If your family is anything like mine, the holiday season just isn’t complete without a cozy cup of coffee flavored with a splash of homemade Bailey’s coffee creamer.
Whether it’s a quiet Saturday morning treat or a cheerful addition to your holiday brunch table, this rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious Irish coffee creamer is a game changer.
The best part? You can skip the weird additives in store-bought versions and save some money by making it at home! Plus, it doubles as a fantastic gift idea for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who loves a festive cup of coffee.
I’ll show you two easy ways to make it: one with sweetened condensed milk and one with maple syrup for a slightly lighter, more natural option. Ready to stir up some holiday magic? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Sweetened Condensed Milk Version
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 1/2 cups Irish whiskey (such as Jameson or Two Gingers)
Maple Syrup Version
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 1/2 cups Irish whiskey
Pro Tips
- Shake It Up: If you’re storing the creamer for a few days, give the jar a good shake before using—it’s normal for the cocoa or coffee to settle at the bottom.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less chocolate syrup or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Pick the Right Whiskey: Irish whiskey is key! Jameson is classic, but try Two Gingers or another brand with caramel or vanilla notes for a richer flavor.
- Use a Blender for Creaminess: For the smoothest texture, mix everything in a blender instead of shaking it. Just be careful blending the whiskey—it’ll foam up a bit!
- Perfect for Gifting: Package the creamer in small mason jars with a ribbon for a thoughtful and tasty holiday gift.
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars with lids (for storing and gifting)
- Blender or large mixing bowl with a whisk
- Funnel (optional for pouring into jars)
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream and milk.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Skip the whiskey and enjoy a kid-friendly version!
- Sugar-Free: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative, and use a low-sugar chocolate syrup.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor or a drop of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make this up to 2 weeks ahead of time! Store it in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar. Just shake well before using.
- Consider making a double batch—it’s so good, it disappears fast!
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Measure out all your ingredients so they’re ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- For the Sweetened Condensed Milk Version, whisk together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules in a large mixing bowl.
- For the Maple Syrup Version, whisk heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the Whiskey
Slowly pour in the Irish whiskey while whisking continuously to blend everything together smoothly.
Step 4: Transfer to Jars
Using a funnel if needed, pour the creamer into clean mason jars and seal tightly with lids.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using to let the flavors meld together. Shake well before adding to coffee.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Shake before each use to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
- Freeze in small portions if you want to keep it longer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Conclusion
Homemade Bailey’s Coffee Creamer is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your morning coffee—or even better, to gift to your loved ones. It’s simple, affordable, and customizable to your taste. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! What creative twists did you add to make it your own? I can’t wait to hear all about your holiday coffee moments. Cheers to a cozy and delicious holiday season!
