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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.
 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
editDespite 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
editTop brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Kerrygold, Merrys, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.
Use
editIrish 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
edit- Irish coffee, a more traditional Irish whiskey cocktail of similar principle
References
edit- ^ "Fíorú Uachtar Éireannach agus Leachtóir Uachtar Éireannach". www.gov.ie. July 13, 2020.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Easter Egg Fondant & Irish Cream". John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. itv.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
