I was quite surprised to learn that Bailey's Irish Cream is a relative newcomer among liqueurs. It was developed in 1974 by a team at Gilbeys of Ireland.
The distillery was originally founded in 1857, and after over a hundred years of internal changes and mergers, it created Ireland's most renowned Irish liqueur.
Bailey's Irish Cream was introduced as the first-ever Irish cream liqueur on the market. The original recipe blended Irish whiskey, cream, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla, creating a smooth and creamy drink with a distinctive taste.
The liqueur's name was inspired by the Bailey's Hotel in London, and the "Irish Cream" name honors the drink's Irish roots.
Originally, only Irish whiskey was used in the production. Bailey's became immensely popular and is now enjoyed worldwide as a standalone drink, a cocktail mixer, and an ingredient in various luscious desserts.
It only takes a few minutes and ingredients to make this liqueur at home. This copycat version of Bailey's Irish Cream has vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors added to the whiskey and cream. I made a double batch because I was using it for gifts.
I found the cutest square swing-top bottles on sale at Hobby Lobby, but you can also find them at dollar stores or online. If you have ever shopped for Bailey's Irish Cream, you will quickly see that when you make your own, it is a huge money saver, and it tastes wonderful!
I used instant coffee because I got some fancy Starbucks as a gift! Dissolve the coffee in a small amount of water, or use some strong brewed coffee instead. Make sure it's cooled to room temperature.
You can use half and half, but I made my own with equal parts of heavy whipping cream and whole milk since I didn't have any. Now stir in the sweetened condensed milk and Hershey's chocolate syrup, coffee, and vanilla. I used Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate. You can add a little almond extract if you like!
Pour the mixture into a bottle or jar and refrigerate. Let the flavors blend for a day or two before using to let the flavors all get to know each other.
Shake well before using to ensure none of the goodies have settled in the bottom of the bottle. That's it, folks. It could not be easier!
If you want to be a complete purist, by all means, do, but with all these flavors going on, it really doesn't matter if you choose a moderately priced bourbon like Jim Beam or Canadian Mist.
The key differences between Irish Whiskey and Bourbon are the ingredients and how it is distilled. I am no expert, and it comes down to personal preference that's developed over time.
Irish whiskey is usually made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and sometimes other grains such as corn or wheat. It's distilled three times in copper pot stills, imparting a smoother and lighter flavor. Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, light, and subtle flavors. It often has a hint of sweetness and less smoky, robust flavors.
Bourbon, like Jim Beam, is primarily made from at least 51% corn, along with other grains like rye, barley, or wheat. It's aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a distinct sweet and robust flavor profile. The higher corn content can make it taste sweeter and richer, even a little spicy. You may pick up flavors like caramel, vanilla, and oak from the barrels used in the process.
Bottom line: use what you like or what you can afford.
A homemade copycat version of Ireland's most renowned liqueur, Bailey's Irish Cream.
Around the holiday season, it's sometimes fun to have some festive adult drinks like Cranberry Bourbon Slush. Always drink responsibly, never drink and drive, and hosts, always be sure to have food available, and be ready to arrange a safe trip home for your guests!
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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