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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Resting/Chilling Time: 20 minutes (for flavors to meld)
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Intensity / Difficulty Level: Very Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
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Yield: Approximately 3 cups (750 ml / 24 fl oz)
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Serving Size: 2 fl oz (60 ml)
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Servings: 12 servings
Intensity & Flavor Profile
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Sweetness: High (rich, dessert-like profile)
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Booziness / Alcohol Intensity: Moderate (balanced warmth without harsh burn)
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Texture / Mouthfeel: Creamy, thick, silky, and smooth
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Flavor Notes: Cocoa, dark coffee, sweet vanilla, cultured cream, and oaky Irish malt
Ingredients
To achieve the signature smooth texture and iconic flavor of original Baileys, high-quality basic pantry ingredients make all the difference.
Primary Ingredients
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1 cup (240 ml) Heavy Cream (or Heavy Whipping Cream, minimum 36% milkfat for lush body)
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1 can (14 oz / 395 g) Sweetened Condensed Milk (adds body, sweetness, and creaminess)
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1 ½ cups (350 ml) Irish Whiskey (such as Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore D.E.W.)
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1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
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1 tablespoon Chocolate Syrup (or 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder dissolved in 1 tbsp warm water)
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1 teaspoon Instant Coffee Powder / Granules (dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water) or 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Optional Flavor Enhancers & Variations
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Almond Extract: Add $\frac{1}{8}$ teaspoon for a subtle nutty depth.
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Dairy-Free / Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk (shaken well) and sweetened condensed milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk.
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Light Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (note: texture will be slightly thinner).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
In a small cup or measuring glass, combine the instant coffee powder with 1 teaspoon of hot water. Stir until the granules are completely dissolved. This step prevents small coffee specks from floating in your finished liqueur.
Step 2: Combine Liquids in a Blender
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Pour the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk into a blender jar.
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Add the dissolved coffee liquid, chocolate syrup, pure vanilla extract, and Irish whiskey.
Pro Tip for Blending: Set your blender to its lowest speed setting. Pulse or blend on low for only 15 to 20 seconds. Blending on high speed or for too long can over-whip the heavy cream, causing it to thicken into butter or separate in the bottle later.
Note: If you do not have a blender, simply add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl or pitcher and whisk vigorously for 60 seconds until completely unified.
Step 3: Bottle and Chill
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Using a funnel, pour the blended mixture into a clean, airtight glass bottle or a sealable Mason jar.
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Fasten the cap securely and place the bottle in the refrigerator for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the harsh alcohol edge to mellow out while blending the creamy vanilla and chocolate undertones.
Serving Suggestions
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On the Rocks: Pour 2 oz over large, solid ice cubes in a lowball glass.
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Baileys Coffee / Hot Cocoa: Add 1 to 2 oz into fresh hot coffee, espresso, or dark hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream.
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Dessert Pour: Drizzle generously over vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate mousse, or warm brownies.
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Cocktail Base: Use as a key ingredient in Mudslides, B-52 shots, or Irish Alexander cocktails.
Shelf Life & Storage Instructions
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container strictly in the refrigerator at all times.
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Last / Expiration Date: Stored properly at $\le 40^\circ\text{F}$ ($4^\circ\text{C}$), this homemade Baileys lasts for up to 2 months.
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Separation: Because this recipe contains no artificial emulsifiers, natural separation may occur over time. Simply shake the bottle gently before every pour to restore its smooth consistency.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values are estimated per standard 2 fl oz (60 ml) serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 175 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 7.2 g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 23% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g | — |
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 35 mg | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.5 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | — |
| Includes Added Sugars | 14.5 g | 29% |
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% |
| Alcohol Content | ~7.5 g (ABV ~13-15%) | — |
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 85 mg | 2% |
