I'm excited to share my absolute favorite Virgin Baileys recipe with you. This creamy, coffee-infused treat tastes remarkably similar to the real thing but without any alcohol. I created this recipe when I wanted something special to enjoy during the holidays while expecting my first child, and it's been a hit at every gathering since.
With just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you'll have a delicious Irish cream that everyone can enjoy regardless of their drinking preferences. The secret is in the perfect balance of coconut milk, espresso, and just the right touch of sweetness.
Why I Love This
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the rich, decadent taste of Baileys without leaving your kitchen
- Quick & Simple: Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and creaminess to your preference
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or after-dinner treats
- Inclusive: Everyone can enjoy this drink, regardless of alcohol preferences
- Cost-Effective: Make a batch for a fraction of the price of store-bought alternatives
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, in coffee, or use it in baking recipes that call for Irish cream
Ingredients
I've carefully selected these ingredients to create the perfect non-alcoholic Baileys. Coconut milk provides the silky texture while being lighter than heavy cream. The espresso delivers that essential coffee flavor that makes Irish cream so distinctive. Vanilla extract and cocoa powder add warmth and depth, while maple syrup sweetens naturally without being overpowering.
The optional condensed milk and caramel sauce let you customize the richness to your taste. Each ingredient plays a specific role in recreating that classic Baileys experience without the alcohol.
- ¾ cup milk of choice (coconut milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 oz chilled espresso or instant coffee shot
- 1 tablespoon cream (light or heavy)
- 1-2 drops pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cacao or cocoa powder (or 1 teaspoon chocolate sauce)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon caramel sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional Garnishes: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, coffee beans
Equipment
- Blender: Used to thoroughly mix all ingredients for the smoothest texture. A high-speed blender works best but any standard blender will do.
- Cocktail Shaker: An alternative to a blender if you prefer - creates a frothier texture.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Optional, helps remove any undissolved cocoa powder for an ultra-smooth drink.
- Glass Storage Bottle: If making larger batches to store in the refrigerator.
- Short Tumbler Glasses: The traditional way to serve Baileys - rocks glasses or small tumblers work perfectly.
How To Make
- First, brew your espresso or prepare your instant coffee shot and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Next, add all your ingredients to a blender: coconut milk, cooled espresso, cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and optional condensed milk and caramel sauce if using.
- Blend everything on low speed for about 10-15 seconds until just combined - don't overblend or the texture won't be right.
- Taste your Virgin Baileys and adjust if needed by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or cream for richness.
- Pour over ice in a glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you like, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Milk Options: While coconut milk provides the best creaminess, you can use whole milk, almond milk (for a nutty flavor), oat milk (for extra creaminess), or cashew milk.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, simple syrup, or even a sugar-free sweetener if preferred.
- Cream Alternatives: Coconut cream, cashew cream, or vegan heavy cream alternatives work well for a dairy-free version.
- Coffee Options: Cold brew concentrate can replace espresso for a smoother, less acidic flavor profile.
- Flavor Variations: Add a drop of almond extract or hazelnut extract for a flavored version.
- Chocolate Options: Dark chocolate sauce can replace cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
Pro Tips
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your espresso is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Texture Control: For an ultra-silky texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare a larger batch (without ice) and store in the refrigerator in a sealed bottle for up to 2 days. Shake well before serving.
- Frothy Top: For a professional-looking frothy layer, use a hand frother on the surface just before serving.
- Balanced Sweetness: Start with less sweetener and add more to taste—everyone's preference is different.
- Coffee Strength: The stronger your coffee, the more authentic your Virgin Baileys will taste. Consider using a dark roast espresso.
FAQ
This recipe is best consumed within 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coconut milk and cream have limited shelf life once opened and mixed. Give it a quick stir or blend before serving if it separates.
Absolutely! Use coconut milk as your base, substitute coconut cream for the dairy cream, and ensure your chocolate ingredients are dairy-free. The flavor profile will be slightly different but equally delicious with a tropical hint.
Simply multiply all ingredients by the number of servings needed. Prepare in batches if your blender isn't large enough. Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. Prepare garnishes separately so guests can customize their drinks.
The only potential source of alcohol would be vanilla extract, which contains a small amount. If you need a 100% alcohol-free version, use alcohol-free vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste instead.
Yes! This non-alcoholic version works beautifully in desserts like cheesecakes, tiramisu, and ice cream recipes that call for Irish cream liqueur.
For a more pronounced coffee flavor, either increase the amount of espresso or use a darker roast. You can also add ¼ teaspoon of instant espresso powder directly to the mixture for an extra coffee kick.
While there's no alcohol, this drink does contain caffeine from the coffee. For a child-friendly version, replace the espresso with decaf coffee or omit it entirely for a sweet, creamy chocolate milk alternative.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Virgin Baileys (Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk of choice coconut milk recommended for creaminess
- 1 oz chilled espresso or instant coffee shot
- 1 tablespoon cream light or heavy
- 1-2 drops pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cacao or cocoa powder or 1 teaspoon chocolate sauce
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or to taste
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon caramel sauce optional, for depth of flavor
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional Garnishes: Whipped cream chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, coffee beans
Instructions
- First, brew your espresso or prepare your instant coffee shot and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Next, add all your ingredients to a blender: coconut milk, cooled espresso, cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and optional condensed milk and caramel sauce if using.
- Blend everything on low speed for about 10-15 seconds until just combined - don't overblend or the texture won't be right.
- Taste your Virgin Baileys and adjust if needed by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or cream for richness.
- Pour over ice in a glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you like, then serve immediately and enjoy!
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