Copycat Baileys Recipe (Homemade Irish Cream) (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Baileys Irish Cream? ›

Baileys contains a proprietary cocoa extract recipe giving Baileys its chocolate character and essence. The number of other ingredients is not known, but they include herbs, sugar, vanilla and caramel. According to the manufacturer, no preservatives are required as the alcohol content preserves the cream.

Original Irish Cream blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream and a touch of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. Pour over ice cream, mix into coffee, or enjoy it with ice for an originally delish Baileys moment.

Now, you'll notice that this homemade drink contains dairy. This means that once you've made it, proper storage is key or you won't get to keep enjoying the drink for long. As a general rule of thumb, you can store your freshly made Irish cream for up to two months in the refrigerator.

However a combination of whiskey and cream should give a close alternative to the liqueur. When making the mascarpone and egg mixture use 1 tablespoon of whiskey, 3 tablespoons of single (or heavy or whipping) cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead of the 75ml/1/4 cup of Baileys liqueur.

If it's unopened, it's fine. If it's been opened, it must be refrigerated. But do not consume an opened bottle of 5 year old Cream liquer. Bailey's says its product has a shelf life of two years.

The verdict

That being said, Kirkland's Irish cream lacked the hint of cocoa for which Baileys is known and loved. Baileys also boasts a more whiskey-forward flavor that may be preferred by fans of the brown spirit.

It's not essential to store cream liqueurs like Baileys the fridge if you haven't got any room, but it's preferable. However, the most important thing is to avoid higher temperatures and sunlight so anywhere cool and dark will do the job.

Gluckman told Irish Central that, after getting the call from the IDV, he and Seymour-Davies went to the nearest grocery store and purchased Jameson Irish Whiskey, Cadbury's Powdered Drinking Chocolate, and cream. They mixed it up in a cleaned-out Schweppes bottle, and the rudimentary recipe for Baileys was born.

Baileys and Kahlua both complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, but there are distinct differences between the two liqueurs. Baileys is creamy and derives its taste from cream, cocoa, and Irish Whiskey. Kahlua is dark without the creaminess of Baileys and is made with 100 percent arabica coffee, rum, and sugar.

The real Baileys is manufactured with no egg tracing. It is optional to use eggs in this recipe; however, some websites that offer a homemade version of Baileys have included eggs as an ingredient. If you're concerned about adding eggs, simply don't.

Is there any caffeine in Baileys? ›

If so, you'll be pleased to learn that yes - Baileys does contain a minute amount of caffeine! Though it's not something many people tend to think about, having an understanding of what ingredients are in your favorite alcoholic beverage can help keep you safe and informed when enjoying it.

Tips and Tricks: How to Store this Recipe – Keep the Irish Cream in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. Avoid curdling – I did some research as to ensure a life free of curdling and it's all about adding the alcohol slowly and being sure to use heavy cream.

Baileys is made from the very best of premium quality dairy cream, triple-distilled whiskey, and fine spirits. It takes about 220 million liters of fresh cream from 38,000 top-bred Irish dairy cows (Baileys Ladies) for the creation of baileys annually.

Saint Brendan's Irish Cream

It's a great substitute when you want something more budget-friendly than Baileys, but still retains the liqueur's desired chocolaty notes and creamy body.

According to a commenter, Costco's version is "wine-based," while Baileys uses whiskey. This claim is further supported by the label, as Kirkland Irish Country Cream is described as a wine co*cktail, while Baileys is a liqueur.

When stored in the right conditions, an opened bottle can last for up to two years. The key to preserving Baileys quality after opening lies in storing it correctly. To maximize its time, store the opened bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. A cupboard or liquor cabinet are ideal locations.