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Baileys Irish Cream is a mix of Irish whiskey and cream that’s become the most popular liqueur in the world! Here’s more and the best ways to use it.

Baileys

It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it goes down easy: it’s Baileys Irish Cream! This tasty liqueur might be frowned upon by craft bartenders, but happens to be the top selling liqueur in the world. Swirl it into coffee, use it in a Mudslide, or just drink it straight up: this Irish liqueur is here to please. Here’s a little more about this crowd-pleasing liqueur!

What is Baileys Irish Cream?

Baileys Irish Cream is a liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa that’s manufactured in Ireland. It was invented in 1973 and went on to become the top selling liqueur worldwide. The name Baileys has nothing to do with the founders of this liqueur: it was inspired by a restaurant called Baileys Bistro that was near their offices (read more here).

There are several other types of Baileys Irish Cream outside of the original: Baileys Almande is a vegan Baileys made with almond milk. There are also flavor variations: Salted Caramel, Strawberries and Cream, Espresso Creme, Red Velvet, Apple Pie, etc.

What does Baileys taste like?

Baileys Irish Cream tastes sweet and milky, with notes of vanilla and chocolate, the fruitiness of Irish whiskey on the finish.

How much alcohol is in Baileys? It is 17% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it is relatively low in alcohol. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.

Are there any substitutes? There also craft brands of Irish cream available. Five Farms is a brand we tried and like: it tastes a little richer but with similar flavors.

Why we like it

Baileys might be considered too sweet and simple by bartenders or cocktail connoisseurs, but it makes a good after dinner drink. Try it in a Mudslide or Chocolate Martini! It also perfect as an Irish coffee variation in Baileys Coffee, or use it as a spiked coffee creamer.

How much does it cost?

Compared to other liquors, Baileys is mid-priced. It costs $20 to $25 per 750 ml bottle.

How to store Baileys? Store an opened bottle in the pantry or refrigerator for up to 2 years after its manufacture date. Make sure it stays between 32 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Irish Cream can be sipped straight, swirled in coffee, or mixed into cocktails. It features in several great cocktails, most of them after dinner drinks. Here are the Top Baileys Cocktails:

This Irish cream liqueur is also included in the following drinks:

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Coffee martini

Baileys Martini


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

Perk up with this creamy Baileys Martini! It’s the ideal after dinner drink: coffee, Kahlua and Baileys Irish Cream with a crunchy coffee bean rim.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces* coffee, slightly cooled (use decaf if desired)
  • 1 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s)
  • ½ ounce Irish cream (Bailey’s or other)
  • For the rim: equal parts finely ground coffee beans and granulated sugar, for the garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the coffee, using your favorite method (pour overAeropress or other).
  2. Wet the rim of the cocktail glass. Place the finely ground coffee beans and sugar on a plate, and tilt the outside rim of the glass into the mixture so that it coats the outer rim. 
  3. Place the coffee, vodka, Kahlua, and Irish cream in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls ice and shake until cold. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass. 

Notes

*For converting to tablespoons: 2 ounces = 4 tablespoons or ¼ cup. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Baileys, Baileys Irish Cream

More cocktail guides

Here are a few more guides to liqueurs, spirits and mixology:

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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