If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent drinks but follow a plant-based lifestyle, this vegan Baileys recipe is about to become your new favorite. Traditional Baileys Irish Cream packs a boozy punch with dairy and eggs, making it off-limits for vegans.
But don’t worry—we’ve crafted a luscious, dairy-free, and egg-free alternative that’s just as rich, smooth, and flavorful. Made with simple ingredients like plant-based milk, coconut cream, and a hint of coffee and cocoa, this homemade vegan Baileys is perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or as a delicious addition to your coffee or dessert recipes.
Whether you’re serving it over ice, mixing it into cocktails, or drizzling it onto vegan desserts, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep things entirely cruelty-free. Ready to whip up your own batch of vegan Baileys?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Baileys recipe stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: rich, creamy texture and the warmth of Irish cream—all without any animal products. It’s quick to make, requiring no special ingredients or equipment, and you can customize the sweetness and booziness to your liking.
Plus, homemade means you avoid artificial additives and preservatives found in store-bought options. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
For more vegan inspiration, explore our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (shake the can well before opening)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup brewed strong coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag (optional, for extra smooth texture)
- Glass bottle or jar with lid for storing
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Instructions
- Prepare the cashews: Soak the raw cashews in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften them. This step helps create a creamy texture without grittiness.
- Blend the base: Drain the cashews and add them to your blender along with the full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, cooled coffee, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth: Blend everything on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Add the whiskey: Pour in the Irish whiskey and pulse the blender a few times to mix well. Taste and adjust the sweetness or alcohol content to your preference.
- Strain (optional): For the smoothest texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove any remaining solids.
- Chill: Transfer the vegan Baileys to a glass bottle or jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. It tastes even better when well chilled.
- Serve and enjoy: Shake well before pouring over ice, mixing into coffee, or incorporating into desserts.
Tips & Variations
“For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or omit them and increase coconut cream for richness.”
- Sweetness options: Swap maple syrup with coconut sugar syrup, brown rice syrup, or date syrup for different flavor profiles.
- Milk alternatives: Use oat milk or almond milk for a lighter, less creamy texture.
- Flavored Baileys: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Make it mocha: Increase the cocoa powder to 1/3 cup and add a splash of vegan chocolate syrup for a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days. Shake well before each use as natural separation may occur.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 7g |
Sugars | 5g |
Protein | 1g |
Alcohol | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Baileys is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- Pour over ice for a classic chilled drink.
- Add a splash to your morning coffee or espresso for a boozy twist.
- Use it as a decadent topping for vegan ice cream or desserts like brownies and cakes.
- Mix into hot chocolate for an adult-friendly cozy treat.
- Combine with plant-based whipped cream to create a festive vegan Irish coffee.
Looking for more rich and creamy vegan recipes? Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or whip up a batch of fresh bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
This homemade vegan Baileys recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a luscious, creamy, and boozy treat without the dairy or eggs. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick blend, you can enjoy a rich Irish cream alternative that’s perfect for sipping solo or jazzing up your favorite drinks and desserts.
The best part? It’s fully customizable to match your taste preferences, whether you want it sweeter, stronger, or with subtle flavor twists.
Whether for holiday celebrations, cozy nights in, or gifting to friends, this vegan Baileys is sure to impress. Dive into the world of plant-based indulgence and make your own batch today.
For more exciting recipes and creative vegan ideas, explore our collection of delicious dishes like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Baileys Recipe
Description: A creamy and delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional Baileys Irish Cream. Perfect for cocktails or sipping on its own.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 bottle (about 750ml)
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk, maple syrup, cacao powder, and instant coffee in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and well mixed.
- Add whiskey, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the blender.
- Blend again for 10 seconds to combine.
- Pour into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate.
- Shake well before serving chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 12g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Baileys Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional Baileys Irish Cream. Perfect for cocktails or sipping on its own.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 bottle (about 750ml)”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk”, “1/2 cup Irish whiskey”, “1/4 cup pure maple syrup”, “2 tablespoons raw cacao powder”, “1 teaspoon instant coffee granules”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon almond extract”, “Pinch of salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine coconut milk, maple syrup, cacao powder, and instant coffee in a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until smooth and well mixed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add whiskey, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend again for 10 seconds to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shake well before serving chilled.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “9g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12g”}}