cream is creamy & flavorful with a bit of a kick. The best part is, this copycat recipe is ready in under 5 minutes!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
  • 2 cups light cream or half and half
  • 1 cup whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake to mix well. Chill at least 24 hours before serving.
  • Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Notes

This Irish cream can be made without alcohol. Skip the whiskey and add a teaspoon or so of rum or whiskey extract. While the flavor is slightly different, it's delicious!
This will keep in the fridge as long as the expiry date on your cream.
Serve over ice, in cocktails, or in coffee.
5 from 19 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 215 | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 145mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beverage, Drink, Drinks
Cuisine American, Irish

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This easy recipe is inspired by versions in the McNab Family Cookbook, a little self-published cookbook. The book contains 3 homemade Irish Cream liqueur recipes in my little book with different ingredients (raw eggs, chocolate syrup, and rum). I combined the parts I liked best to create this delicious recipe.

Homemade Baileys in a jar being poured in coffee with writing
glass of Homemade Baileys with ice and writing
Homemade Baileys in coffee with a title
Homemade Baileys in a glass and poured in coffee with a title

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. Can this be made with prepared coffee? I never buy instant.
    How would the portions of ingredients change?

    1. I haven’t tried it that way but I’m sure you can use a bit of prepared coffee. You’ll want to brew it really strong so it doesn’t dilute the Irish Cream. Let us know how it goes!

    1. Hi Alyssa, you will need a bottle that can store about 5 cups of liquid. You can also divide it among a few jars if preferred.

  2. This is SO delicious! SO rich. Can I use this as a substitute for the commercial Bailey’s when needed for recipes? ….like your Bailey’s brownies recipe? Thanks!!!

    1. I haven’t tried it but I can’t see why the Baileys wouldn’t work in the brownies Chey. Enjoy!