Homemade Baileys Irish Cream for Christmas
Homemade Baileys is a long-standing favorite December tradition in our home. Every year I mix up a big batch of this Baileys-style Irish Cream recipe to tuck in the fridge for cozy weekend coffees, Christmas gatherings, or gifting to friends. It is smooth, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweet, a lovely copycat Baileys recipe that takes only minutes to make. Whether you pour it over ice, add it to your baking, or wrap a bottle with a ribbon for gifting, this easy Homemade Baileys Irish Cream brings a little extra holiday warmth to the season.
This homemade Irish Cream is a Christmas favorite at our home. We make it throughout December and enjoy Irish Cream coffee drinks as a special treat. As we use quite a bit of it, I often make a double batch and store it in a large bottle. It tastes just as good as the purchased version, especially when you use a good whiskey like Crown Royal or Jameson.
Homemade Irish Cream for Gift Giving
Homemade Irish Cream makes such a thoughtful Christmas gift. Pour some into smaller glass bottles and tie them with a bit of ribbon or baker’s twine for a pretty handmade touch. Include a copy of the recipe and a note to keep it refrigerated.
If you are gifting a full size bottle, I have printable Irish Cream labels you can use. I print mine on plain paper and attach them with double-sided tape so they can be removed easily after gifting.
It costs much less than store bought Baileys, and it feels personal and special. I love giving homemade liqueurs like this because they show time and care while still being easy and affordable to make during the busy season.
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream
This Baileys style Irish Cream recipe comes together quickly. You only need a few simple ingredients and a blender.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 heaping teaspoon instant coffee (or instant espresso)
- 1 teaspoon hot chocolate mix (optional)
You will also need a bottle for storage. A clean 26-ounce liquor bottle works perfectly, or you can use a similar sized dollar store bottle with a lid. A small funnel is very helpful when filling bottles.
Irish Cream Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you do not have a blender, beat the eggs well first, then whisk everything together in a large bowl until smooth.
If using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the paste inside the pod. I usually find the best price for vanilla beans at Costco, but real vanilla extract works nicely too.
Use a ladle to pour the mixture through a funnel into your bottle or bottles.
Storing Homemade Irish Cream
Homemade Irish Cream will keep in the fridge for up to six weeks. Give the bottle a gentle shake before each use.
I like to label my homemade liqueurs so I know what is inside at a glance. Here is the printable label for the Irish Cream liqueur. It fits full-sized bottles, and I attach it with double-sided tape so it can be removed easily later.
Drink Recipes for Irish Cream
Homemade Irish Cream can be used in so many ways. We mostly enjoy it stirred into hot coffee, but it is also delicious in cocktails or poured over ice cream for a quick dessert. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy this Irish Cream for coffee and cocktails.
Irish Coffee
Pour 6 ounces of hot coffee into a mug and add 2 ounces of homemade Irish Cream. Stir and serve.
Irish Cream and Milk
Combine 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Irish Cream, and 1 ounce Tia Maria in a small glass. Add a few ice cubes, fill with milk, and stir.
Bailey’s Martini
Mix 3 ounces of Irish Cream with 1 ounce of vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a glass. It is rich, smooth, and quite strong, so it is best enjoyed at home.
Why Make Your Own Liqueurs
Print on cardstock for best results. I like to attach mine with double-sided tape so the bottles can be washed and reused.
I started making my own liqueurs years ago, partly because of allergies and partly because I enjoy knowing exactly what goes into them. Homemade versions taste richer and fresher, and I can adjust the sweetness and flavors to suit our family.
They also make wonderful holiday treats without the high price tag of store bought bottles. A simple homemade liqueur like this Irish Cream feels special, personal, and homemade is something you just cannot buy off the shelf.
Free Printable Irish Cream Bottle Labels
Part of the fun of making homemade liqueurs is dressing them up in pretty bottles. I have two Irish Cream label designs available: the original vintage style label from my earlier post and a newer version that coordinates with this year’s printable set.
Both print beautifully on cardstock. I like to attach mine with small pieces of double-sided tape rather than sticker paper. The tape holds securely but comes off easily when you want to wash and reuse the bottles later.
You can download both designs below and pick whichever fits your style. Print, trim to size, and press gently onto the bottle for a simple homemade touch that turns your Irish Cream into a thoughtful gift.
Download Red Label Set on Google Drive
Download Blue Label Set on Google Drive
Homemade Liquers to Try Next
Homemade liqueurs are a great budget saver and a special treat for the holidays. Here are two other recipes you may like to try.
Homemade liqueurs are also a necessity for me because of allergies, and I have been making these recipes for many years. I am sure you will enjoy them as much as we do.
Pin this for Later
If you love making homemade Christmas treats, pin this Homemade Baileys Irish Cream recipe so you can find it again next holiday season.
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream
Equipment
- You will also need a bottle for storage. A clean 26-ounce liquor bottle works perfectly, or you can use a similar sized dollar store bottle with a lid. A small funnel is very helpful when filling bottles.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 heaping teaspoon instant coffee or instant espresso
- 1 teaspoon hot chocolate mix optional
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you do not have a blender, beat the eggs well first, then whisk everything together in a large bowl until smooth.
- If using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the paste inside the pod. I usually find the best price for vanilla beans at Costco, but real vanilla extract works nicely too.
- Use a ladle to pour the mixture through a funnel into your bottle or bottles.