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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Vegan Irish Cream (Vegan Baileys)

    Published: Feb 12, 2021 · Modified: Mar 14, 2023 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links 14 Comments

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    Pin for Vegan Irish Cream Recipe.
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    If you're looking for a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic Irish Cream liqueur, look no further! This vegan version of Ireland's famous tipple is a tasty treat and ideal for any special occasion or get-together. Combining creamy coconut milk with vegan sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cacao powder gives this Vegan Irish Cream an indulgently smooth texture that even your non-vegan friends will love!

    And it's so simple to create at home – mix up all the ingredients in a blender until you have a thick but pourable consistency. So grab the ingredients from your cupboard, get blending, and have glasses ready when you finish; everyone will want a taste of this delicious vegan drink!


    Side angle view of two glasses of vegan Irish Cream and ice on a grey textured background.

    I wanted to make a beverage for St. Patrick's Day, and naturally, Irish Cream with whiskey came to mind. I hadn't had an Irish cream since I've gone vegan, so I set out to make my own. Most cream liqueurs are not dairy-free, so be sure to check the label. I've heard there is a vegan almond Baileys, but I haven't tried it.

    This indulgent homemade vegan Irish cream recipe combines coconut milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk, Irish whiskey, cocoa powder, coffee extract, and vanilla. It is deliciously creamy with hints of cocoa and vanilla, and you can make it in less than 5 minutes!

    You're going to love the taste and creaminess of this Irish Cream, not to mention how easy it is to make! I like mine with extra cocoa, so the color is a tad darker than Baileys Irish Cream.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • How to make Vegan Irish Cream
    • Expert Tips
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • How to serve
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Related recipes
    • Pairings
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    You'll need a few natural ingredients to make this dairy-free liqueur which are listed below.


    Overhead view of vegan irish cream ingredients on tile surpace with grey napkin.

    • Canned full-fat coconut milk - for creaminess. There will be a coconut taste, naturally! You only need one cup, so save the rest for another use.
    • Vegan sweetened condensed milk - no sugar is needed since this is already sweetened. I used approximately half a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk from Nature's Charm (not sponsored).
    • Cacao powder - I use organic cacao powder. I like Irish cream to be a little chocolatey, like an Irish Mocha Cream. Adjust the amount to your preferences; maybe you want just a touch of cocoa.
    • Coffee extract - I happen to have some in the pantry for concentrated coffee flavor. If you don't have coffee extract, I have substitutions below.
    • Vanilla extract - for flavor.
    • Irish whiskey - I used Jameson Irish whiskey which is vegan-friendly. The main ingredients are unmalted and malted barley, maize, and Irish water from the Dungourney River local to the distillery.

    Equipment

    • blender
    • can opener
    • fine metal sieve - to remove the coconut milk solids from the canned coconut milk and the sweetened condensed coconut milk. If you skip this step, your Irish cream might be much thicker and almost solid the next day, like pudding.

    How to make Vegan Irish Cream

    This dairy-free Irish cream is deliciously creamy with hints of cocoa and vanilla, and you can make it in the blender in less than 5 minutes. How easy is that?

    Here are the simple steps to make it:

    Overhead view of ingredients in blender with grey napkin and glass container with whiskey.

    Place the coconut milk, sweetened condensed coconut milk, cocoa powder, coffee extract, and vanilla extract in a blender.

    Overhead view of blended ingredients in blender with grey napkin on white and blue tile surface.

    Mix at low to medium speed for 30 to 60 seconds. Add the whiskey and mix at low to medium speed for another 30 to 60 seconds.

    Depending on how many solids are in your coconut milk and sweetened condensed coconut milk, it may take just a few moments longer. Don't worry, all is not lost if it curdles.

    This homemade vegan Baileys recipe makes approximately 2 cups. If you are entertaining or plan to give this homemade festive vegan liqueur away as gifts, you can double the recipe.


    Three Quarter Angle of two glasses of vegan Irish Cream with bottle of homemade vegan Baileys on grey textured surfface.

    Expert Tips

    Whether the mixture curdles or not, I recommend using a fine sieve to collect any coconut milk solids. I've tried it with and without, and I prefer the filtered version.

    If you skip this step, your vegan Irish cream will be much thicker and almost solid the next day. Using a sieve will make your Irish cream smoother. It will be creamy without being overly creamy.

    Otherwise, your homemade vegan Baileys will be much thicker the next day, like pudding. If this happens, you can dilute it with water, coffee, or almond milk which is thinner. Mix it up well and strain it with a sieve to remove any coconut solids.

    Substitutions

    Here are some substitutions you can try. The possibilities are endless!

    • Full-fat canned coconut milk: Use homemade cashew milk which is neutral yet richer than other types of plant-based milk. Light coconut milk would work but it will be less creamy; it wasn't creamy enough for me. You can use coconut cream; dilute it with coffee or water.
    • Coffee extract: Instead, you can use espresso powder or instant coffee mixed with a small amount of hot water or espresso; place it in the fridge to cool it down before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. You can also use cooled-down strong coffee. Not a fan? Omit it or add one of the liquors below instead. If you don't have coffee and cacao powder handy, try adding a coffee liqueur or homemade coffee liqueur.
    • Vanilla extract: Instead, try orange extract or almond extract, or almond essence.

    Variations

    You can customize this vegan Baileys recipe according to your preferences. Here are a few suggestions:

    • Chocolate: Maybe you don't want as much chocolate - put in less cocoa powder or leave it out.
    • Other liquor: I like the soul-soothing warmth of Irish whiskey in this alcoholic drink. However, you can add another liquor such as Drambuie, bourbon, rum, Grand Marnier, or raspberry liqueur.
    • Stronger: Add more whiskey. Start with a tablespoon of whiskey and adjust from there.
    • Sweeter - I find this recipe sweet enough, but if you want more sweetness, add maple syrup, date syrup, or agave syrup to taste.
    • Mocktail - leave out the whiskey for an alcohol-free Irish cream.

    How to serve

    • Refrigerate and shake well before serving.
    • Enjoy this Irish cream right out of the fridge (my favorite) or over ice. You can enjoy it at room temperature if you prefer, but I think this delicious drink tastes better cold.
    • You can pour it over vegan ice cream along with strong coffee for a delicious dessert. Or just add it to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!
    • Add it to baked goods and frosting, such as this recipe for my decadent Vegan Chocolate Fig Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting.
    • Make it for the holiday season and special occasions, whether it's March or December. It's a lovely after-dinner drink.

    Side angle of two glasses of vegan Irish Cream with bottle of homemade vegan Baileys in background.

    Storage

    This homemade vegan Irish cream keeps in the fridge in an airtight container (preferably glass) for up to four or five days.

    FAQ

    Is whiskey gluten-free?

    Even with whiskey brands that are triple distilled, people with high gluten sensitivity have been known to have a reaction to whiskey. It's easy enough to make your own version of Baileys at home and use a whiskey you know you can tolerate. You can find more information here.

    Is Irish cream liqueur vegan?

    No, traditionally, Irish cream liqueur is not vegan since it is made with dairy (milk from Irish cows). Traditionally, Irish Cream is a blend of Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy milk, chocolate, and vanilla flavors.

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    Pairings

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    If you make this recipe, please take a moment to ★★★★★ star-rate it and leave a comment below. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook, and share your creation with me! Tag me @resplendentkitchen and hashtag #resplendentkitchenrecipes.

    Recipe

    Side view of two glasses of iced vegan Irish cream on a grey textured background.

    Vegan Irish Cream

    Emily Miller
    This indulgent homemade Vegan Irish Cream recipe combines coconut milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk, Irish whiskey, cocoa powder, coffee extract, and vanilla. This creamy vegan Baileys has hints of cocoa and vanilla and can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes in a blender!
    5 from 125 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 4 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 minute min
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 187 kcal

    Equipment

    • blender
    • can opener
    • small metal sieve

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
    • 6 oz sweetened condensed coconut milk
    • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon coffee extract or 1 tablespoon instant coffee or 1 teaspoon instant espresso mixed with small amount of hot water and let cool, or espresso
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 200 ml Irish whiskey

    Instructions
     

    • Place the coconut milk, sweetened condensed coconut milk, cocoa powder, coffee extract, vanilla extract in a blender. Mix at low to medium speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    • Add whiskey. Blend for another 30 seconds at low to medium speed. Strain the mixture with a fine metal strainer, whether it curdles or not.
    • Transfer into a container and refrigerate.

    Notes

    After straining the mixture through a sieve, store in fridge for up to to 4 to 5 days. Makes approximately 2 cups.
    Shake well before use. If it curdles or has small bits of coconut cream in it after mixing, strain it through a sieve. It will still taste great and it will be smoother.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8peopleCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 9.3gProtein: 1.9gFat: 10.7gSaturated Fat: 9.7gSodium: 16.7mgPotassium: 87.5mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 8.6gCalcium: 1.3mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword dairy-free, Irish cream, St Patricks Day, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Anaiah

      August 22, 2021 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this Irish Cream tasted amazing. I've never tried a vegan condensed milk before and it was such a game changer!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 22, 2021 at 12:40 pm

        Thank you for your review, Anaiah! I'm so glad to hear that this vegan condensed milk is a game changer!

        Reply
    2. Daniela

      August 24, 2021 at 5:16 am

      5 stars
      What a fabulous idea to use condensed coconut milk here! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 24, 2021 at 8:49 am

        Thank you for your review of this recipe, Daniela! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    3. Beth

      February 14, 2022 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      I love Baileys and this vegan version looks so silky smooth and creamy!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 27, 2022 at 3:29 pm

        Thank you, Beth!

        Reply
    4. Dana

      February 14, 2022 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      Love the use of coconut milk here! Adds a nice little something extra.

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks for the great review, Dana!

        Reply
    5. Caitlin

      February 14, 2022 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect vegan version of Irish cream, so creamy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2022 at 12:48 pm

        Thank you Caitlin! I am so happy that you enjoyed the recipe and found it to be a perfect vegan Irish Cream.

        Reply
    6. Pavani

      February 14, 2022 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      Wow, what a creamy and flavorful vegan recipe for Irish cream. Love that you used coconut milk along with sweetened condensed coconut milk.

      Reply
    7. Rika

      February 14, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love the vegan version of Irish cream. The coconut milk adds richness to it.

      Reply
    8. Brian

      March 25, 2023 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      These are incredibly delicious! A must-try recipe.
      -Mr Resplendent Kitchen

      Reply
      • Emily

        March 25, 2023 at 12:33 pm

        Thank you, Brian, for the glowing review and kind words!

        Reply

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    Emily Miller

    Hi, I'm Emily, the photographer, writer, and cook behind Resplendent Kitchen, a 100% plant-based blog - where making dishes that are good for you can also be incredibly tasty.

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