You’re here for the recipe so I won’t do a ton of storytelling to scroll through, BUT for a tiny bit of background on how we got started making Homemade Bailey’s, here you go.
Over the past several years we’ve created a new holiday tradition that started during the pandemic when we weren’t able to host or go to holiday parties. We still wanted to stay connected and celebrate, even if we couldn’t be together, so we decided to make some batches of homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream (from scratch!) to deliver to a friends’ and family’s doorsteps. It was such a hit that first year that we decided to keep doing it! This recipe comes from my boyfriend’s mom and was the first time we’d made it ourselves. I was actually shocked at how easy it was to make, and if you’re looking for a cute, thoughtful (and delicious) homemade gift for a friend or neighbor, this is perfect.
Ingredients and instructions are listed below, but you can also watch our TikTok HERE (or below) as well!
Shop the bottles and bags HERE.
Here’s what you need:
– 1 cup fat free half and half
– 1 can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 3/4 cups Irish Whisky
– 1 tsp instant coffee
– 2 Tbsp Hershey’s chocolate syrup
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp almond extract
Once you have all your ingredients, pour them all into a blender and mix on high for 30 seconds. That’s it! You’re done. Each batch makes about 32 oz of homemade Irish Cream. Then all that’s left is pouring the mixture into your favorite container to share with friends … and don’t forget to make some for yourself as well.
We found THESE GLASS BOTTLES with a swing top stopper. They hold 33 oz and come in a set if 6. And with a little wine bag, you’ve got the perfect gift to drop off on someone’s doorstep for the holidays.
We had a wine bag left over which is what is displayed above, but we had to order more for our full set of gifts. If you need some wine bag suggestions, here are some to consider: LINK TO WINE BAGS ON AMAZON. Here are some really cute plaid & burlap bags to check out too: LINK TO WINE BAGS ON AMAZON (PLAID/BURLAP).
And if you want to go for something a little more fun and festive, check out all of these BOTTLE COVERS from Kohl’s! Some of these would make for a fun gift for the host of a holiday party, or even Friendsgiving.
PIN IT so you can easily find the recipe in the future!
TIKTOK: HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BAILEY’S IRISH CREAM
nate.p.k. 
D
does
Mande this
I use Dulce de leche condensed milk for a yummier flavour!
What would the equivalent be for half and half in the UK ? This looks like a great gift for Xmas so I really want to have a go at making it.
I had to look this up because I wasn’t sure, but it sounds like you can combine 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream (aka whipping cream) to make a cup of half and half!
Try with ice & finely grated nutmeg on top! Also is good folded into the custard layer of a trifle — so good 😊👍🤤
You list Sweetened Condensed Milk in the recipe but no ounces of the can used. I don’t shop for that product.
Thanks!
Typically cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk are 14oz! Use all of it!
I made this and not sure what happened but it is very thick…..too thick to drink. I used regular half and half and Jameson whisky
Weird! Yeah it shouldn’t be THAT thick and I wouldn’t think the change of half and half should matter either!
I wonder if blending it too long would thicken it, like whipping cream?
I use fat free sweetened condensed milk with regular half and half when fat free half and half is out of stock, that is about the same as using fat free half and half with regular condensed milk
How much will this make?
This makes about 31 oz
What is the shelf life of this product
I would say 2-3 months (keeping it refrigerated). We haven’t kept it longer than that ourselves.
When I used full fat it curdled in the alcohol. I found out that this happens because alcoholic spirits are weak acids. When you add alcohol to milk, it lowers the milk’s pH value, causing it to curdle. So drink it pretty soon!
Sorry, but I must ask what is 1 cup fat free half and half
Half and Half is 1/2 heavy cream and 1/2 whole milk, in the US it is purchased in the dairy section near the cream. Fat free, is made with fat free milk and has a ton of sugar in it to hide the taste of no fat. I mean, what’s the point of a fat free cream product?? I make this frequently and use regular 1/2 and 1/2
I used Silk dairy free heavy cream, it was just as good and a little less guilt lol! Takes a little like Bailey’s light
Thanks for explaining half and half.
Mary
Hi! This looks delicious! Do you just drink it as is or put it on something?
Can do both! It’s great on a little ice to sip, but also AMAZING in things like hot chocolate!
You can put in hot chocolate or coffee.
It’s so good in hot chocolate!!
also very nice with a small shot of black Sambucca, try to make it float on top of the Baileys taste -a-like!
You can do either! We’ve had it on ice to sip, or mixed it like how you’d use Bailey’s in anything else — hot chocolate mostly for us. :)
How long does this last in the fridge do you think?
Does this need to be refrigerated after making it?
I think it should be — we always do!
Can this be made without the almond extract for people with nut allergies?
You could try any extract to change up the flavor, or leave out. Shouldn’t make an impact to the recipe itself to substitute.
Is there any reason why you used fat free half an hour. Can I use regular half-and-half for this recipe
No reason! Should be able to use regular if you want.
Thank you for sharing your recipe. Would LOVE to know where you purchased your adorable bottles. They add so much to the gift.