Your Guide to Non-Dairy Irish Cream Alternatives
For those who love the rich, creamy taste of Baileys but need to avoid dairy, finding a suitable replacement is essential. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply cutting back on dairy, the market now offers a variety of delicious alternatives. From brand-name liqueurs specifically formulated to be dairy-free to simple, customisable homemade recipes, you can still enjoy the perfect Irish cream in your coffee or cocktail.
Commercial Non-Dairy Options
One of the most straightforward solutions is to choose a commercially produced, ready-to-drink vegan cream liqueur. The most well-known option is Baileys' own dairy-free version, Baileys Almande. Introduced in 2017, this variant blends almond milk, cane sugar, and vanilla. It offers a different, nuttier flavor profile from the original, but still delivers that signature smooth finish. While it contains some soy, it is both dairy-free and gluten-free.
Beyond Baileys, other brands have emerged to fill the gap. Amarula offers a coconut-based vegan liqueur, featuring notes of vanilla, caramel, and marshmallow, while omitting both dairy and nuts. For those seeking more exotic flavours, brands like Cremaura offer vegan tequila cream liqueurs with options like coffee, chocolate, and orange, all using a coconut milk base for creaminess. Licor 43 Horchata is another appealing alternative, blending Mediterranean flavors like vanilla, tiger nuts, and citrus into a light, creamy, almond milk-based liqueur.
Homemade Non-Dairy Irish Cream
Creating your own non-dairy Irish cream at home is a popular, cost-effective, and highly customisable option. The process is straightforward and typically involves a few key ingredients: a dairy-free base, Irish whiskey, instant coffee or espresso, vanilla, and a sweetener. The key to a good homemade version is selecting the right plant-based milk to replicate the texture and richness of dairy cream.
Popular Dairy-Free Bases for Homemade Liqueur
- Coconut Cream: This is one of the most common and effective bases for homemade vegan Baileys due to its thickness and richness. Using full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream provides a velvety texture that most closely mimics dairy cream. While there is a subtle coconut flavour, it can be masked by the coffee, chocolate, and whiskey.
- Cashew Cream: For a neutral-tasting base that delivers excellent creaminess, soaked and blended raw cashews are an ideal choice. This method results in a silky-smooth consistency without the distinct flavour of coconut. You can create the cream by boiling raw cashews, blending them with fresh water, and then adding the other flavourings.
- Oat Milk: As another neutral-flavored base, a good quality, creamy oat milk (like Oatly Barista) can be used to make a lighter, but still creamy, version of non-dairy Irish cream. For a thicker consistency, some recipes combine oat milk with a smaller amount of canned coconut cream.
A Simple Homemade Recipe
Here is a basic recipe to get you started on your own non-dairy Irish cream. For best results, use a high-speed blender to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk or 1 1/2 cups cashew cream
- 1 cup Irish whiskey (like Jameson)
- 2 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp instant coffee powder (or 1 shot of espresso, cooled)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or whiskey content as needed.
- Pour into a clean, airtight bottle or jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The mixture may separate slightly, so shake well before serving.
Comparing Non-Dairy Irish Cream Alternatives
| Feature | Baileys Almande | Homemade Coconut-Based | Homemade Cashew-Based | Other Commercial Liqueurs | Amarula Vegan | Licor 43 Horchata | Wild-Arbor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Ready-to-pour, no prep required. | Requires a few minutes of blending. | Requires pre-soaking and blending nuts. | Ready-to-pour, no prep required. | Ready-to-pour, no prep required. | Ready-to-pour, no prep required. | Ready-to-pour, no prep required. |
| Flavour Profile | Almond and vanilla dominant. | Rich, creamy with a hint of coconut. | Neutral, creamy, and smooth. | Varies by brand (e.g., chocolate, orange). | Tropical marula and coconut flavour. | Vanilla, citrus, and cinnamon notes. | Various natural flavours. |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy, slightly lighter. | Thick and velvety. | Very smooth and rich. | Varies by base; often coconut or rice milk. | Smooth and creamy, though lighter. | Light and creamy. | Lighter and lower in calories. |
| Allergens | Contains almonds and soy. | Free of nuts and soy. | Contains cashews. | Varies, check ingredients carefully. | Nut-free, coconut-based. | Contains almonds. | Varies, depends on flavour. |
| Cost | Mid-range price point. | Most cost-effective option. | Moderately low cost. | Varies widely by brand. | Mid-range price point. | Mid-range price point. | Lower cost. |
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best non dairy substitute for Baileys Irish Cream depends on your personal taste preferences and convenience needs. For those who want the easiest, grab-and-go solution, commercial brands like Baileys Almande or Amarula are excellent choices. If you prefer to control the ingredients, sweetness, and flavour, a homemade version using a coconut or cashew cream base is highly rewarding. Both provide a luxurious, creamy taste that will satisfy your cravings without the dairy. Consider experimenting with different homemade recipes or exploring the range of specialty liqueurs to find your perfect match. You can find many popular homemade recipes on vegan food blogs, such as this one from The Fit Cookie.
Conclusion
From the official Baileys Almande to the countless creative homemade recipes, the options for a non dairy substitute for Baileys Irish Cream have never been more abundant. Whether you choose the nutty flavour of a store-bought liqueur, the rich depth of a homemade coconut-based version, or the velvety smoothness of a cashew cream recipe, you don't have to miss out on this decadent treat. The rise in dairy-free alternatives has opened up a world of possibilities for enjoying this classic liqueur in a way that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or texture.
