Make Your Own Baileys

• 1 small mug of whiskey (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp Camp Coffee or other liquid coffee
• 1/2 tin condensed milk
• 1/2 pint of single cream
• 3 eggs

Note: For the coffee, you may not be able to find any liquid coffee. If that is the case, use a tablespoon of instant coffee and mix with a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons), that will give a similar kick to liquid coffee.

The Camp Coffee is a large bottle. It can seem like a waste to get it for one recipe, so you may want to opt for the granules and hot water. I use my liquid coffee for other baking, including a coffee and walnut cake.

1. In a jug mix together the single cream, condensed milk, coffee and whiskey and stir together. Make sure the jug is something similar to a measuring jug or you have a funnel to hand. Pour the mixture into a bottle, a washed out soda bottle.
2. Break the eggs into a cup and beat them together. Sieve the eggs into the jug that you have just used for the mixture. Pour the eggs into the bottle.
3. Put the top onto the bottle and shake it vigorously. Place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until chilled.
4. Serve over ice.

That's it, easy peasy.

Of course the measurements are just a guide, after trying it you may decide that there's too much whiskey in or not enough coffee. You can also change them to taste. The first time I tried it, I put in half a mug and couldn’t really taste the whiskey. I’ve tried more but it’s overpowered the coffee flavor. I’ve simply found one mug is perfect for me.

Of course, many of the makers of Irish Creams have now brought out flavored versions. One in particular is Baileys Mint or Caramel Irish Creams. If you want to make the flavored ones, that can still be done with the above recipe and by using approximately 1 or 2 tablespoons of the flavoring. Popular flavors include:

• Mint
• Caramel
• Chocolate
• Vanilla

If you’re not a whiskey fan, rum (especially Malibu) is a popular option for some. You could also try brandy or vodka. Think about the type of liqueur coffees you prefer when out.

Remember though that this is still an alcoholic drink, and more than likely stronger than most Irish Creams you will pick up in the store; depending on the strength of alcohol you use. Drink responsibly and if you are planning on driving, just don't drink at all.

You can make a non-alcoholic version. There are whiskey flavors in stores, or you can opt for a different type of alcohol flavoring, such as rum.