Holiday Cheer
Buying fancy drinks to accompany holiday festivities can put a real dent in your wallet, but there are many that you can make yourself for a fraction of the cost, and they make wonderful gifts as well!
The added bonus to making your own liqueurs is that they can be made with local and organic ingredients. So rather than getting Irish Cream that was shipped all the way from Ireland, or Limoncello from Italy, I make them myself using Canadian whiskey and vodka, and as many other local ingredients as possible.
This Irish Cream was a favorite of my grandmother’s, so I always made sure I had some on hand when she was here for Christmas. It’s rich and creamy and tastes remarkably like the real thing.The recipe comes from a book that was given to me by a former employer as I was leaving to go off to university (I made soups, sandwiches, and did general baking in their small deli). The book was written by a woman who lived not far from where we were in the Kootenays, and it’s filled with many delicious recipes, including several other liqueurs.
Irish Cream (from Doorway to Creative Cuisine by Nila Hoolaeff):
- 1 cup rye whiskey
- 3 tsp. instant coffee
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup milk
-
pinch of cinnamon
Blend in blender. Store in refrigerator (makes just over 1 litre/quart).
I’m also trying my hand at a batch of homemade Limoncello, but it won’t be ready for a little while yet. The recipe that I’m using can be found here.
Click here to see the yummy caramels the kids and I made yesterday.Happy winter solstice!
My sister made irish cream a few years ago and bottled it for Christmas presents – it was very tasty, but I don’t think it could last long once it was opened. Do you know how long this recipe lasts once the bottle is opened?
Looks like I’ve been missing lots of good posts while I’ve been off gallivanting. I have lots of catching up to do.
Just found your blog. I’ve always wanted to try making my own irish cream. I’m going to do it today.
Paula – I think it’s definitely a thing that you have to finish fairly quickly, as it has to be kept in the refrigerator (which is why I usually only make it at Christmas when it’s more likely to be finished off). It seems to keep for at least a week or two no problem.
Carla – I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
You are SOOO clever!
Chelee – I hope you like it!
Lu – Aw, shucks! ๐
I must try the limoncello! You should contribute your/a picture for the recipe page you listed! It seems no one has contributed and in its place it does say “be the first to submit a picture!
I am not an irish cream drinker but the Captain is. Maybe he will receive a batch from his lil’ farmchick thanks to you.
Farmchick – I might just do that!
I hope the Captain enjoys the Irish Cream!