Homemade Irish Cream (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade bailey's Irish cream last? ›

Now, you'll notice that this homemade drink contains dairy. This means that once you've made it, proper storage is key or you won't get to keep enjoying the drink for long. As a general rule of thumb, you can store your freshly made Irish cream for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Baileys Irish Cream is an Irish cream liqueur made of cream, cocoa and Irish whiskey emulsified together with vegetable oil. Baileys is made by Diageo at Nangor Road, in Dublin, Ireland and in Mallusk, Northern Ireland.

Recipe Tip

Avoid curdling – I did some research as to ensure a life free of curdling and it's all about adding the alcohol slowly and being sure to use heavy cream. Alcohol is an acid so making irish cream with, say, whole milk will definitely break the milk, which could result in some serious coagulation.

Baileys can be easily mixed with all manner of beverages to make a simple, creamy drink. The only rule is to avoid citrus or anything with a lot of citric acid, which makes it curdle. That means avoid juices and soda.

First off, let's get straight to the point: Baileys has a shelf life. The folks over at Baileys recommend that you consume it within 2 years of purchase. Notably, they say this is for “optimal freshness” and note that you should store it between 0-25°C (32-77°F) – and definitely keep it out of direct sunlight.

Generally as long as you don't subject it to temperature extremes it will last well beyond the official 2 year "best taste before" date. Over time the taste will change and the liquid tends to go a bit darker but only really noticeable if you do a side by side comparison.

To avoid this, start your blender on a very LOW speed and increase slowly to medium/low. Mix until only just combined. If for some reason your mixture does appear curdled, simply pour it through a sieve and then allow the drained liquid to settle. Scrape any excess off the top with a spoon.

Original Irish Cream blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream and a touch of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. Pour over ice cream, mix into coffee, or enjoy it with ice for an originally delish Baileys moment.

The curdled Baileys does not taste sour, but it does rapidly gain viscosity and stick to the drinker's teeth, reminiscent of cement. For a sweeter taste, two shot glasses, one of lemonade and one of Baileys, can be used.

Cream liqueurs curdle because of their high dairy content. Dairy products (such as milk or cream) curdle in the presence of an acidic liquid. Acids have a very low pH, which lowers the overall pH of the mixture. As the pH drops below 5.5, the casein proteins in the dairy ingredients begin to curdle.

How unhealthy is Baileys Irish Cream? ›

Alcohol is high in calories. It contains around seven calories a gram - almost as many as fat. And the calories in an Irish cream liqueur don't just come from the alcohol – it's high in sugar too. A 50ml glass of Irish cream liqueur contain 153 calories – about the same as a large chocolate biscuit.

When stored in the right conditions, an opened bottle can last for up to two years. The key to preserving Baileys quality after opening lies in storing it correctly. To maximize its time, store the opened bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. A cupboard or liquor cabinet are ideal locations.

How long does Baileys last? Baileys Original lasts 2 years from the day of bottling, opened or unopened when stored at the optimum temperature (0 to 25°C/32 to 77°F). For other Baileys products, shelf life varies depending on the flavour.

Pour a splash in your coffee (and top with whipped cream for a little extra indulgence), mix into a martini, or bake into a decadent cake. Or, pour it into a pretty bottle and give as a gift! Each batch can be stored for up to 2 months in the fridge in an airtight container.

If stored properly, homemade Kahlua will maintain its flavor and potency for about three to four years. Kahlua that has gone bad will smell off and have a watered-down taste.