Learn how to make a plant based, non alcoholic version of Irish cream (mock Baileys). An incredible easy beverage that only needs a few ingredients to make. This drink is perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of Irish cream without the booziness.

Irish cream is incredibly popular here in the UK more specifically the brand Baileys. My mom is the queen of Baileys, she LOVES it so much that every year a family member always buys her some as a gift.

One day, while I was talking about mocktails, my mom brought up the subject of Baileys.

She alluded to enjoying it but didn't always appreciate the tipsy effect it give her after a couple of drinks.

I said to her, that I would try a blind folded experiment where I would make my own non alcoholic version and put it to the test against the original.

I said this as a joke, but she actually asked me to try it and so I did.

While she did admit there was a slight difference in taste, she was very impressed with my replica and now drinks this more than the original.

What is Irish cream?

Irish cream is a type of liqueur, an alcoholic drink that is primarily made from dairy cream, cocoa and whiskey.

There are different variations of Irish cream but as mentioned before Baileys is one of the most popular ones.

It has a distinctive taste of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours that many people seem to enjoy.

A vegan and non alcoholic version

It wasn't very difficult to tailor this recipe to be vegan friendly.

For those of you, who are dairy free or vegan, most of the ingredients that are used will already be in your pantry or cupboards.

This is a great lactose free beverage that you can drink during the holidays, St Patrick Day or any time of year especially since it is alcohol free.

Any of the following will enjoy this recipe;

If you're driving and don't want to be intoxicated.
Reducing your alcohol consumption or maybe you are abstaining from alcohol for medical, religious or personal reasons.
Looking for a drink that the whole family can drink including children.
Gluten free and/or plant based.
You don't drink alcohol at all but want the "experience" without actually drinking alcohol.

In respect to the alcohol content, the original recipe uses whiskey, with Jameson whiskey being the most popular choice.

To give the drink a similar alcoholic taste I use spiritless alcohol which has been distilled to remove all of the alcohol.

Not everyone wants to experience a hangover, after a couple of drinks and want to remain clear headed, while enjoying their favourite drink.

This is the reason why I like to focus on making non alcoholic versions of some of your favourite drinks, so you can enjoy them, any time, at your leisure!

Is whiskey gluten free?

Yes, it is. According to Beyond Celiac, the distillation process removes the gluten proteins.

In short, distilled whiskey, even if it is made with wheat, barley, or rye is considered gluten-free.

However, problems with gluten may occur where additives and flavouring are added to the actual whiskey.

Although we aren't using alcoholic whiskey in this recipe, it's always good to know these things.

Also, because we are using a spiritless whiskey instead, be on the lookout for any add ins such as barley or malt.

The steps

Steps1-6 add the ingredients to the blender

Place the almond milk and coconut milk in the blender.
Add the cacao powder, coffee granules and vanilla powder.
Add the spiritless whiskey and the vegan condensed milk.
Blitz into a smooth consistency.
Do a taste test and add more vegan condensed milk, if needed.
Serve accordingly.

Notes and tips

The chocolate and coffee taste is quite subtle, not overpowering if you like a stronger taste in both add 1 teaspoon of each instead.
Use a spiritless whiskey of your choice, add it directly to the blender along with the other ingredients.
The colour of your Irish cream will vary depending on how much sweetener and what type that you use.
I like to use a store bought vegan condensed milk that is made from rice flour, to give the drink a more neutral taste.
You can use a store bought brand of vegan condensed milk or use my homemade Vegan Condensed Milk Recipe.
Any leftover drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The amount of sweetener that is used is subjective. I don't like my drink overly sweetener so I use roughly ⅓ cup.

2 glasses of Irish cream with a small jar

More drinks to try

Drinks you can add this Irish cream to

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