The holiday season is all about spreading warmth and joy, and one of the best ways to do that is with a gift that’s personal and heartfelt. This year, the Driver Group is bringing a little extra cheer to our loved ones by making homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream—a cozy delight that’s perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing during holiday gatherings. 

The Recipe
This simple recipe takes just minutes to make but delivers a luxurious flavor. It's easy to choose your own adventure with this recipe and adjust to your taste. 

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cup Irish whiskey (we used 2 Gingers and Bushmills)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup*
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tsp of almond extract (adds extra depth but we avoided it for gift giving for our friends and family with nut allergies.)

*We did one batch with melted Ghirardelli melting wafers. It was luscious but did not blend as well as good ole Hersey's syrup.

Directions:

• In a blender, combine the whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, coffee, vanilla, and almond extract if using.

• Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth.

• Pour into clean, airtight glass bottles or jars.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

• Shake well before serving.

Make it a Gift!

Presentation matters! After bottling the homemade Irish Cream, you can make the presentation festive and fun with:

• Custom labels: we used Avery 2” x 2” printable labels with a cute label we made on Canva this year.

• Festive decorations: Tie a ribbon around the bottle neck or attach a small sprig of evergreen for a seasonal touch.

Recipe cards: Include serving suggestions, like adding it to coffee, over ice, or in holiday desserts.

How to Enjoy Homemade Irish Cream:

• Over Ice: Serve it simply over a glass of ice for a creamy, chilled treat.

• In Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Add a splash to hot coffee for an instant Irish coffee or a grown-up twist on a winter favorite.

• Over Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an adult-friendly dessert.

• In Milkshakes: Blend with ice cream and a splash of milk for a rich, boozy shake.

• Espresso Martini: Combine homemade Bailey’s with espresso and vodka for a sophisticated coffee cocktail.