Homemade Baileys

By Sharmini Jayawardena 

Irish Cream to die for.

The recipe makes about 3 ½ cups or 28 fluid ounces.

Usually an after dinner dessert drink, Baileys should be served at a 50 ml measure in a lowball glass or in a typical liqueur glass such as a cordial glass holding 30 ml.

(6) Lowball Glass
The lowball glass, Old Fashioned glass, or rocks glass, are all names for a short tumbler with a solid base which holds around 6 to 8 ounces of liquid. A solid base aids with drinks that require ‘muddled’ ingredients. These low glasses can also be used for serving a neat pour of liquor.
Examples: Old Fashioned, Negroni, White Russian.

What glass do you use for a liqueur? Cordial glasses are typically used to serve after-dinner liqueurs that are meant to be sipped. These glasses look a little bit like a traditional wine glass but are smaller and thinner with more delicate glass.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tsp Instant Coffee (will be dissolved in 2 Tbl Water) (or see substitute option in Notes)
1 cup Half & Half (or see substitute option in Notes)
1 cup Whiskey
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz size = approx. 400g)
2 Tbl Chocolate Syrup
2 tsp Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Mix the instant coffee with a couple tablespoons of water in a small bowl and set aside to dissolve.  Let it cool down if you used hot water.
  • Stir together the half & half and the whiskey in a bowl or jug. I found the jug to be a better option as it is easier to pour without spillage. 
  • Next stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
  • Finally, stir in the coffee, the chocolate syrup, and the vanilla.
  • Pour the mixture into a bottle or jars and keep refrigerated.  Try to let it set for a day before using to let the flavors meld.

NOTES:

You can substitute 1/4 cup of brewed coffee for the instant coffee.

I used instant coffee dissolved in hot water.

You can substitute a 1/2 cup of whole milk and a 1/2 cup of heavy cream for the 1 cup of Half & Half.

I used the former.

I stored the Baileys in mason jars that can go into the refrigerator easily.

What is a liqueur?

Wikipedia has this to say about the shelf life of Baileys:

“The manufacturer claims Baileys Irish Cream has a shelf life of 24 months and guarantees its taste for two years from the day it was made—opened or unopened, refrigerated or not—when stored away from direct sunlight at temperatures between 0 and 25 °C (32 and 77 °F).”

I shall try this out with my Irish cream, homemade from scratch.

It is supposed to be great added to your coffee, tea or chocolate. I must try this, although I’m not an avid coffee, tea or chocolate drinker.

Baileys is great with a splash of kalua and vodka given a good shake with ice. 

It goes well with your ice cream or other dessert like a mudslide.

Baileys Irish cream makes a great seasonal gift for your family and friends.

This is not a serving suggestion.

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