A German twist on homemade Irish cream, built for cold nights and holiday gifting.
Homemade Irish cream is one of the easiest holiday gifts there is: blend, bottle, chill. This version swaps the whiskey for Krampus Herbal Liqueur and adds German gingerbread spice, so it tastes like Christmas in Bavaria instead of Dublin.
We call it Krampus Cream. It opens warm and spicy from the Krampus and the gingerbread spice, then finishes soft and nutty. It's a gentle way into Krampus for anyone who usually skips straight spirits.
This recipe comes from Scott Peacock, a Krampus Herbal Liqueur fan who emailed us his recipe last year. We loved it enough to share it with everyone. Thanks, Scott!
Krampus Cream Recipe
Makes about 1 quart (enough for two gift bottles). Prep time: 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1⅓ cups Krampus Herbal Liqueur, more or less to taste
- 1–2 tsp Lebkuchengewürz (German gingerbread spice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
Directions
- Add everything to a blender.
- Blend on low for about 30 seconds, until smooth.
- Taste, and add more Krampus or spice if you like.
- Pour into clean, sealable bottles and refrigerate.
- Shake before serving. Pour over ice, or add a splash to hot coffee or cocoa.
Keep it refrigerated. Like any homemade cream liqueur, it's best within a few weeks; check your dairy dates and give it a sniff before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Don't skimp on the spice. Lebkuchengewürz is the blend behind German lebkuchen cookies: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, anise and more. Buy a good one from a German baker rather than substituting pumpkin pie spice.
- Adjust the strength. 1⅓ cups gives a noticeable but smooth kick. Use 1 cup for a softer, dessert-style cream, or up to 1½ cups if you want Krampus front and center.
- Try a little citrus. A hint of orange zest brightens it. Add a strip of zest to the blender and strain before bottling.
- Make it a gift. Use swing-top bottles, add a tag with "Keep refrigerated, shake before serving," and tie on a cinnamon stick. One batch fills two 16 oz bottles.
- Use it beyond the glass. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, stir it into hot chocolate, or spoon it over warm gingerbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make homemade Irish cream without whiskey?
Yes. Any spirit or liqueur with enough flavor to stand up to cream works. Krampus Herbal Liqueur adds warm spice and herbal depth that whiskey can't.
What does Krampus Cream taste like?
Spicy gingerbread up front, then a smooth, nutty finish from the almond and condensed milk.
How long does homemade cream liqueur last?
Keep it refrigerated and enjoy it within a few weeks. Shake before pouring, since it can separate as it sits.
What is Lebkuchengewürz?
It's the German spice blend used in lebkuchen, a traditional Christmas gingerbread. Look for it at German bakeries, European grocers or online.
Is this a good holiday gift?
It's one of the easiest. One 5-minute batch fills two gift bottles.
Get Your Krampus
Everything here starts with a bottle of Krampus Herbal Liqueur. Order Krampus online and make your first batch before the holidays.
More Krampus holiday recipes:
- Krampus Cream recipe card
- The Naughty Nogs: 5 holiday eggnog twists
- Hot Buttered Krampus
- All Krampus drink recipes
Made a batch? Tag us and tell us how you made it your own.
