Homemade Irish Cream Syrup (For Coffee & Cocktails)

Irish cream drinks are everywhere these days, popping up on coffee menus and becoming a seasonal favorite. If you’ve been curious about that tempting Irish cream coffee, why not try making it at home? This Irish cream syrup recipe is awesome because it puts you in control – you can customize the sweetness and creaminess to your liking, experiment with different types of coffee, and even create fun variations like iced Irish cream lattes or frozen blended drinks. Plus, it’s a fun project to take on, and you’ll get to enjoy a delicious treat that tastes like it came straight from a café. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a taste of the Irish cream trend in your own kitchen, adding a touch of festive flair to your everyday routine.

What is Irish Cream Syrup? 

Irish Cream Syrup is a delightfully sweet, infused simple syrup that encapsulates the chocolatey, nutty, and aromatic flavors we all adore in the classic Bailey’s Irish Cream. This syrup is a beautiful blend of sweetness and rich flavors, designed to mimic the essence of the famous liqueur. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of Irish charm to your beverages, whether you’re flutered for non-alcoholic or simple syrup in your coffee drinks and mocktails.

The coffee syrup became popular thanks to a seasonal drink at Starbucks, but you can probably find it at your local coffee shop as well. It has chocolate and vanilla flavors with a nutty aroma that might remind you of Irish cream liqueur, to make it a sweetening delight for hot coffee, iced coffee, and even cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This Bailey’s-Inspired Simple Syrup

This swift and simple Irish cream syrup coffee recipe will quickly add some craic to your cup and become a cherished addition to your coffee repertoire:

• Goodbye, Pricey Store-Bought Syrups: Why spend $10-$15 on a store-bought copycat, when this homemade version requires just a handful of ingredients you likely have in your pantry? It’s a great copycat of Starbucks’ Irish cream cold brew recipe.
• A Flavorful Twist:The recipes call for a blend of granulated sugar and brown sugar to create a flavor reminiscent of your favorite whiskey-infused, traditional Irish cream.
• A Burst of Indulgent Flavors: Each spoonful bursts with indulgent flavors. The combination of chocolatey richness, subtle nutty undertones, and vanilla notes makes this liquid equivalent to finding a pot of gold at the rainbow’s end.
• No Barista Experience Required: No need to be a professional barista to master this Irish cream syrup. This Starbucks recipe is straightforward, taking mere minutes and a handful of ingredients. The simplicity of the process brings joy, yielding consistent, delicious results.
• Versatility and Inclusivity: Use as much of this syrup as you’d like to sweeten your favorite drinks and cocktails. It adds the flavor of Irish cream to your coffee without spiking it with alcohol. No actual milk or cream in this recipe makes it dairy-free, so you can mix it with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk.

What is Irish Cream?

Irish cream is a creamy, alcoholic liqueur with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and Irish whiskey. It’s opaque and creamy, with a slight brown color. You might know Baileys Irish cream, a ubiquitous brand in the States, but other brands like Carolan’s, Kerrygold, St. Brendan’s, and Ryan’s are also out there.

This syrup recipe does not contain actual Irish cream liqueur, but you can add a splash of Irish whiskey to it for an extra kick of flavor. If you’d like it to be non-alcoholic, there are ways to achieve a similar effect using vanilla extract. Because this syrup does not contain cream, you can add your favorite kind of milk or cream to your drinks along with the syrup. It’s especially great for adding the flavor of Irish cream to your black coffee.

What does Irish cream syrup taste like?

The Irish cream syrup flavor dances across your palate in a joyful jig. With your first sip, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of creamy coffee, a perfect way to start a brisk morning or add an extra sprinkle of Irish magic to your day. As you swirl your drink, the smooth, rich taste of chocolate comes through, with hints of nutty goodness and a whisper of vanilla. It’s like a hint of coffee with a touch of creaminess, turning your morning cuppa into a drink that might just give you the traditional Irish blessing

Tools & Equipment

Making simple syrups at home requires just a few basic tools:

• A medium saucepan to gently heat and dissolve the sugar in water
• A whisk to easily combine ingredients like instant espresso and cocoa powder

To store your homemade syrups, you’ll need:

• An airtight container to keep syrups fresh in the fridge

While not strictly necessary, mason jars are a great investment for making and storing syrups. Look for ones with a special pour spout lid – it makes pouring the syrup into drinks easy and mess-free.

Ingredients Needed

To make the best Irish Cream Syrup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Brown Sugar: Either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar work, with the dark sugar providing a slightly deeper flavor.
2. Chocolate: Use high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the best chocolate notes. You can also substitute chocolate syrup, but reduce the sugar by 1 teaspoon.
3. Vanilla: Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste both add wonderful flavor.
4. Almond: While not strictly necessary, a touch of nut extract like almond is quite common. Hazelnut works too. Just 1/4 teaspoon almond extract provides a lovely, stronger flavor.
5. Espresso Powder: This is essential for capturing that authentic Irish cream vibe with coffee notes.
6. Water: Use filtered water for the best taste in your syrup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing some of the key ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some simple substitutions you can make:

1. Granulated Sugar: Organic cane sugar or brown sugar lend a nice caramel undertone. For a low-calorie alternative, try monkfruit or stevia sweeteners.
2. Water + Espresso Powder: You can use brewed coffee instead, regular or caffeine-free.
3. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla paste, vanilla powder (from ground vanilla bean), or a real vanilla bean itself make great substitutes.
4. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Raw cacao powder provides the same flavor with an added nutrient boost.
5. Almond Extract: Hazelnut extract is an easy 1:1 substitute that still delivers those nutty notes.

How to Make Irish Cream Syrup

Creating this delightful syrup at home is a breeze:

1. Heating Water and Sugar: Start by combining the water and sugar in your saucepan. Place it over low heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. There’s no need to boil the syrup at this stage – just gentle heat will do the trick.
2. Incorporating Flavors: Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now it’s time to add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk everything together until the chocolate is completely dissolved and there are no clumps remaining.
3. Cooling and Storing: Allow the syrup to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, pour it into a clean bottle or jar. Your homemade Irish Cream Syrup is now ready to be stored in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.

Irish Coffee Creamer Variation

If you prefer to have your Irish cream syrup as a separate coffee creamer rather than mixing it into your coffee or milk directly, this variation is for you. It’s the perfect way to get that get-up-and-go flavored creamer taste!

Once your syrup has cooled to room temperature, simply combine it with plain milk or cream in an easy-to-use container. The easiest option is to pour both into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and give it a good shake to combine. Add as much or as little syrup as you like to reach your desired level of sweetness.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

• Sugar-Free Irish Cream Syrup: For a sugar-free version, substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You may need to adjust the amount to reach your desired level of sweetness.
• Mint Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla and almond extracts for a refreshing, minty twist.
• Spiced: Simmer a cinnamon stick and a pinch of nutmeg in the boiling water before dissolving the sugars for a warm, spiced dimension – perfect for the holiday season.
• Caramel: Substitute some of the water with light or dark caramel sauce for a rich, caramel undertone.
• Mocha: Increase the cocoa powder by 1 tablespoon for a more pronounced chocolate flavor.
• Coconut: Replace the almond extract with coconut extract or a blend of coconut and almond extracts for a tropical coconut cream twist.

READ: Caramel Syrup

Uses for Irish Cream Syrup

1. Irish Cream Coffee: Drizzle this Irish Cream syrup into your morning coffee for a luxurious twist. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon for an indulgent latte, or pour over iced coffee.
2. Hot Chocolate: Make an adult version of hot chocolate by stirring in Irish Cream syrup. Top with marshmallows and whipped cream for a decadent winter treat.
3. Irish Cream Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and a generous amount of Irish Cream syrup for a rich, decadent Irish Cream milkshake. Add a shot of Irish whiskey for an extra kick!
4. Starbucks Irish Cream Cold Brew: Recreate this favorite at home by mixing the syrup into cold brew concentrate and sweetened cream.
5. Coffee Soda: Add the syrup to bubbly club soda for a sweetened coffee soda – a light, refreshing beverage.
6. Irish Coffee: Sweeten your hot or iced Irish coffee with an extra drizzle of this syrup for enhanced Irish cream flavor. Top with Baileys whipped cream.
7. Mocktails: Use this simple syrup to craft festive, non-alcoholic holiday cocktails.
8. Baking: Drizzle the syrup between layers of cakes or dust with cocoa powder.
9. Dessert Drizzle: Use as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, brownies, or ice cream.
10. Breakfast Treat: Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or drizzle over pancakes and waffles for a special breakfast that adds depth of flavor to morning staples.
11. Irish Cream Affogato: Pour the syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a coffee cup, then top with a shot of hot espresso for an Irish twist on the Italian classic.
12. Gift or Party Favors: Bottle your homemade Irish Cream syrup in attractive containers for gifts or delightful party favors for special occasions.

Recipe Success Tips

Follow these tips to ensure your Irish Cream Syrup turns out perfectly:

• Maintain a Gentle Simmer: Maintain a gentle, simmering mixture by keeping the heat consistent and moderate. Avoid bringing the syrup to a rapid boil, as this can alter the taste and consistency, or cause the sugars to burn. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to properly meld together.
• Stir Consistently: Be sure to stir the mixture regularly as it cooks to prevent ingredients like the cocoa and espresso powders from settling on the bottom and potentially burning. This also ensures a smooth, even texture.
• Strain for a Smooth Texture: If you encounter any undissolved cocoa or espresso particles in your finished syrup, simply strain it through a fine mesh sieve once it has cooled for a silky, smooth texture.
• Store Properly: Store your Irish Cream syrup in a clean, airtight container with a pour spout lid in the refrigerator. Proper storage helps preserve the flavors and extend the shelf life, while the pour spout makes it easier to use.
• Remember the Shelf Life: Unlike commercial syrups with preservatives, this homemade version should be used within a couple of weeks for best quality and flavor.

READ: Gingerbread Syrup for Coffee

Homemade Starbucks Irish Cream Syrup Calories (Nutrition)

While the exact nutritional information for this homemade Irish Cream Syrup will vary depending on your specific ingredients and measurements, here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (approximately 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 50-60
• Sugar: 12-14 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Carbohydrates: 14-16 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

Keep in mind that this is just an approximation, and the actual nutritional content may differ slightly. You can also adjust the sweetness and calorie content by using sugar substitutes or varying the amount of syrup you use.

Final Thoughts 

Irish cream syrup is a decadent and versatile treat that captures the essence of the beloved Irish cream liqueur in a non-alcoholic form. With its rich, creamy texture and notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla, this syrup adds a touch of indulgence to everything from coffee and hot chocolate to milkshakes and desserts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there alcohol in this Irish cream syrup?

No, this Irish cream syrup recipe does not contain any alcohol by default. However, you can optionally add a splash of Irish whiskey to the syrup if you want to include an alcoholic element and more authentic Irish cream flavor. Without the whiskey addition, the syrup is non-alcoholic.

What does Irish cream syrup taste like? 

This Irish cream syrup has a rich, creamy flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and a subtle nuttiness reminiscent of Irish cream liqueurs like Baileys.

What is in Irish cream syrup? 

The main ingredients are brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and almond extract to mimic the classic Irish cream flavor profile.

Does Irish cream syrup contain alcohol? 

No, this particular recipe does not contain any alcohol on its own. You can optionally add a splash of Irish whiskey for an alcoholic version.

What flavors go with Irish cream syrup? 

Irish cream syrup pairs beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes, baked goods, and can be used in cocktails. The chocolate, vanilla, and nutty notes complement many desserts and beverages.

Does Irish cream syrup have dairy? 

No, this homemade Irish cream syrup is dairy-free and can be enjoyed with non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk.

What is Irish cream syrup? 

It’s a sweetened condensed milk-based syrup flavored with chocolate, coffee, Irish whiskey, and vanilla to taste like the popular Irish cream liqueurs.

Does Irish syrup have alcohol?

This specific recipe does not inherently contain alcohol, but you can spike it with some Irish whiskey if desired.

What does Irish cream flavoring taste like? 

Irish cream flavoring has notes of rich chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and sometimes nutty or whiskey undertones reminiscent of Baileys Irish Cream.

Is Irish cream flavor alcoholic? 

Traditional Irish cream liqueurs are alcoholic, but this syrup recipe creates that signature flavor without any alcohol unless you choose to add whiskey.

What is Irish cream made of? 

Irish cream liqueurs are made from cream, whiskey, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and sometimes other flavorings like nuts or spices blended together.

Irish Cream Syrup

Recipe by Raise Your GlassCourse: SyrupsCuisine: American

Servings

16

servings

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

51

kcal

Cooling Time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Irish cream syrup is a non-alcoholic delight, capturing the essence of Irish cream liqueur with its creamy coffee, chocolate, and nutty notes. It’s a versatile sweetener perfect for coffee, cocktails, and desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon espresso powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Directions

• Heating Water and Sugar: Start by combining the water and sugar in your saucepan. Place it over low heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. There’s no need to boil the syrup at this stage – just gentle heat will do the trick.
• Incorporating Flavors: Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now it’s time to add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk everything together until the chocolate is completely dissolved and there are no clumps remaining.
• Cooling and Storing: Allow the syrup to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, pour it into a clean bottle or jar. Your homemade Irish Cream Syrup is now ready to be stored in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.