Irish Cream Liqueur with Whiskey, Cocoa and Coffee

Name: Irish Cream Liqueur with Whiskey, Cocoa and Coffee
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: About 1 litre
Cuisine: Irish-inspired
Ingredients: 350 ml Irish whiskey; 300 ml pasteurized heavy cream; 300 g sweetened condensed milk; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch fine salt

A creamy whiskey liqueur blended with condensed milk, cocoa and instant coffee.

By Lera BruminaUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 10 minMakes About 1 litre

Jump to Recipe

This homemade Irish cream blends whiskey with sweetened condensed milk, cream, cocoa and coffee for a smooth dessert drink. The source heats the dairy and whiskey and uses ground coffee; this version avoids heating alcohol and uses instant coffee so the drink stays smooth. Blend briefly to combine, then chill before serving over ice or adding to coffee. Because it contains fresh cream, keep it refrigerated and follow the earliest dairy use-by date. Shake gently before pouring if the mixture separates. Whisk instant espresso and cocoa with 2 tbsp warm water to form a smooth paste; cool completely. Add whiskey, cream, condensed milk, vanilla, salt and cooled paste to a blender. Blend on low just until smooth; avoid over-whipping.

Recipe card

Irish Cream Liqueur with Whiskey, Cocoa and Coffee

Prep 10 minCook 0 minTotal 2 hr 10 minYield About 1 litre

Equipment: Blender, small bowl, whisk, clean capped bottle

Ingredients

350 ml Irish whiskey 300 ml pasteurized heavy cream 300 g sweetened condensed milk 1 tbsp instant espresso powder 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 pinch fine salt

Instructions

Dissolve flavourings
Whisk instant espresso and cocoa with 2 tbsp warm water to form a smooth paste; cool completely.
Blend
Add whiskey, cream, condensed milk, vanilla, salt and cooled paste to a blender. Blend on low just until smooth; avoid over-whipping.
Chill
Pour into a clean bottle, seal and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Serve
Shake gently before pouring over ice or into coffee. Keep refrigerated after opening.

How to tell when it is ready

The drink is uniformly blended and well chilled.

Tips

Measure ingredients before starting.
Use the visual doneness cues as well as the timing.
Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
Let the dish rest briefly before serving.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.

Variations

Adjust herbs and spices to taste.
Add seasonal vegetables that suit the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

Pour over ice.
Add a splash to coffee.
Serve with chocolate dessert.
Use a little over vanilla ice cream.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead where practical. Keep refrigerated and use no later than the earliest dairy use-by date; shake gently and discard if left out over 2 hours.

Storage

Keep refrigerated and use no later than the earliest dairy use-by date; shake gently and discard if left out over 2 hours.

Food safety

Use pasteurized cream and keep refrigerated. Follow the earliest use-by date of the dairy ingredients; discard if left out over 2 hours or if smell/texture changes. Alcohol does not make dairy shelf-stable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it without alcohol?

For a nonalcoholic cream drink, omit the whiskey and use promptly; it will be a different beverage and remains perishable.

How should I store homemade irish cream liqueur?

Keep refrigerated and use no later than the earliest dairy use-by date; shake gently and discard if left out over 2 hours.

Pour over ice. Keep refrigerated and use no later than the earliest dairy use-by date; shake gently and discard if left out over 2 hours.

About the author

Lera Brumina

Lera Brumina shares creative recipes shaped by Ukrainian food traditions and international influences. She focuses on baking, desserts and modern variations, with approachable instructions and practical ideas for home cooks.