A recipe to make your own homemade Irish cream using Irish whiskey, coffee, chocolate, and of course, cream. A delightful toast to the New Year.
So we head towards the close of another year on the Gregorian calendar.
The end of the year and the beginning of a new one always seems like a good time to become that introspective person reflecting on life and its purpose, the meaning of it all, why we exist, and where we are headed, to reorient our personal path, make difficult choices or changes, and to embrace new opportunities. It’s also an excuse to kiss the people you love, hold them tightly, and be glad they are there.
Life is funny in how it twists and turns, bobs and weaves. Still, all those detours and potholes have led to this moment, and without them you would be missing important bits and pieces of what makes you who you are today. On the road of life, it is a series of experiences and the things we carry away with us as we move on, wearing them as badges on our breast and scars on our skin, that effect who we are going forward.
As we embark on another year of life’s journey, it naturally follows that we would also then be toasting with a glass of uisce beatha, aqua vitae, water of life. Whiskey, of course, of the Irish variety, and mixed with a few dangerously delicious friends: chocolate, cream, and coffee.
My Weck Juice Jars were up to the task. See how that one to the left is a bit lower? Taste testing. Important stuff.
Last night we said farewell to two people we love – again – as they head off into the sunset on yet another adventure, this one taking them even farther away from us than the last and with no return date in sight. As they set off for New Zealand and all the wonders of Kiwis, Maori, and hobbit holes I wish them the best and look forward to visiting their new plot of green grass on the other side of the ocean.
375 milliliters Irish whiskey (like Jameson or Bushmills)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon espresso powder (or Starbucks Via)
In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate bar until smooth. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the Irish whiskey and the vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the evaporated milk. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it is warm and stir in the espresso powder until combined. Whisk the warm cream slowly into the mixture until incorporated.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Serve over ice or mixed into coffee.
Makes 1.5 liters
So, what are you doing New Year’s Eve? However you choose to celebrate the impending midnight hour, may you have a joyous New Year!
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Yum, I’ll take two please!
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Pretty sure I will be celebrating with a little (or a lotta
) bit of this all the way into the New Year. Yummy!
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I think it’s fate that all the ingredients for your homemade Irish Cream are in my pantry right now. We’re staying in this year, and I’ve already begun to think of things I’d like to accomplish in 2013. I’m not a fan of resolutions. Instead, goals. Goals for being better, doing better. And with that, I’ll start by telling you how glad I am to call you friend, Shaina. I couldn’t imagine life (or 2013) without you. Happy New Year!
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Thanks so much, Amber. I love the idea of goals being about action and getting things done.
Oh YUM!
This looks to die for! 
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All I can say is “Pour me one!”. Already printed this one out!
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All I’m missing is the whiskey, and I will be getting some to try this! I’m sure it is fantastic! Happy New Year!
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What a great gift this would make!
So yummy. I love Irish Cream. I had to read this word several times – ha ha. milliliters …
Happy New Year to you!
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Ha. Weird seeing it all spelled out, isn’t it? It’s just half a 750mL bottle, so not too difficult to measure by eye.
I love this. Just made homemade Amaretto and said to hubs that this would be next! xoxo Happy New Year to y’all!
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looks delicious!
Oh my gosh…this looks incredible! Happy New Year Shaina!
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Wish (yet again) that we were neighbors. This looks crazy good, Shaina! Definitely stocking up on the ingredients to try my own.
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Can’t wait to try it! Is there a crockpot method?
Looks awesome, Shaina!! I want to try to make this too! Happy New Year, friend!!
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This is so great! Saying good bye to loved ones is always tough, isn’t it? Hate it.
Happy New Year to you!
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Ooooooo, that looks fabulous!! Think I need to make it for tonight….
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I love making stuff like this at home!
I should warn you that it has ruined the store-bought variety for me. Not that that’s a problem.
Beautiful photos and I love the idea of making this yourself…that way I can make mine vegan. Life is so good!
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Thanks, Marly. Have a Happy New Year!
Aw, for crying out loud. I am GONNA DO THIS!
Now that’s much better choice than using those weck jars for juice.
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I’m so glad you go the extra mile and taste test… it’s very important, yes?
Happy New Year to all of you – I’m really looking forward to the day when we can clink glasses in person again! I’ll make a batch of this, if you want.
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I want to be your neighbor… please?
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I’m pretty sure the meaning of it all is to drown myself in your Homemade Irish Cream. YUM! Hope you have an awesome 2013 Shaina!
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Perhaps bathing in it rather than drowning would be a less tragic tale?
Happy New Year, this looks amazing!
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YUM! I love this…. I’d love for you to link to my party if you get a minute- http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/01/tuesday-link-party-4.html
Homemade Irish cream, how can it get any better? This looks heavenly and a perfect way to start off the new year.
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