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.

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.

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.