Irish Cream Is Incredibly Easy to Make — and to Customize
With hints of coffee and chocolate, a good Irish creamer is luxuriously rich and just as much dessert as it is a drink. And as my mom was happy to attest to in a side-by-side match-up, it’s just like the Baileys tucked away in the back of the liquor cabinet, maybe even better. So, once you’ve had your fill of Shamrock Shakes, it’s time to set your sights on the festive liqueur you’ll want to keep around long after St. Patrick’s Day has passed.
What Is Irish Cream?
Irish cream is a liqueur made with whiskey and cream. It can include other dairy ingredients and flavorings. You can enjoy it on its own, or use it as a mixer in other drinks.
Tips for Making the Best Irish Cream
The recipe we’re giving you here closely resembles the flavors of Baileys Irish Cream, which is to say it’s boozy and a touch milky, with a sweetness that carries the espresso-enhanced chocolate flavor. With this recipe there is plenty of room to make it just right for your taste.
- Fancy your Irish cream with a more pronounced chocolatey flavor? Go ahead and up the cocoa power.
- Add an extra splash of booze or cut it back a touch to make the kick from the whiskey just the way you like it.
- Add spices like cinnamon or flavorings like mint or almond extract.
Irish Cream
Makes 3 1/2 cups
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups
Irish whiskey
- 1
(14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup
heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons
natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon
instant espresso powder
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on low to medium speed until well-combined and the cocoa and espresso powders are dissolved, about 30 seconds. Do not overblend, or the cream will separate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The Irish cream can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.