this Vegan Baileys Irish Cream recipe is a quick and easy method make dairy free Baileys liqueur. a perfect drink for sipping or gifting!
recipe originally published September 27, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Easy homemade liqueur recipe
One of my favorite sipping drinks is Baileys over ice.
Bailey's over ice cream is also delicious, as is Baileys in coffee. (Jason and I managed to get nearly everyone in the first class cabin on a flight change their orders to Baileys and coffee, after hearing us order it. There was one hold out, they wanted Jäger.)
However we enjoy it, this vegan Baileys Irish Cream is definitely not reserved for holidays only. This is a year round beverage and mixer for us.
Is Whiskey Gluten Free?
Yes.
In theory.
The distillation process removes the gluten proteins. According to the National Institutes of Health Celiac Awareness Campaign, distilled alcohol is considered gluten free and safe to drink, even if originally derived from wheat, barley, or rye. This not only applies to rye whiskey and scotch whisky, but vodka and gin as well.
Where things change is bourbons and other whiskeys that add a mash after distilling. The mash often contains wheat / gluten.
My suggestion is to please do your own research if you have concerns.
How to make homemade liqueur
The quintessential and distinct liqueur we all know and love is extremely easy to make at home. Just a few common pantry ingredients make up this tasty recipe, and even those are flexible:
- dairy free milk: feel free to replace the coconut milk with a dairy free milk or creamer product of your choosing. I have made this with cashew milk and hemp milk - the thicker milks lend a creamy consistency.
- sweetener: if you prefer, add a bit of your favorite sweetener. maple syrup, date syrup or a simple sugar mixture works best.
- almond extract: this is optional, if you don't have it? skip it! this recipe tastes great without it - I make it both ways.
- rye whiskey: any whiskey will do, but I like the lighter / smoother taste of a rye for this recipe.
Thoroughly combine all ingredients. Enjoy over ice or as a mixer in a cocktail.
How long does this last?
Transfer your homemade Baileys into airtight containers and keep refrigerated.
Refrigerated homemade vegan Baileys Irish Cream lasts 10 days / 2 weeks.
Vegan Holiday Drink Recipes
- Hot Chocolate Peppermint Shots: spiked or not, these festive and fun shots of hot chocolate come in a minty cool shot glass!
- Liquor Bottles On Ice: my longtime favorite way to dress up the bottles for a fancy party. keep your libations cool in a fun decorative way!
- S'mores Shots with Chocolate Glasses: another edible shot glass! this one you make yourself, dip in graham crumb, and fill with a s'mores shot. Mmm.
Also, our Vegan Holiday Cocktails collection shares some of our favorite bloggers recipes!
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Homemade Vegan Irish Cream
Homemade Vegan Baileys - a quick and easy vegan recipe for everyone's favorite - Irish Cream! perfect in a hot cup of coffee on a snowy morning...
Ingredients
- 2 shots strong coffee / espresso
- ¼ cup coconut sugar / vegan granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa
- 2 cans coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup whiskey
Instructions
- Prepare espresso/coffee.
- Immediately add sugar and cocoa to hot espresso shots. Whisk until dissolved.
- Pour coconut milk into large measuring cup / bowl with pourable spout.
- Add almond extract, vanilla, and whiskey to the milk.
- Add sweetened espresso shots, whisk to combine.
- Transfer to airtight jar / container.
- Store in refrigerator, up to 2 weeks.
Notes
ingredient substitutions:
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
2 ounces - ¼ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 55Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 4gNet Carbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Angie says
Omgosh this is awesome! I did make half a batch to see if it would be good a week ago. When I got home I tasted it and I was blown away! I just made a full batch using cashew milk for Christmas but…..I’m sorry this will NEVER Last 2 weeks!
Kristina Sloggett says
haa HAA... I get it, this never lasts long here either. I am so happy you like it, enjoy!
Carolyn Ross says
Hi! This sounds amazing! How much coffee is used? I do not have an espresso machine and would like to have the correct measurement.
Kristina Sloggett says
hi Carolyn! I use an instant espresso, no machine needed! two espresso shots is 60 ml total, about 1/4 cup. (I think mine ends up being about 1/3 to 1/2 cup espresso.) I would use a strong coffee to make up for the bold flavor of espresso. I hope you enjoy!
Becky says
Oooh I'm going to try making this with white whiskey! I can't drink brown liquors but used to love Irish cream. It would be so nice to have it back in rotation.
Grainne says
I don't like whiskey, so I use amaretto and it is really good. I just heat up 2 tins of coconut milk with a 1/2 cup unrefined sugar and a pinch of salt until thickened. Then I lash in a bit of amaretto and try not to drink it all at once!
Kristina Sloggett says
oh, very good to know! I am not the biggest whiskey fan either (in this I find it okay), and may try your amaretto sub! thanks!
Carmen says
What a genius idea. I love Bailey's so I'm happy there is a vegan version!
Carmen ☼
Kristina Sloggett says
it is very easy, and tastes surprisingly similar! cheers!
AK says
What type of cocoa you used? The unsweetened kind used for baking or cocoa mix with sugar added?
Kristina Sloggett says
I use unsweetened, although either would work. this has no added sugar; I have had many people make this - some have added sweetener as well.
Laurel says
My husband just brought home a bottle of Jameson's and I immediately thought of you 🙂 and this recipe. So the gluten gets boiled out of whisky right?
Kristina Sloggett says
haa, awesome! ...and if only it were as easy as boiling to get rid of gluten, right? but whiskey is gluten free, because of the distilling process!! yeee!
Laurel says
EXCELLENT!!! she says with a wicked gleam in her eye and whilst rubbing her hands together and cackling.
Have a smashingly marvelous Thanksgiving. xo
Kristina Sloggett says
EXACTLY how I responded when I first heard this news. MUAH ah ah... and thank you - I hope your holiday is fantastic as well!
Krystle says
do you think this would work if I replaced the coconut creamer with soy creamer to cut down a teeny bit on the coconut flavor?
Kristina Sloggett says
absolutely, Krystle - I have not used soy creamer before, but I imagine "creamer" should be similar consistency? Enjoy!