Homemade Baileys

* only read on if over the age of 21 *

One of the greatest joys in my life is making things that others enjoy eating. I think it is especially fun to make my own foods that others would normally just buy (like ranch or hummus or iced coffee). Over the past few months, I have seen more and more buzz about DIY Baileys. I first tried to make this around the holidays but the flavor just wasn’t right so I figured St. Patrick’s Day would be the perfect time to make this for you all.

The flavors of this Bailey’s are awesome, – when we forced our neighbors to taste test this and we all did a side-by-side taste test with a regular bottle, we decided we liked this even more than the real stuff. It is a little bit more “like a mudslide” than normal Baileys because it is missing some of the bite. Rich thinks that if you are really craving that bite that a bit (1/4 cup?) of Jagermeister would do the trick.

Homemade Baileys

adapted from 6 Bittersweets – makes about 1 quart

• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 2 tsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups Irish whiskey (I used the cup, more whiskey could add more of that bite too)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)

In a small bowl or cup, mix together instant coffee, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of half and half until smooth. Using a conventional or hand-held immersion blender, combine the coffee cocoa mixture, remaining dairy, sweetened condensed milk, honey, Irish whiskey, vanilla extract, and almond extract and blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let chill at least overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. Shake well before using. This should keep for up to 2 months.

estimated cost: $8, versus $26 for a liter of store-bought Baileys

And if you like this Baileys, I can promise you that you will love my Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting (also known as Car Bomb Cupcakes) that I made last year (and am making again by the request of a friend)

One Year Ago – one of the many version of Ranch we enjoy

And I leave you with this, Today’s Question of the Day… what is your favorite way to do something nice for those around you?