Irish cream
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2019) |
 Carolans brand | |
| Type | cream liqueur |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Ireland |
| 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 |
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 ABV (alcohol by volume) level of 15 to 20% and is served on its own or in mixed drinks, most commonly Irish coffee. Its largest markets are the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
It is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, Baileys, was invented in 1973 by Englishman 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, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.
Use
Irish cream is served straight, on the rocks or in mixed drinks, often in combination with Kahlúa in an Irish 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
References
- ^ "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.
