Making Baileys at home is easier than it seems! I'll prove you don't need to be a culinary expert to prepare this creamy and delicious liqueur. With just six basic ingredients you probably have at home, you can create a homemade version that's just as good as the one you'll find at the supermarket.
You know what's best? You can customize it to your liking, use your favorite whiskey, and even make it a unique gift for friends or family. It's quick, easy, and a real hit! Are you up for trying it? Let's make it together!
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The History of Baileys: A Modern Classic
Although it's one of the world's most popular liqueurs today, Baileys is relatively new. This creamy liqueur was born in Ireland in 1974, thanks to a group of entrepreneurs who sought to create something unique by blending two typically Irish ingredients: whiskey and cream.
The original idea was to produce a drink that was sweet, smooth, and perfect for all occasions. After several failed attempts, they managed to stabilize the cream and alcohol mixture, creating what we know today as Baileys Irish Cream.
Did you know that in its early years, some doubted its success? But, to the surprise of many, Baileys quickly became a worldwide favorite. Its versatility made it irresistible: it can be enjoyed neat, over ice, in coffee, desserts, and even in creative cocktails.
How to Enjoy Baileys?
Baileys is a versatile and delicious liqueur that can be enjoyed in many ways. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks , the most classic way: its creamy texture and balanced flavor make it perfect on its own. But it's also ideal for mixing and creating irresistible drinks.
There's one basic rule, though: avoid citrus fruits or any drinks with a high acidity , as this can cause the liquor to curdle. Therefore, forget about juices or sodas with lemon or orange.
Beyond that, the possibilities are almost endless. You can adapt Baileys to the season, the time of day, or even your mood. From classic combinations to more creative options, these are some of the best ways to enjoy it. Experiment and find your favorite!
What Can You Mix Baileys With?
Baileys is a creamy and versatile liqueur that adapts to a wide variety of combinations. You can use it to create simple and delicious drinks, perfect for any occasion. Here are my favorite blends! Try one and let me know in the comments which one is your favorite.
Coffee
Coffee and Baileys are the perfect pairing. If you love a creamy cup in the morning, swap the cream or milk for a splash of Baileys. The result: a coffee with a sweet touch and an extra smoothness.
Hot chocolate
When it's cold, nothing beats a good hot chocolate with a touch of Baileys. Add it before serving, and if you like, add marshmallows or whipped cream. Tip: Use a darker chocolate to balance the sweetness of the liqueur.
Cold Beer
This mix will surprise you! In the summer, chill your Baileys and pair it with a cold brew or cold brew. Use strong beers to avoid the mix being too sweet. It's refreshing and unique.
Frozen
Turn your dessert into a unique experience. Place a scoop of ice cream in a glass and add a couple of shots of Baileys. It works with almost any flavor, but classics like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry are a guaranteed hit. Even sorbets become a fruity delight.
Guinness
If you like bold flavors, mix Baileys with a pint of Guinness. You can use Guinness Extra Stout for an even stronger punch. It's a more sophisticated and relaxed take on typical Irish cocktails.
Why Make Homemade Baileys?
Making Baileys at home is not only easy, but also has tons of benefits that make it an irresistible option. Here's why you should try it!
Savings and Quality
When you make homemade Baileys, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can opt for an inexpensive whiskey to keep costs down or use a premium one if you want a more sophisticated version. This means you're not only saving money compared to store-bought Baileys, but you can also elevate the quality to your liking.
Personalization
Do you prefer a sweeter liqueur? Or maybe one with a touch of coffee or cocoa? With this homemade recipe, you can adjust the sweetness, alcohol, and flavors to make it exactly how you like it. You can even experiment by adding other ingredients, like a touch of cinnamon or almond extract, for a unique twist.
Unique and Personalized Gift
There's nothing more special than a gift made with your own hands. Homemade Baileys, presented in small bottles decorated with creative labels, is a perfect gift for any occasion: birthdays, Christmas, or just to surprise someone you love. It's a gift that combines good taste, effort, and a personal touch that makes it unforgettable.
Paulina's Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Baileys
If you're going to make homemade Baileys, I want to share my best tips to make it spectacular. From the whiskey you choose to how you present it, every detail counts. Take note and surprise everyone with your homemade version!
Whiskey Matters
Whiskey is the soul of Baileys, so choose one you like and that fits your budget.
- Are you looking for a classic flavor? Opt for an Irish whiskey like Jameson, which pairs perfectly with cream.
- Looking for something different? Try a smooth Scotch whisky, like Chivas Regal, or even brandy if you prefer a sweeter, more mellow note.
Don't be afraid to experiment; even the most affordable options can yield excellent results.
Conservation
Did you know that your homemade Baileys can last up to 2 months ?
- Store it in the refrigerator, tightly closed in a clean glass bottle.
- Before serving, shake the bottle to ensure all the flavors are well integrated.
This creamy liqueur is perfect to always have ready, whether to enjoy at home or to offer to your guests.
Creative Presentation
Homemade Baileys is not only delicious, it can also make a unique and personalized gift.
- Use small bottles: Glass bottles with tight-fitting lids are ideal.
- Decorate with style: Add handwritten tags, ribbons, or even small details like cinnamon sticks for a special touch.
It's a thoughtful gift that reflects dedication and good taste, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply to surprise someone special.
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Homemade Baileys Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can of condensed milk
- Whiskey (3/4 of a can of condensed milk)
- 1 tsp instant coffee
- 1 tsp cocoa
- 1 splash of vanilla essence
- 1 glass bottle (clean and dry, for storing your homemade Baileys)
Baileys Recipe in 5 Easy Steps
Follow these quick and easy steps to create a creamy liqueur everyone will love:
- Prepare the base: Place the condensed milk in a large bowl or container suitable for mixing.
- Measure the whiskey: Use the same can of condensed milk to measure ¾ of its capacity in whiskey and add it to the bowl.
- Add the flavors: Add the teaspoon of cocoa, the instant coffee, and the splash of vanilla essence to the bowl.
- Blend the ingredients: Process the mixture with a hand blender or whisk until everything is perfectly blended and creamy.
- Bottle the Baileys: Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled.
Did you love this homemade Baileys recipe?
Then don't miss the Paulina vs. El Super ebook , where you'll learn how to make homemade versions of many supermarket products, from cold cuts to dressings and even homemade liqueurs. Discover how easy it is to do everything at home!
Hello, how long does it macerate? And how long does the bottled liquor last? How is it bottled?
I want to prepare two bottles of whiskey cream for my birthday next week. Could you advise me since I don't drink liquor and I don't have whiskey at home? Thank you.
Hello, good afternoon.
It's too dark and loose for me. Could I add a little whipping cream?
Hello, I have a question. How long does it take once it's done?
I added apple whiskey and it was delicious.
Mariana, that's normal. Stir the Baileys inside the bottle and it regains its shape. That's why it's recommended to stir cream liqueur bottles before serving, to restore consistency. And that's why cream liqueur bottles are all opaque and you can't see inside, like the Baileys bottle covered in a black film intended to hide it, hehe.
Just like Ange
It comes out delicious and is easy to prepare!
Dear Paulina, your recipe is delicious! I suggest adding just one ingredient, either milk or evaporated milk. This helps keep it from being so sweet and thick, and it also increases the quantity. You can also add half milk and half cream, depending on your taste. Using your measurements, it can be between 1 and 2 cans. In my case, if I make it in the summer, I add 1 can, refrigerate it, and pour a lot of ice over it when serving. If I make it in the winter, I add 2 cans, refrigerate it, and don't add any ice. Best regards, ??
I always refrigerate my homemade Baileys precisely because it's preservative-free. It lasts a long time and doesn't alter the flavor at all! I recommend it. Cheers.
It's not refrigerated! Note: it's served over ice, so it's quick and easy to prepare.
What a delicious recipe, my God, I love you, thank you. It was delicious.
Since it's homemade, it doesn't have preservatives or other chemicals, so I assume it's meant to be drunk right away, just prepared. I saw a similar recipe, but they added baking soda, I suppose, so it wouldn't upset your stomach.
All your recipes, Paulina, are delicious, but the Baileys one is the best and super easy! Thank you!
How long does it take to prepare?
Do I have to let it marinate?
If we add the condensed milk and whiskey, we won't even get to 1/2 liter, and even if it turns out good, it's finished right away. Or is it?
Hello!! Delicious! I've already made it for my seven siblings, two brothers-in-law, and two parents-in-law. Haha.
Question: inside or outside the refrigerator?
And question two: how long does it last
? Thanks, Paulina! I'll always follow you.
IF YOU WANT A MORE ECONOMICAL OPTION, IT WORKS GREAT WITH COGNAC COFFEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (INSTEAD OF WHISKY AND COFFEE)
How long does this preparation last?
Hello!! Could it be that I cut it out??? Naaaaa
I can't believe it!
I barely made it and it felt delicious.
I let it marinate in the fridge and now it looks awful.
Cut up!! Why could that be??!!! Help me!!! I even doubled it too???? I don't want to throw it away but it doesn't look appetizing at all!
This recipe makes approximately 750ml of liqueur. No, vodka isn't the same. You can replace the instant coffee with filter coffee, just respecting the water content.
It's never lasted more than two weeks in the fridge... because we finished it, haha.
What whiskey do you recommend?
Would it be delicious with a honey?
Should I let it marinate?
How long does it last once packaged?
It lasts a long time because of the alcohol! What doesn't last is the condensed milk in the can.
Are you really asking how much liquor this recipe makes? Put your brain to work. It's simple. If you know the amount of condensed milk in a can, you can calculate the total amount.
If I don't have Whiskey, can I add the same amount of Vodka?
How long does it last? Does anyone know?
Because the bottle of condensed milk says it can only be stored for 1 week after opening!
Hi Paulina, can I use the homemade condensed milk from your recipe?
How many liters does this recipe produce?