Irish cream
Irish cream (Irish: uachtar Gaelach[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. It is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, Baileys, was invented by a creative agency working for International Distillers & Vintners's Dublin office in 1973.[2] Within the European Union, Irish cream is a protected geographical indicator product that must be produced in Ireland.[3]
 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 | Baileys Irish Cream, Brady's Irish Cream, Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur, Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur |
| Related products | Irish coffee |
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.
See also
- Irish coffee, a more traditional Irish whiskey cocktail of similar principle
References
- An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara - Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2016
- Gluckman, David (October 2, 2017). "In 1973, I invented a 'girly drink' called Baileys". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
- Taylor, Charles (December 11, 2017). "Irish cream liqueur sales set to break 100m bottle barrier this year". Irish Times. Retrieved 23 October 2019.