Homemade Sugar-Free Bailey’s Irish Cream

This homemade sugar-free Bailey’s recipe is perfect for adding a creamy kick to your coffee or desserts! Net Carbs: 1g

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Made with espresso, cocoa, cream, and whiskey, this keto Irish cream is rich, smooth and deliciously low-carb.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, Irish Cream desserts are everywhere. The only problem? Traditional Bailey’s is full of sugar. Luckily, it’s super easy to make your own sugar-free Bailey’s Irish Cream that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.

Before going keto, Bailey’s was one of my favorite indulgences whether stirred into coffee liqueur or a steaming mug of coffee. It adds a smooth, sweet flavor with subtle notes of chocolate, vanilla and almond.

At its core, Irish cream is simply a creamy, flavored Irish whiskey but when made keto-style, it becomes an incredibly versatile ingredient for drinks and desserts.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients for this homemade Irish cream recipe and you probably have most of them already!

Heavy Cream – Use heavy whipping cream for that rich, velvety texture and full-bodied flavor.

Irish Whiskey – Any whiskey works, but Jameson gives the most authentic Irish touch.

Sweetener – Choose a powdered keto sweetener like Swerve Confectioners, Allulose, or BochaSweet for the smoothest texture.

Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa adds the signature hint of chocolate to the mix.

Instant Espresso – Use espresso powder for bold coffee flavor. Instant coffee or a small amount of strong brewed espresso also works.

Flavor Extracts – A dash of almond and vanilla extract enhances the overall taste beautifully.

(Find all exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Quick Tips

• Warm the Cream: Heating helps the cocoa and espresso dissolve smoothly.
• Simmer to Reduce: Let the mixture boil gently, then simmer 10–15 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a saucepan, mix the sweetener, cocoa powder, and espresso together.

2. Add the Cream:
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully blended.

3. Heat and Simmer:
Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. Add Flavoring:
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the vanilla, almond extract, and whiskey.

Storage

Once cooled, pour your sugar-free Bailey’s into a glass bottle or jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.

It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you won’t use that much, make a half batch instead. Because it’s made with real cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Use it as a keto coffee creamer for a touch of Irish indulgence in your morning cup!

Serving Suggestions

This keto Bailey’s is rich, creamy, and versatile. If it’s too strong for sipping alone, dilute it with almond milk or use it to create indulgent low-carb desserts.

Try adding it to:

• Cheesecake or trifles for a boozy twist
• Cakes and brownies for extra flavor
• Homemade ice cream to keep it creamy and scoopable longer

I personally love using it in after-dinner coffee or as a flavor base for low-carb cocktails like a keto mojito or skinny margarita.

FAQs

What is Irish Cream?
It’s a liqueur made from cream and whiskey, typically sweet and creamy with notes of chocolate or coffee.

What’s in Bailey’s?
Bailey’s Irish Cream is made from Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate flavoring.

What’s the difference between Irish Cream and Bailey’s?
Bailey’s is a brand of Irish cream essentially the most famous version.

How long does homemade Irish Cream last?
It keeps well in the fridge for about two weeks.

Can I substitute it?
Yes! You can make a quick Irish cream substitute with heavy cream, whiskey, chocolate syrup, and coffee extract.