Keto-Friendly Baileys: A Delicious Low-Carb Treat for Christmas

Baileys is one of those drinks that instantly feels like Christmas - creamy, comforting, sweet, and perfect poured over ice or added to coffee. But the original Baileys is packed with sugar and completely unsuitable for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or carnivore-style diet.

The good news? You can enjoy a Baileys-style festive drink without the sugar crash. A homemade keto version tastes incredible, uses simple ingredients, and has just a fraction of the carbs.

This recipe has become a favourite in the keto community - rich, velvety, and perfect for cosy December evenings.

Why Make a Keto Baileys?

• It’s sugar-free

• Only 1–2g carbs per serving

• Tastes just like the real thing

• Perfect for Christmas gatherings

• You control the ingredients - no additives or syrups

• Great as a gift in a pretty bottle

Once people try this, they never go back to shop-bought Baileys!

Keto-Friendly Baileys: A Delicious Low-Carb Treat for Christmas

Recipe (Sugar Free)

Makes: approx. 1 litre

Carbs: approx. 1–2g per serving

Takes: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Base

• 400ml double cream

• 200ml unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for thicker texture)

Flavouring

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp instant coffee granules

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• Optional: ½ tsp almond extract (gives classic Baileys flavour)

Sweetener

• 4–5 tbsp xylitol (Best for smoothness - erythritol crystallises over time)

Alcohol (the preservative)

• 250ml Irish whiskey

• 50ml vodka (This is the key to making it long-lasting — vodka stabilises and prevents spoilage.)

  
  

Vodka does not affect the taste noticeably, but massively extends shelf life.

Instructions (Important for Long Storage)

1. Gently heat the almond milk

Warm over LOW heat - do NOT boil. This reduces bacteria and helps dissolve ingredients.

2. Whisk in the cocoa, coffee, and sweetener

Mix until completely smooth.

3. Add the cream while still warm, but not hot

Warm cream blends better and reduces separation.

4. Remove from heat completely

Let cool until just lukewarm.

5. Add vanilla + almond extract

6. Add whiskey and vodka LAST

Never heat the alcohol - it must keep its preservative strength.

7. Funnel into sterilised bottles

(Sterilise with boiling water or run glass bottles through dishwasher.)

8. Refrigerate

Shake before serving.

Shelf Life Notes

This version lasts up to 3 months because:

• no raw eggs

• higher alcohol content

• sterilised bottles

• heated base

• stable sweetener

If separation occurs, simply shake well.

Flavour Adjustments (Optional)

Sweeter

Add 1 more tbsp xylitol.

Thicker & richer

Replace almond milk with coconut milk, OR increase cream to 500ml.

Stronger alcohol flavour

Increase whiskey to 300ml (but shelf life stays the same).

Vegan

Replace cream with coconut-cream.

Keto-Friendly Baileys: A Delicious Low-Carb Treat for Christmas

Tip for Christmas Gifts

Add this label:

Keto Irish Cream Liqueur - Homemade & Sugar Free

Shake well. Keep refrigerated.

Best within 12 weeks.

Looks lovely tied to the bottle with ribbon.