vegan Irish cream
Yesterday I went to a Christmas tree farm with my middle son and his girlfriend to buy their first tree for their first apartment. We got a late start and the two of them were using flashlights as they walked the fields, finding and discussing the merits of various noble and grand and Turkish firs. They were so sweet, in love, trying to give their opinions while being open to the preferences of the other. They chose a beautiful and well-shaped grey-green noble fir. Once the tree was chopped and hauled my son carefully counted out ones to make the price. Their little noble fit right inside my car, filling it with scent.
Just last year I switched, with great reluctance, to an artificial tree for my home (allergies). So it was wonderful for me to have the vicarious tree-picking experience this year. It was strange to think that I may have bought my last Christmas tree, and here my son is buying his first. Bittersweet. Time to sit in front of the fire with this and ponder. The fire’s fake too, but it can still be pleasant.
Vegan Irish Cream with Nutmeg Garnish
This is a small recipe for one or two, but feel free to ramp it up for a holiday party as I plan to do this year. I rarely use chocolate syrup so I don’t usually have it on hand. For this recipe I make a batch from equal parts water, white sugar, and cocoa, heated and stirred in a small pan until smooth. For the espresso I ask my husband to make some, since he’s the coffee drinker and I let him mess with the espresso machine.
In theory you could make this recipe with a shaker only, no blending, if the sugar were fine enough to dissolve smoothly. Since I’m using brown sugar that’s become a big lump in my cupboard, I run it through the Vitamix.
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 Tbsp. espresso
- 2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
- 2 Tbsp. flavorful brown sugar (I used light Muscovado sugar)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ¼ cup Irish whiskey
- crushed ice
- optional garnish: grated fresh nutmeg. Don't substitute with pre-ground nutmeg, it won't taste good.
- Blend.
- Combine with crushed ice in shaker, shake and strain (alternatively, chill in refrigerator).
- Grate some nutmeg on top (optional).
- Serve.
Ready for the holidays– vegan Irish cream
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Christmas tree picking & decorating is such a special time of year isn’t it? In my family, we have a little ritual whereby my husband and son go out & buy the tree, then decorate it to surprise me. This year, they decorated it in the traditional red and gold colours with white lights and it is so pretty ♥ They also surprised me with some home made decorations this year which are so cute (they’re made out of old lightbulbs!)
Your home-made Irish cream sounds utterly delicious. What a lovely drink to serve to family & friends over the holidays!
Have a wonderful Christmas with the family! Happy Holidays! xx
Sharon recently posted..Light ‘Bulbles’ Christmas Crafting
I love a red and gold tree. I took a look at the decorations they made, so, so cute! And even when little L is grown it will be fun for him to see the ornaments he made when he was little. The Irish cream disappeared very quickly at my holiday party!