Irish cream
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2019) |
 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 |
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.
Etymology
[edit]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 indicator product that must be produced in Ireland.[3]
Brands
[edit]Top brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Kerrygold, Merrys, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.
Use
[edit]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
[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.
