Homemade Baileys

By Sharmini Jayawardena 

Irish Cream to die for.

The recipe makes about 3 ยฝ 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 โ€˜muddledโ€™ 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:

โ€œThe manufacturer claims Baileys Irish Cream has a shelf life of 24 months and guarantees its taste for two years from the day it was madeโ€”opened or unopened, refrigerated or notโ€”when stored away from direct sunlight at temperatures between 0 and 25 ยฐC (32 and 77 ยฐF).โ€

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 Iโ€™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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