Homemade Vegan Baileys Irish Cream
This vegan Baileys-style Irish cream liqueur is a smooth and luxurious drink made from simple, dairy-free ingredients. It mimics the flavor and texture of the original with a blend of plant-based cream, Irish whiskey, cocoa, and vanilla. Whether served chilled, over ice, or mixed into a hot beverage, it’s a comforting, slightly boozy treat that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or cozy nights in. The best part—it’s quick to make at home and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (such as Jameson, which is vegan-friendly)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Blend the base.
In a blender, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high until smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, creamy base that gives the liqueur its signature texture.
2. Add the whiskey.
Pour in the Irish whiskey and blend briefly to mix. Be careful not to over-blend at this stage to avoid any froth or foam.
3. Taste and adjust.
Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup. You can also adjust the strength by adding more whiskey or plant milk, depending on your preference.
4. Chill.
Transfer the mixture to a clean bottle or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Shake well before each use, as some separation may occur.
5. Serve.
Enjoy over ice, stirred into coffee, drizzled over vegan ice cream, or used in baking and dessert recipes.
Tips & Storage
- Shake well before serving each time.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before bottling.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk.
