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	Ireland
Introduced	1973
Alcohol by volume	15–20%
Proof (US)	30°–40°
Colour	Light brown
Flavour	Sweet & creamy
Ingredients	Irish whiskey, grain spirit,cream, sugar
Variants	Grain spirit is used in various quantities depending on the brand
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 indication product that must be produced in Ireland.^[3]

Brands

Top brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Five Farms, Kerrygold, Merrys, Carolans, Saint Brendan's, and Two Stacks Double Irish Cream Liqueur.^{[citation needed]} The largest manufacturer is Diageo.^{[citation needed]}

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
• Eggnog – Sweetened dairy-based beverage
• Cola de mono – Chilean cocktail