Homemade Irish cream is a deliciously rich liqueur that blends the warmth of whiskey with the smooth sweetness of cream, cocoa, and vanilla. It’s a comforting drink that can be enjoyed on the rocks, mixed into coffee, or used in desserts like cheesecakes and chocolate mousses. While the store-bought version is popular, making it at home allows you to adjust the flavors and create a fresher, more personalized version that’s just as creamy and indulgent.
The core of Irish cream is heavy cream and Irish whiskey, combined with sweetened condensed milk for richness and body. Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup adds a touch of depth, while vanilla extract and a pinch of instant coffee enhance the overall flavor with warm, subtle notes. Some versions include almond or hazelnut extract for a twist, but even the basic recipe is flavorful and well-rounded.
One of the best things about homemade Irish cream is how easy it is to make. Everything gets blended together until smooth, then chilled until ready to serve. There’s no need to cook or age the mixture, and it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks. Because it’s made with real cream, shaking or stirring before serving helps restore its silky texture.
This creamy liqueur is perfect for sipping on cold evenings or serving during the holidays. It makes a lovely gift when bottled in a decorative jar with a ribbon and tag. It also works beautifully in coffee drinks or cocktails like mudslides or boozy milkshakes.
Homemade Irish cream has the same smooth, sweet charm of the store-bought version but with fresher ingredients and no preservatives. Once you try it, you may never want to go back to the bottled kind again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass bottle or jar and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled, over ice, or as desired.
I don’t know how to feel about this… Seems like too much whiskey? Can it still be good? 🤔
Tried it last night! Didn’t have heavy cream, used milk instead… Still tasted pretty good! But I think real cream is better?
Y’all, this is just a fancy way to mix whiskey and coffee. I like my drinks straightforward. 2 stars.
This irish cream recipe is amazin! I made it for my friends, now they keep askin for more. Easy to make and taste delish!
Super easy to make. My grandma used to make something similar but with more chocolate. This is good too!
Just made this, and wow! Tastes great but I think I put too much whiskey.
Haha, too much whiskey? There’s no such thing! Glad you liked it!
I dunno, I think the whiskey is what makes it good. You could just add more cream next time.
I don’t know, guys. Tried it and found it a bit too sweet. Maybe less condensed milk next time?
Tasted good but my blender couldn’t handle it and made a mess. Perhaps a stronger one is needed?
I had the same issue with my blender! I ended up having to mix it by hand. A bit messy, but still delicious!
I usually don’t like Irish cream, but I loved this! Great for parties!
This sound sooo good! But I don’t like whiskey. Can I use something else instead?
I’m glad you liked it! I wasn’t sure about trying it, but now I might give it a shot.
This is the best Irish cream I’ve ever had! Rich and delicious!
yum! Just made this and it’s sooo creamy 😋. I added some whipped cream on top too. Perfect!
Homemade Irish Creme is indeed a win! Makes you wanna dance! 🌟
I was skeptical at first, but it turned out great! I didn’t have almond extract, so I left it out. Still delicious!
Wait a second. Can I use vodka instead of whiskey? Asking for a friend…
Absolutely loved this recipe! Tastes just like the store-bought version but so much better. Will definitely make it again!
Yummy!! I used coconut cream instead and it’s still awesome!
Good enough. But you know, I thought it would be thicker. My blender is old though.
A bit too easy, not much of a challenge. Where’s the fun in that? 🙁
I get what you mean, but sometimes simple recipes are the best! Plus, you can always tweak it to make it more challenging, like adding your own flavors. 😊
Too easy? It’s all about enjoying the process, not just the challenge! Besides, who doesn’t love a tasty drink? 🥴
This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it for St. Patrick’s Day festivities!
I love this recipe! Perfect for celebrating St. Paddy’s Day!
I don’t like coffee, so probably won’t make this 😕.
So delicious! I made this for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved it!
I made this but I don’t think I blended it long enough. It ended up kinda chunky. Still tasted good tho!
Wait, is that Irish whiskey the same as regular whiskey? Not too sure about that…
I don’t get the coffee. Ruins it for me. Sorry.
I used to think the same, but the coffee adds a nice kick! Maybe try without it next time? 😅
Not really a fan of whiskey but this was ok. Maybe I’d try a vodka variant next time?
Wowowow, I’m gonna drink this all weekend long!
Is it really safe to mix alcohol and dairy like this? I dunno, sounds risky…
Directions weren’t clear enough. Should’ve said blend until smooth.
I get what you mean! Blending until smooth should’ve been clearer, especially for us beginners. Just a little tweak would help!
Not for me. I hate coffee and this was too strong. Should’ve known better…
I totally get it! Coffee isn’t for everyone. Maybe try tweaking the recipe or using less coffee next time?
Who even puts coffee in Irish cream? That’s not right. I’ll pass on this recipe.
Dunno why you would make this at home when you can just buy it in the store. Seems kinda pointless?
Yum! I poured mine over my ice cream. Best idea ever! 😍
This ish is bomb! I added a bit more whiskey and it was perfect. Cheers!
Ugh. Why do I need instant coffee? I can’t find it anywhere. So confusing!
You can skip the instant coffee if you want! Just add more chocolate syrup instead. 😊
Instant coffee is just decaf coffee, right? Maybe check online? It’s not that confusing.
Not bad, but I prefer store-bought. It’s got a more complex flavor.
I get what you’re saying, but homemade has that personal touch! Store-bought can be good, but it’s so easy to customize your own flavor here.
But like, it’s just whiskey and cream, right? How complex can it really be? I think it tastes way better when you make it yourself! 😋
OMG this is too sweet! I think I added too much chocolate syrup. Will not make again.
Not bad, but the whiskey taste is too strong for me. I added more chocolate syrup, helped a little.
Uhh, is this really homemade? Seems too easy, but I’ll give it a shot!
This Irish cream is simply amazing! So easy to make and tastes just like the store-bought kind. Five stars from me!
Quick and simple, perfect for a party! Everyone loved it!
Yum!! Best drink ever! I serve this to my friends and they all love it. Love the coffee flavor too!
I tried it but didn’t like the almond extract. Might leave it out next time.
This is AMAZING! Tastes just like the store-bought kind, but better! Will make again.
Is this stuff gluten free? Asking for a friend.
Very easy to make! I just used regular milk instead of cream because I didn’t have any. Still turned out fine!