This vegan Baileys Irish Cream recipe is a quick and easy method to make 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.
Jessica says
All I can say is Yum!!! Add a little ice and this would be a great summer time cocktail!
jelli says
my sister and me made last night YUMMO, can't wait for holidays everyones getting this gift LOL
Nina says
So pleased to have found this recipe as it's something I miss from my non-vegan days.
What is 'coconut creamer'? We get coconut cream in a can here in Australia. Is that the same thing? Or is it (perhaps) a can of coconut milk, shaken?
Cheers,
Nina
spabettie says
hi Nina! creamer is something we have here, mainly used for coffee in place of adding milk to coffee? It is one of those crazy weird things I so rarely use, but I saw one made with coconut milk, so I tried it. Coconut milk in a can (yes, shaken) would absolutely work! I hope you love it, cheers!
Nina says
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I appreciate the info.
I cannot wait to try this!
Deb Bee says
I will try this when I find a coconut based creamer. When you live in the sticks it's hard to find that kind of thing. I love Baileys and Kahlua mixed together. Any chance of getting the Kahlua recipe?
Joan says
Is the whiskey in the home made Irish creme Gluten Free?
This sounds so good but I need Gluten Free only...
spabettie says
hi Joan,
most people say "all distilled alcohols are gluten free - including those from gluten grains" as the distillation removes most gluten. many celiacs and intolerants can consume whiskey with no effects, but I would definitely use caution if you are highly sensitive. I am only going by my level of tolerance, and do not want to say it is okay for everyone. I would search for a label that is certified, if you have concerns. good luck, thank you for reading!
Lou says
Yummo, love that you used coconut milk... so creamy and delicious. Oh my golly gosh... this would make a mad good smoothie with some vegan ice cream 😉
Rian says
I just saw this on Pintrest and I am gonna make it, as best I can with what I have. Even with the substitutions I'll be making I'm sure it will still be good.
Jorge says
made this today, YUM!!
Jeni Treehugger says
WOAH! GURRRRRRRLLLL!!!!!
You just made my BESTEST BUDDY LIST!
My thighs will hate you but the rest of me loves you 🙂
spabettie says
ha haa - that sounds about right. it's worth it, though... PLEASE make this. XO!
Ray Burrell says
girl, you so fabulous, I can't believe you did this!! oh wait yes I can!! LOL
lookin good, Kris