How Long Does Homemade Irish Cream Last In The Refrigerator? (2024)

jessica fleming-montoya

·3 min read

Irish cream is a silky-smooth and sweet liqueur that's enjoyed on its own or in drinks such as Irish coffee--it'seven used as an ingredient in baked goods. And, while many people pick up a bottle of Baileys to get their Irish cream fix and call it a day, you can actually make it at home pretty easily too.

Homemade Irish cream is generally made by blending Irish whiskey with a few simple ingredients including heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk to make a tasty DIY liqueur. Now, you'll notice that this homemade drink contains dairy. This means that once you've made it, proper storage is key or you won't get to keep enjoying the drink for long.

As a general rule of thumb, you can store your freshly made Irish cream for up to two monthsin the refrigerator. Of course, to make sure that you're not drinking a liqueur that's going to potentially make you sick, there's a little more to know about proper storage.

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Safely Storing Your Homemade Irish Cream

Storing your homemade Irish cream is key if you don't plan to drink it all right away. That's because this drink contains dairy products which can spoil if they're not stored correctly.You'll want to keep your Irish cream in a sterilized, sealed containerto prevent this from happening.

Remember, you can typically store your homemade Irish cream in the refrigerator for up to two months. However, that's not to say that it will always last that long. Some recipes may last for justa few weeks to a month rather than a full two months.

If you're not sure if your Irish cream is still good to drink, you can do a quick check before drinking it. First, smell it to make sure that it doesn't have a strange smell. If you notice that the aroma of the drink has changed, it's probably best not to drink it. You'll also want to examine the texture of the drink. If you notice anything doesn't look quite right, that might also be a sign that it's time to toss the Irish cream. If all looks and smells okay, you can do a taste test and take a tiny sip from a spoon. Just remember, if anything seems off about the drink's flavor, it's best to avoid drinking it to prevent foodborne sicknesses.

What About Store-Bought Irish Cream?

How Long Does Homemade Irish Cream Last In The Refrigerator? (3)

When it comes to the shelf life of Irish cream, things look a little different when it's a commercial product you're talking about. In general, Irish cream such as Baileys has a shelf life of up to two years once it's been bottled. This is true regardless of whether or not it's opened, although some connoisseurs say that it's best to consume the beverage within six months of opening.

Of course, there are some factors that can affect this shelf-life. For instance, different brands of Irish cream may be okay to drink for a slightly longer or shorter amount of time. Additionally, flavored versions of this liqueur can have a shorter shelf life, such as Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon blend which is good for up to 18 months. So, it's always best to check the best before or expiration date on the bottle to know whether or not it's still okay to drink. With these tips on the shelf-life of Irish cream, you're well-prepared to enjoy this boozy beverage without it going off, regardless of whether you're drinking it homemade or store-bought.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.

How Long Does Homemade Irish Cream Last In The Refrigerator? (2024)

FAQs

How long is homemade Irish cream good for in the fridge? ›

Now, you'll notice that this homemade drink contains dairy. This means that once you've made it, proper storage is key or you won't get to keep enjoying the drink for long. As a general rule of thumb, you can store your freshly made Irish cream for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Does Baileys Irish Cream go bad if refrigerated? ›

Baileys™ has a best before date on the left hand side of the back label (two years from date of manufacture). Other manufacturers, such as Carolan's™ may have different recommendations. They suggest a shelf-life of six months after opening, and recommend storage in the refrigerator once the product is opened.

Can you drink Baileys 3 years out of date? ›

Does Bailey's Irish Cream go bad or expire? Generally as long as you don't subject it to temperature extremes it will last well beyond the official 2 year "best taste before" date. Over time the taste will change and the liquid tends to go a bit darker but only really noticeable if you do a side by side comparison.

Why did my homemade Irish cream curdle? ›

Recipe Tip

Avoid curdling – I did some research as to ensure a life free of curdling and it's all about adding the alcohol slowly and being sure to use heavy cream. Alcohol is an acid so making irish cream with, say, whole milk will definitely break the milk, which could result in some serious coagulation.

How do you preserve Baileys Irish Cream? ›

When stored in the right conditions, an opened bottle can last for up to two years. The key to preserving Baileys quality after opening lies in storing it correctly. To maximize its time, store the opened bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. A cupboard or liquor cabinet are ideal locations.

What alcohol is in Irish cream? ›

Original Irish Cream blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream and a touch of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. Pour over ice cream, mix into coffee, or enjoy it with ice for an originally delish Baileys moment.

How to tell if Baileys is off? ›

Generally as long as you don't subject it to temperature extremes it will last well beyond the official 2 year "best taste before" date. Over time the taste will change and the liquid tends to go a bit darker but only really noticeable if you do a side by side comparison.

What percentage of alcohol is in Baileys? ›

Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur ABV: 17% 750 ML.

Will Baileys and vodka curdle? ›

Dip the straw tip into the vodka and slowly release your top finger. The Bailey's will curdle a little bit due to the lime juice and you should be able to make strands of Bailey's.

How to keep homemade Baileys from curdling? ›

To avoid this, start your blender on a very LOW speed and increase slowly to medium/low. Mix until only just combined. If for some reason your mixture does appear curdled, simply pour it through a sieve and then allow the drained liquid to settle. Scrape any excess off the top with a spoon.

How to put Baileys in coffee without curdling? ›

You need to let the coffee cool down slightly as if you pour Baileys into boiling hot coffee you will be left with a mess of curdled cream, rather than a delicious drink. Tip out the hot water from your now warm mugs or glasses and add your teaspoon of honey to the bottom of the glass.

How long is five farms Irish cream good for? ›

DOES FIVE FARMS EXPIRE? Unopened, a bottle of Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur has a shelf life of two years. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within six months.

How long does homemade bourbon cream last? ›

Pour a splash in your coffee (and top with whipped cream for a little extra indulgence), mix into a martini, or bake into a decadent cake. Or, pour it into a pretty bottle and give as a gift! Each batch can be stored for up to 2 months in the fridge in an airtight container.

How long does Kahlua last? ›

For Kahlúa Original, we recommend a shelf life of 4 years. Actually, the product will be good for many more years, but the coffee impact fades over time so it won't give you the full flavor impact. Also, if you were to receive an old bottle of Kahlúa, you have to make sure it has never been opened or tampered with.

Can you drink Baileys straight? ›

Irish cream liqueur is wonderfully versatile. It's so rich and full of flavour, so one of the best ways to drink it is straight or over ice, and just savour the taste of the liqueur. It's also great as an ingredient in shooters, co*cktails and warm drinks like coffee and hot chocolate.

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