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 alcohol by volume (ABV) level of 15 to 20% and is served on its own or in mixed drinks, most commonly mixed with coffee or in shots such as the B-52. Its largest markets are the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Irish cream

Carolans brand
Type	cream liqueur
Country of origin	United Kingdom
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

Etymology

Despite its name, it is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, Baileys, was invented in 1973 by British businessman 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, Merrys, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.

Use

Irish cream is served straight, on the rocks or in mixed drinks, often layered in a shot glass with Kahlúa and Grand Marnier to make a B-52 shot or mixed with 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