If you love the flavors of coffee, chocolate, and liqueur and are looking for a quick drink that will warm you up during the cold season that is to come, this Irish cream liqueur recipe is for you!
This easy recipe is completed in just 5 minutes and is filled with incredible taste. Rest assured, you’ll want to try it again and again.
When thinking of Irish cream liqueur, the festive season often comes to mind.
But while Irish cream liqueur can be used to keep the spirit of the holiday season alive, it can be consumed all year round.
I admit that I really did not like Irish cream for the longest time. Don’t ask me why!🤷🏾♀️
But my preferences have changed!
This recipe combines a balanced flavor with hints of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and liqueur to create a delicious drink. This beverage is set to become a family favorite.
What Is Irish Cream Syrup?
This is the distinct taste behind Irish cream liqueur, without alcohol. The syrup contains a combination of creamy, nutty, chocolate, and vanilla flavors that can also be added to lattes, mochas, and mocktails to make them unforgettably flavorsome.
What Is Irish Cream Liqueur?
Irish cream is a cream liqueur made of Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavors. Its ABV (alcohol by volume) level is usually 15% to 20% and can be served on its own or mixed with other drinks, the most popular one being Irish coffee.
What Does Irish Cream Taste Like?
You can expect a sweet and milky flavor, with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and the fruitiness of Irish whiskey to top it all off.
Is Irish Cream Healthy?
Even though it’s one of the world’s most favorite liqueurs, namely through Bailey’s Irish Cream, Irish cream is highly concentrated in fat and sugar, which means it is not very healthy.
What Are The Benefits Of Irish Cream Liqueur?
One of the most interesting nutrition facts is that Irish whiskey and cream were once mixed together to heal an upset stomach.
Because whiskey has high levels of polyphenols – plant-based antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease, “bad cholesterol” is decreased while “good cholesterol” is increased.
Research shows that small amounts of whiskey can boost activity in the brain’s Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, promoting nervous system function and memory and reducing the risk of dementia.
Irish Cream Liqueur Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adding sweetened condensed milk can add a sweet twist to your Irish cream liqueur.
- Heavy Cream – Your Irish cream liqueur recipe will benefit from vital vitamins, including vitamins A, D, and E.
- Eggs – Adding eggs to your Irish cream liqueur acts as your source of protein.
- Pure Mint Extract – Adding a hint of pure mint extract can help improve your sleep.
- Chocolate Syrup – Using chocolate syrup in your recipe gives your drink a luscious, chocolatey flavor. You can also make your chocolate syrup at home!
- Espresso Powder – To add the taste of energizing coffee, you can add a dash of espresso powder to your recipe.
- Pure Vanilla Bean Paste – Adding pure vanilla bean paste to your recipe can help boost your intake of anti-inflammatory properties.
- Irish Whiskey – This forms the main ingredient of your recipe and helps prevent the risk of cholesterol building up in the arteries.
Tools Needed To Prepare Irish Cream Liqueur
- Blender to mix ingredients
- Strainer to pour Irish cream through
- Bowl for blended ingredients
- Funnel to pour Irish cream into bottles
- Bottle with Screwed Top to store Irish cream liqueur in the fridge
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Irish Cream Recipe
Espresso Powder
If you don’t have espresso powder readily available at home, you can substitute this with instant coffee granules. Instant coffee helps boost your body’s metabolism and decreases the risk of diabetes.
Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
If you’re looking for a slightly more subtle taste of vanilla in your recipe, you can substitute this with pure vanilla extract.
Eggs
If you don’t eat eggs or need an alternative, try coconut cream. Coconut cream is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
How to Make Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbs pure mint extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste
- 8-12 ounces Irish whiskey
Instructions
STEP 1: Add all ingredients except the whiskey to the blender, and process until smooth and frothy, about 15-30 seconds.
STEP 2: Pour whiskey into the blender and process to distribute throughout the mixture.
STEP 3: Set a strainer over a bowl and pour Irish cream through, straining out any bits of egg or espresso powder that weren’t fully incorporated into the mixture.
STEP 4: Using a funnel, ladle the Irish cream into clean, sterilized bottles.
STEP 5: Screw the tops on the bottles tightly, and store them in the fridge.
STEP 6: Label your bottles with a “use-by” date, as the Irish cream will keep for 30 days from the day you make it if stored properly in the fridge.
STEP 7: The cream will naturally separate when stored in the fridge, shake the bottle gently to mix everything together.
What to Serve With Irish Cream Liqueur
- If you’re feeling very festive and want to enjoy an extra warm drink nourishing your soul, you can mix Irish cream liqueur with hot chocolate.
- For a more energizing drink, you may opt to serve your Irish cream liqueur infused in coffee, also known as Irish cream coffee.
- You can serve it with cherries and unsalted nuts for a dose of protein and fiber, along with your sweet drink.
- For a delicate and tangy taste, you can pair Irish cream liqueur with a cheese platter, including Cashel Blue cheese.
Other unique combinations from the blog are:
Tips About Making This Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe
- If you include eggs, it is vital that you properly store the cream and consume it as soon as possible. The whiskey acts as a preservative but cannot prevent it from going bad if the liqueur is stored at room temperature for too long.
- You can use any bottle to store your homemade Irish cream, as long as it has a tight seal to avoid leakage.
- Before serving the liqueur, give the bottle a good shake because it tends to separate.
How To Store Irish Cream Liqueur
You can store your Irish cream liqueur in the refrigerator with a shelf life of up to a month. Still, you need to make sure that you’re checking it for freshness after a week has passed.
As s general rule of thumb, treat it like milk and toss it out when it starts to smell sour.
FAQ About Irish Liqueur
Is Irish Cream Minty?
No, not all varieties of Irish cream are minty. Irish cream is usually made with heavy cream and whiskey and mixed with flavors like cocoa and vanilla that complement the aged alcohol.
Does Irish Cream Have Dairy?
Yes, because Irish cream contains fresh cream, it includes dairy products.
Can You Froth Baileys Irish Cream?
Yes, frothing Baileys Original Irish Cream can add a great texture. You can froth it with milk on your Espresso machine, allowing the texture to remain.
Does Irish Cream Have Caffeine?
No, Irish cream doesn’t normally contain any caffeine. The main ingredients are Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate. Sometimes, some flavorings added to Irish creams, like Bailey’s products, may contain some amounts of caffeine.
Does Irish Cream Liqueur Expire?
Yes, unlike hard liquors like brands of whiskey or vodka, Irish cream liqueur doesn’t last forever and has an expiry date, which you should find on each bottle. The liqueur should be fine for at least two years if the bottle is unopened.
Mint Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur
If you love the flavors of coffee, chocolate, and liqueur and are looking for a quick drink that will warm you up during the cold season that is to come, this Irish cream liqueur recipe is for you!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the whiskey to the blender, and process until smooth and frothy, about 15-30 seconds.
- Pour whiskey into the blender and process to distribute throughout the mixture.
- Set a strainer over a bowl and pour Irish cream through, straining out any bits of egg or espresso powder that weren’t fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Using a funnel, ladle the Irish cream into clean, sterilized bottles.
- Screw the tops on the bottles tightly, and store them in the fridge.
- Label your bottles with a “use-by” date, as the Irish cream will keep for 30 days from the day you make it if stored properly in the fridge.
- The cream will naturally separate when stored in the fridge, shake the bottle gently to mix everything together.
Notes
- Espresso powder can be substituted with instant coffee granules.
- Pure vanilla bean paste can be substituted with pure vanilla extract.
* Adapted from the hungry mouse. This recipe was originally published in 03/2012 by Jaclyn. Notes and photos updated on 01/2023.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1901Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 253mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 8g
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for the most accurate results.
Conclusion
This sweet, minty, and chocolatey Irish cream liqueur recipe is perfect for enjoying as the winter months approach.
It is a simple yet luscious drink for the whole family to indulge in this holiday season!
It’s easy to combine, and you can create a delightful blend with your favorite flavors, such as mint extract, vanilla extract, and chocolate syrup.
The Irish whiskey in this cream liqueur recipe is subtle, with hints of a sophisticated and floral taste.
The heavy cream adds a fulfilling, creamy texture, while the Espresso powder accentuates the drink’s classic cream liqueur notes and lingering aftertaste.
A perfect drink to warm you up on those snowy mornings or as you enjoy dinner with family, these flavors are sure to invite you into a deliciously cozy embrace.
So, give this flavorful recipe a try, and you may turn it into one of your favorite go-to drinks every winter season!
If you liked this Irish cream liqueur, you’d love these related posts:
Leave a Reply