Oh friends, this one is special. You know those recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bottle? This is it.
Every holiday season, I find myself searching for something meaningful—something from the heart—to gift to my favorite people. And every single year without fail, this Homemade Baileys Irish Cream comes through like magic. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly boozy, and honestly… it’s so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version.
Whether you're gifting it in a charming swing-top bottle or sipping it fireside with a little holiday music playing, this recipe is pure Christmas joy in liquid form.
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🥃 What Is Homemade Baileys Irish Cream?
It’s your favorite Irish cream liqueur, but better—because you made it yourself! A blend of whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, cream, vanilla, and cocoa, it’s smooth and sweet with just the right kick. This recipe captures all the indulgent flavor of classic Baileys, but it’s fresh, customizable, and made with love.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy – Just blend and pour. That’s it!
- Budget-friendly – One batch makes several giftable bottles.
- No weird preservatives – Just real, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for gifting – Looks stunning with a ribbon and tag!
- Long shelf life – Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 months.
✨ What Does It Taste Like?
Think creamy hot cocoa meets smooth Irish whiskey with a touch of vanilla and holiday nostalgia. It's velvety, sweet, slightly boozy, and oh-so-sippable. Serve it chilled, on ice, or even mixed into coffee for the ultimate grown-up treat.
💡 Benefits of Homemade Baileys
- Customizable – Make it stronger, lighter, or flavored!
- Gluten-free friendly
- Preservative-free
- No artificial flavoring
- Perfect make-ahead gift idea
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Irish whiskey | 1 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Cocoa powder | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
✅ Tip: Use a good-quality whiskey like Jameson for an authentic flavor, but any smooth whiskey works!
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or whisk + large bowl
- Funnel
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Sterilized glass bottles (swing-top or screw-cap)
- Decorative ribbon or tags (optional for gifting)
🥄 Optional Flavor Additions
Want to spice things up? Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Peppermint Baileys – Add ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Mocha version – Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- Salted caramel twist – Add 2 tbsp caramel sauce + pinch of sea salt
- Almond joy style – Add ¼ tsp almond extract + shredded coconut
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Baileys Irish Cream (Step-by-Step)
1. Blend the Base
In a blender, combine:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Irish whiskey
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Blend on low for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-blend—you don’t want whipped cream.
2. Bottle It
Using a funnel, pour your homemade Baileys into sterilized glass bottles. Swing-top bottles work beautifully, but any clean, airtight bottle is perfect.
3. Refrigerate
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Always shake well before using, as natural separation can occur.
🍽️ How to Serve Homemade Baileys
This versatile cream liqueur can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Over ice – Classic and smooth
- In coffee – Your holiday morning just got better
- In hot cocoa – Cozy up with an adult treat
- Over ice cream – Yes, seriously
- In milkshakes or desserts – Adds that grown-up flair
🎁 How to Gift It
Turn this into a beautiful homemade holiday gift!
Ideas:
- Use glass bottles with swing tops or mason jars
- Add a ribbon or twine bow (just like in the photo!)
- Attach a gift tag with serving suggestions and “Keep Refrigerated”
- Pair with:
- A festive mug
- A bag of coffee or hot chocolate
- Homemade cookies or biscotti
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Keep refrigerated at all times
- Lasts up to 2 months
- Always shake before using
- Not suitable for freezing
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes! You can substitute bourbon or rum, but the flavor will vary. Stick with Irish whiskey for the classic Baileys flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using coconut cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How much alcohol is in homemade Baileys?
With 1 cup of whiskey, the alcohol content is similar to store-bought Baileys—roughly 17% ABV.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales beautifully for batch gifts. Just be sure to blend in batches to avoid overfilling your blender.
🎉 In Conclusion…
There’s something incredibly special about giving a homemade gift—and when that gift is a silky, delicious bottle of Homemade Baileys Irish Cream, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
Simple, luxurious, and made with love—this recipe is your new holiday tradition waiting to happen. Whether you’re treating guests, adding a splash to your holiday coffee, or wrapping up bottles for your neighbors, this one’s a keeper.
📸 Share Your Creations!
If you make this Homemade Baileys, I’d love to see how you bottled and gifted it! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your beautiful creations. 🎄 Don’t forget to leave a review below!
🔢 Nutritional Information (approx. per 1 oz serving)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | 6g | 8g | 7g | ~17% ABV |
Note: These values are estimates and may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.
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