Baileys

If it isn’t the world’s first and best-selling cream liqueur… So distinguished and cemented in its place that we don’t even need to name it, you know it.

Beautiful on its own or paired with coffee, cocktails, and dessert, it’s no wonder that, today, more than 80 million bottles of Baileys Irish Cream are produced annually in Dublin and exported to 180 countries worldwide. But how did they know cream liqueur was something we even wanted– nay, needed? The answer: they didn’t. 

 

Creation of A Cult Classic 

As the world’s first-ever cream liqueur, you might think Baileys Irish Cream was the result of a Eureka moment from a maverick looking into the future. 

 

BB: Before Baileys

According to an account by Tom Jago, the head of Innovation and Development at IDV (International Distillers & Vintners) – part of what’s now known as Diageo – and primary driver behind Baileys at the time, “The Irish government, in a successful rush for growth, offered a fifteen-year tax holiday to anyone exporting a new product or service, freely remittable. We were to produce something that could profitably be exported.”

“The parameters were these. We owned the name and stocks of a small brand of Irish whiskey. A sister company owned a dairy plant in Cork; this plant had a waste product called cream.” He adds casually, “Certainly, we did no research at all.” 

Combining Irish whiskey with fresh Irish cream and a dash of cocoa powder from the supermarket (a stroke of genius by David Gluckman and Hugh Seymour-Davies – two ad agency copywriters, not liqueur experts, mind you)… and the first Baileys recipe was born. 

 

Overcoming Complications

Of course, it wasn’t all so simple. Before they realised what they had at hand, they dabbled in soft drinks, even considered a green liqueur made from carrageenan, an Irish seaweed. 

Another problem they had was creating a stable formula. Early bottlings of Baileys tended to become alcoholic butter in transit, whilst cream and alcohol are like oil and water – they tend to separate, especially in hot climates.  

That’s not all. After several focus groups, they found out that every single person hated it. But they suppressed the results and charged ahead, like men ahead of their time. And we’re glad they did because, in 1974, they created the formula enjoyed around the world today – a smooth, creamy liqueur with distinct notes of chocolate. 



The World’s Favourite Cream Liqueur

From breakfast essentials such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to decadent milkshakes, ice cream floats, and even egg nogs, Baileys Irish Cream can be used to replace the milk or cream in almost all your favourite beverages! Here are some simple and delicious recipes you can try: 

 

Spiked Masala Chai

We love masala chai. And we love it more when it’s spiked. (Just a little bit for the mornings!) 

Simply brew 3 oz masala chai, and stir 2 teaspoons of raw sugar until completely dissolved. Fill your favourite coffee mug with the brewed chai and 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream. Stir with a cinnamon stick, then leave it in as a garnish. 

 

Baileys Irish Float

When you need a simple yet indulgent dessert for, you know, one of those days.

Scoop 3 spoons of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass, then pour 1 cup of Guinness stout and ¼ cup of Baileys Irish Cream over it. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, and enjoy! 

 

B-52

For a beautifully layered shot with an exquisite flavour to match, delight in the taste of coffee cream kissed with sweet orange. 

Pour 1 tbsp of ​Kahlúa coffee liqueur into a shot glass. Then layer 1 tbsp of Baileys Irish Cream over it by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon. Similarly, layer 1 tbsp of Grand Marnier orange liqueur on top of the Baileys, again using the spoon to break the flow. 

 

Mudslide

We can’t talk about Baileys cocktails without mentioning the Mudslide, can we? 

Simply add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz ​Kahlúa coffee liqueur to a rocks glass, stir, and fill it with ice. Top with 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream, and stir just a bit to create a nice little swirl. Serve, and enjoy! 

 

Savour the Cream of the Crop

Whether you already love this iconic liqueur or have been wanting to try it, the best deals for you are at Cellarbration! Enjoy a single bottle of Baileys Irish Cream, or purchase Baileys Twin Bundle and get a free Baileys glass. With our free alcohol delivery services (for all orders $99 and above), the best of the best alcohol around the world is at your fingertips. Choose us as your preferred liqueur delivery service today!