Liqueur Lowdown is a series that gives you the lowdown on different types of popular liqueurs  – what they are, how they taste and how to use them in cocktails or otherwise! Liqueurs are a form of sweetened liquor that you can use to add flavor to your cocktails, or simply drink neat for a pre- and post-meal treat!

What Is Baileys? How Does Baileys Taste?

Baileys is a Irish cream liqueur made of Irish whiskey, cream and cocoa. It’s basically dessert in a bottle, with a smooth, creamy, rich mouthfeel of vanilla bean and chocolate. It can feel like a warm hug in a mug, with a whiskey backbone that gives it oomph.

How Was Baileys Created?

Baileys was invented by Tom Jago, who worked at a spirits and wine conglomerate Gilbeys of Ireland – the previous owner of the Baileys brand. The company was seeking a way to grow whisky consumption in the 1970s by creating a more whisky-based drinks… and to use up surplus whisky from the parent company’s loss making distillery. Today, Baileys is owned by Diageo, who keeps the source of the Irish whisky component top secret.

Fun Fact

The name Baileys was inspired by The Bailey’s Hotel in London! 

Other Variations / Substitutes?

Baileys has released several other flavor variations over the years, including the Baileys Strawberries & Cream, Baileys Apple Pie, Baileys Salted Caramel, and Baileys Espresso Crème.

How To Use Baileys?

Baileys can be drunk neat or over ice. We recommend adding it to coffee or milk for a morning kick. For a boozy treat, you can also pour Baileys as a syrup over ice cream.

Baileys can be incorporated into the following cocktails: 

• Irish Coffee: Whip cold heavy cream with Baileys until fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of Irish whiskey to 1 tablespoon borwn sugar to 1 cup of coffee. Top with a layer of Baileys whipped cream.
• Classic Mudslide: Pour heavy cream, Baileys, coffee liqueur (we recommend Kahlua or Mr Black), vodka in a glass and stir to combine. In a separate old fashioned glass, drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside and add ice. Pour the mixture into glass and garnish with cocoa powder.
• Espresso Martini with Baileys: Substitute simple syrup in this classic recipe with Baileys. Add coffee, vodka, coffee liqueur (we recommend Kahlua or Mr Black) and Baileys to a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into coupe glass.