About this liqueur

Baileys was created in Dublin in 1974 by a small team who wanted to combine two things Ireland does well: whiskey and dairy. It was the first Irish cream liqueur, and it went on to create a whole category. Every bottle still blends Irish whiskey with fresh cream from Irish dairy farms, rounded out with cocoa and vanilla, and the brand is now part of Diageo.

Pour it over ice and you get a silky, creamy liqueur with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla and caramel, and a gentle whiskey warmth at 17% ABV. It is a favourite for festive evenings and gifting, especially around Christmas and Diwali, and it is wonderfully versatile in the kitchen: drizzle it over ice cream, stir it into coffee or fold it into a cheesecake. Keep it in a cool place once opened and serve chilled.

Key facts

• Launched in Dublin in 1974; the brand calls it the first Irish cream liqueur
• A blend of Irish whiskey and fresh Irish dairy cream, with cocoa and vanilla notes
• Bottled at 17% ABV
• Owned by Diageo; served over ice or used in coffee, desserts and cocktails

Tasting notes

Nose:

fresh cream, milk chocolate and vanilla

Palate:

silky and rich, cocoa, caramel and a soft whiskey warmth

Finish:

smooth, sweet and creamy

Serve

Serve 50 ml over plenty of ice, or add 25 ml to a hot coffee; also good in an Espresso Martini twist.

Food pairing

Delicious with chocolate brownies or tiramisu, and with Bengali sweets such as nolen gur sandesh or baked rosogolla.