Non-Alcoholic Bailey’s — Creamy, Coffee-Kissed Comfort

Name: Non-Alcoholic Bailey’s
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 cup (306 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup); 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; Ice cubes (as needed); Optional garnish: whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate

Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of cocoa and coffee rising from a glass, the first sip sliding over your tongue like velvet—sweet, slightly roasty, with a whisper of vanilla and almond. This non-alcoholic Bailey’s captures that familiar Irish-cream profile without the spirit: luxuriously smooth, lightly chilled, and comfortingly indulgent. The texture is rich and creamy, the taste a balanced chorus of sweetened condensed milk, cream, chocolate, and coffee. It’s the kind of drink that feels like a hug in a cup.

This recipe is perfect when you want to elevate your morning coffee, offer an elegant non-alcoholic option at gatherings, or add a luxe touch to dessert courses during the holidays. Make a pitcher for winter brunch, keep a bottle in the fridge for after-dinner treats, or pour it over ice for an instant cozy moment.

Dish Snapshot

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: about 6 (3–4 oz per serving)
Difficulty Level: Easy — blender required

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings total). Calculations use USDA FoodData Central entries for sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and whole milk, plus standard product nutrition for chocolate syrup. For context on daily intake and health guidance, refer to CDC and Mayo Clinic resources.

Per serving (approx):

Calories: 330 kcal
Protein: 5.7 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g (mostly sugars)
Fat: 19.5 g
Saturated Fat: ~11–12 g
Sodium: ~90–120 mg
Calcium: contributes modestly toward daily needs (from milk/cream)

Notes:

This is a rich, calorie-dense beverage (high in fat and sugar). For those tracking intake for weight management or cardiovascular health, consider lighter substitutions (see Variations). Nutrition values are estimates; exact values will vary by brand and exact ingredient choices (USDA FoodData Central used as a reference).

Why You’ll Love It

This non-alcoholic Bailey’s wins hearts for three reasons:

Comforting, familiar flavor: It conjures the classic Irish cream profile—vanilla, cocoa, and coffee—without the alcohol, so everyone can enjoy it.
Versatility: Serve it over ice, stir into coffee, or use it in desserts—the same decadent character works in many contexts.
Easy and fast: With no cooking involved, you can blend a batch in minutes and have a party-ready beverage that feels indulgent but effortless.

How to Make Non-Alcoholic Bailey’s

Ingredients

1 cup (306 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup)
1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Ice cubes (as needed)
Optional garnish: whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate

Optional ingredients & substitutions:

For less sugar: swap sweetened condensed milk for 1 cup evaporated milk + 1/3–1/2 cup sweetener of choice (adjust to taste).
For a lighter version: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce condensed milk.
To make it vegan: use full-fat coconut condensed milk, coconut cream or a high-fat oat cream, and a plant-based milk (see Variations for details).

Method (step-by-step)

Add sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, whole milk, chocolate syrup (or cocoa + syrup), instant coffee, vanilla extract, and almond extract to a blender.
Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until the mixture is smooth, fully combined, and slightly aerated.
Fill a serving glass with ice cubes.
Pour the blended mixture over the ice.
Top with whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Practical tips:

Don’t over-blend—30–60 seconds is enough; over-blending can warm the mixture and change texture.
Taste and adjust: start with 1 teaspoon instant coffee and add a little more if you prefer a stronger coffee note.
If using cocoa powder, dissolve it first with a tablespoon or two of warm water or milk to avoid grit.

Best Pairings

With coffee or espresso for a dressed-up morning pick-me-up.
Poured over vanilla ice cream as a quick affogato-style dessert.
Alongside chocolate or coffee-flavored desserts—think brownies, tiramisu, or chocolate tarts.
For brunch: serve with cinnamon-dusted French toast or buttery scones.
Garnish ideas: a cinnamon stick, espresso beans, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for seasonal flair.

Shelf Life & Storage

How to store and safe timeframes:

Room temperature: Not safe for extended storage. Perishable dairy-based mixtures should not sit unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or bottle for up to 4–5 days. Shake well before serving, as separation can occur.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended—dairy separates and texture becomes grainy upon thawing. If you must, freeze up to 1 month in an airtight container, but expect textural changes; thaw slowly in the refrigerator and re-blend.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Use full-fat dairy for the best silky mouthfeel; low-fat options won’t replicate the luxurious texture.
Chocolate options: chocolate syrup gives sweetness and glossy color; unsweetened cocoa makes a less-sweet, slightly more sophisticated profile—add sweetener to taste.
Coffee strength: instant espresso powder gives a cleaner coffee note than brewed coffee, which might water down the mixture.
Make it ahead: you can blend and chill up to 24 hours ahead to develop flavor, but shake or briefly re-blend before serving.
If you want a frothier drink, pulse the blender for short bursts to incorporate more air.

Creative Twists

Lighter & Lower-Sugar Version
- Swap sweetened condensed milk for evaporated milk plus 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste). Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This reduces sweetness while keeping creamy texture.
Vegan Coconut Bailey’s
- Use 1 cup coconut condensed milk (available canned or homemade), 1 cup full-fat coconut cream, 1/2 cup oat milk, 2 tbsp cocoa, and the same extracts. Note: coconut will add a tropical note—delicious and dairy-free.
Spiced Irish Cream (Holiday Twist)
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to the blender for warm, festive spices. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Decadent Chocolate-Forward
- Replace chocolate syrup with 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon simple syrup and add 1 tablespoon melted bittersweet chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can I use this in coffee or desserts?
A: Yes—use it as a creamer in coffee, pour over ice cream, or substitute for Irish cream in dessert recipes labeled non-alcoholic.

Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container. Shake or re-blend before serving if separation occurs.

Q: Can I make this sugar-free?
A: Reduce sugar by using evaporated milk plus a sugar substitute, or omit chocolate syrup and use unsweetened cocoa with a low-calorie sweetener to taste. Note texture and sweetness will differ.

Q: Why did my mixture separate?
A: Separation can happen if stored too long or if ingredients are incompatible—re-blend or shake vigorously to reincorporate before serving.

Q: Is it safe for pregnant people or kids?
A: This recipe is non-alcoholic and safe for pregnant people and children in moderation; it is high in sugar and fat, so consider portion size. For specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

I hope this non-alcoholic Bailey’s recipe tempts you to blend a batch and share a little decadent comfort with friends and family. If you’re looking for another variation or inspiration—try a different recipe like this non-alcoholic Irish cream option or use it as an idea-starter for boozy-free desserts such as these Baileys-inspired cupcakes. For more ideas and a step-by-step alternative, check out Non-Alcoholic Baileys Recipe – The Mindful Mocktail and this creative dessert adaptation at Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes (Non- Alcoholic) – Living Sweet Moments.

Enjoy—blend, garnish, and tell me how you served yours. Share photos or tips so we can build a cozy, creative community around alcohol-free indulgence.