Irish cream

For the novel of the same name, see Irish Cream (novel).

Irish cream (Irish: uachtar na hÉireann, uachtar Éireannach)^[1] is a cream liqueur based on Irish whiskey, cream and other flavourings. It typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) level of 15 to 20% and is served on its own or in mixed drinks, most commonly Irish coffee. Its largest markets are the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Irish cream

Carolans brand
Type	cream liqueur
Country of origin	Ireland
Introduced	1973
Alcohol by volume	15–20%
Proof (US)	30°–40°
Colour	white
Flavour	sweet, creamy
Ingredients	Irish whiskey, cream, sugar
Variants	Grape wine is sometimes substituted for whiskey
Related products	Irish coffee

It is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, Baileys, was invented in 1973 by Englishman Tom Jago in London, in response to a marketing brief from Gilbeys of Ireland (a division of International Distillers & Vintners).^[2] Nevertheless, within the European Union, Irish cream is a protected geographical indicator product that must be produced in Ireland.^[3]

Brands

Top brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Kerrygold, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.

Use

Irish cream is served straight, on the rocks or in mixed drinks, often in combination with Kahlúa in an Irish coffee or hot chocolate. It is also a common addition to White Russians. Some use Irish cream to flavour desserts and other sweet treats.^[4]

See also

• Irish coffee, a more traditional Irish whiskey cocktail of similar principle

References

1. "Fíorú Uachtar Éireannach agus Leachtóir Uachtar Éireannach". www.gov.ie. July 13, 2020.
2. Gluckman, David (October 2, 2017). "In 1973, I invented a 'girly drink' called Baileys". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
3. Taylor, Charles (December 11, 2017). "Irish cream liqueur sales set to break 100m bottle barrier this year". Irish Times. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
4. "Easter Egg Fondant & Irish Cream". John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. itv.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.