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Happy Hour: Homemade Baileys

partysugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:03:33 -0700

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon this recipe for a homemade version of Baileys Irish Cream. I love Baileys - it's an exceptional dessert drink -and this frothy version is to die for. I've made it for parties, given it as a hostess gift, and simply enjoyed it by myself.

It's one of my most treasured recipes and I highly recommend you make it. All you need is a blender and it comes together in minutes. For best results, chill the ingredients before making. To take a look at how it's done, read more.

Homemade Baileys
From Gail's Recipe Swap

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 pint whipping cream
3 eggs
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 oz. Irish whiskey* (suggested Jameson)

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients in blender and refrigerate.
Shake before using
Enjoy chilled over ice.

Serves 6-8.

*I used American whiskey instead of Irish because that is what I had in my liquor cabinet.

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12 Days of Edible Gifts: Homemade Kahlua

partysugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:20:43 -0800

While it might be too late for you to make Kahlua and gift it next week on Christmas - it takes three weeks for the coffee beans to infuse the vodka and rum mixture - I highly recommend you make this and give it to someone as a hostess gift in early January.

People are always surprised that liquors can be homemade, so it makes for an unexpected gift. What most don't realize is that the best bartenders are busy mixing up everything from homemade Baileys to fresh grenadine. The techniques they use to make these superior mixers are easily adaptable for the home.

A few weeks ago when I decided to make this, I spoke with friend and master mixologist Scott Baird of 15 Romolo in San Francisco. Although most recipes call for simply a clear spirit like vodka or light rum, Baird insists on a mixture of vodka and dark rum for a rich flavor and thick syrup-like liquid. To look at his recipe, read more.

Homemade Kahlua
From Scott Baird of 15 Romolo

Ingredients

1 750 ml bottle vodka or white rum (I used Stoli)
1 1/4 cups dark rum (Scott recommended Pampero, but I couldn't find it)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 pound whole coffee beans
1 tablespoon cocoa nib (optional)
1 vanilla bean
cinnamon stick, slice of orange peel (optional)

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a sealable container. Shake hard to combine.
Label with the date and let sit in a cool, dark place for three weeks. Shake or stir the mixture several times of week.
Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean vessel. Use like you would Kahlua or any other coffee liquor.

Makes 1 bottle of Kahlua.

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Come Party With Me: St. Patrick's Day - Drinks

partysugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:58:19 -0700

St. Patrick's Day is Saturday and I can't contain my excitement. I have been obsessing about what to wear internally for a few weeks now, and had intended on wearing this green mini dress until I found this fabulous old football jersey of my mom's with my Irish last name plastered across the front. Now that I have my sporty chic green outfit picked out, I can focus all of my attention on my pre-pub-hopping, St. Patrick's Day themed dinner party. The invites have been sent and the menu (including a vintage Irish soda bread recipe and a glamorous layer cake) has been planned. Today I am turning my thoughts towards a classic St Patrick's Day subject: drinking. To see what I'll be pouring during my dinner (homemade Baileys anyone?), please read more

After we finish dinner we are going bar hopping, so I dont want to go overboard with specialty cocktails. I'll offer a simple yet widely popular drink, green beer. It's totally uncomplicated, all you do is add green food coloring to your favorite beer. I'll get a few six packs of Harps and Guinness Irish beer, enough for everyone to have a glass or two during the meal. We will be taking cabs and walking to our destinations, but if you are having a get together be sure to have an option for your designated drivers. Sparkling water enhanced with lime and mint or sprite mixed with lime sherbet are two refreshing choices. With dessert I am going to offer everyone a small glass of homemade Irish cream liquor that tastes and looks just like Baileys. I've made this for the last few years and it's absolutely creamy and fabulous. If you are attending a party a bottle of this makes an excellent hostess gift.

Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream
From Gail's Recipe Swap

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 pint whipping cream
3 eggs
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 oz. Irish whiskey (suggested Jameson)

Mix all of the ingredients in blender and refridgerate.
Shake before using
Enjoy chilled over ice.

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I know a few of you are hosting parties as well and want to know what do you plan on pouring? Share with me below and come back tomorrow and Friday for more. I still have to design a look and select a playlist for this shin-dig.