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Homemade Baileys (Irish Cream)

  • Sarah
  • 12 hours ago
  • 2 min read

There’s something about homemade liqueurs that feels extra special, especially during the holidays. They’re simple, indulgent, and feel like a little act of care poured into a bottle. This homemade Baileys is creamy, smooth, lightly chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with coffee and vanilla. It comes together in minutes, keeps beautifully in the fridge, and makes a wonderful gift or cozy treat to have on hand.


Once you make it yourself, you’ll see just how easy (and better) homemade really is.





A hand holds a brown bottle labeled "Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur" with a red bow. Greenery-patterned cloth and eggs are in the background.

Why Homemade Baileys Works

One of the most common questions is whether homemade Baileys lasts longer than the dairy used to make it. The answer is yes.


This recipe keeps well because:

  • Alcohol acts as a preservative

  • Sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and shelf-stable

  • Sugar and alcohol together slow bacterial growth significantly


Once combined, the cream no longer behaves like plain dairy. When stored properly and made with fresh ingredients, this homemade Baileys keeps safely for weeks.


Woman holding two bottles of homemade Irish cream liqueur labeled with a bow design. Set on a table with a pine tree pattern cloth.

Homemade Baileys (Irish Cream)


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 ml) heavy cream or half & half

  • 1 can (14 oz / 395 ml) sweetened condensed milk

  • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1⅔ cups (400 ml) Irish whiskey 


Blender Method

Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend for 20–30 seconds, until completely smooth and the coffee granules are fully dissolved. Pour into clean bottles or jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate.


Immersion Blender Method

Add all ingredients to a large jar, bowl, or pitcher with tall sides. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds. Scrape down the sides if needed, then blend briefly again. Transfer to bottles or jars and refrigerate.


Storage & Shelf Life

  • Store refrigerated at all times

  • Keeps for 2–3 months

  • Shake well before using (natural separation is normal)

Always discard if it smells sour, looks curdled, or tastes off.

For gifting, I recommend labeling with a conservative 2-month best-by date.



Printable Tags

How to:

  1. Download the PDF from the link.

  2. Open in a program like Adobe Acrobat or Preview.

  3. Print at 100% scale on card stock (do not “fit to page”).

  4. Let ink dry a few seconds, then cut, add sure ribbon and tie onto jars.

  5. Pro Tip: Print a test page on plain paper first to check alignment.



Nine gift tags for "Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur" featuring a red bow, storage instructions, and space for a date, on a white background.

The Recipe:


Did you try making this Homemade Baileys (Irish Cream)? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram at Thesproutinghomestead or leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Happy snacking!

 
 
 
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