View source for Irish cream

{{short description|Cream liqueur}}
{{For|the novel of the same name|Irish Cream (novel)}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox drink
| name         = Irish cream
| image        = Carolans.jpg
| caption      = [[Carolans]] brand
| type         = [[cream liqueur]]
| abv          = 15–20%
| proof        = 30°–40°
| manufacturer =  
| distributor  = 
| origin       = [[Ireland]]
| introduced   = 1973
| discontinued = 
| colour       = Light brown
| flavour      = Sweet & creamy
| ingredients  = [[Irish whiskey]], [[grain spirit]], [[cream]], [[sugar]], [[caramel]], [[emulsifier]], [[stabiliser]]
| variants     = Grain spirit is used in various quantities depending on the brand
| related      = [[Irish coffee]]
| website      =  
| region       = 
}}
'''Irish cream''' ({{Langx|ga|uachtar na hÉireann, uachtar Éireannach}})<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/ga/seirbhis/fioru-uachtar-eireannach-agus-leachtoir-uachtar-eireannach/|title=Fíorú Uachtar Éireannach agus Leachtóir Uachtar Éireannach|date=July 13, 2020|website=www.gov.ie}}</ref> 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 (cocktail)|B-52]] or the [[Baby Guinness]]. Its largest markets are the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].
==Etymology==
Despite its name, it is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, [[Baileys Irish Cream|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]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gluckman |first1=David |title=In 1973, I invented a 'girly drink' called Baileys |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/in-1973-i-invented-a-girly-drink-called-baileys-1.3240945 |access-date=9 September 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=October 2, 2017}}</ref> Nevertheless, within the European Union, Irish cream is a [[Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union|protected geographical indication]] product that must be produced in [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Charles |title=Irish cream liqueur sales set to break 100m bottle barrier this year |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/irish-cream-liqueur-sales-set-to-break-100m-bottle-barrier-this-year-1.3322345 |access-date=23 October 2019 |publisher=Irish Times |date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>

== Brands ==
Top brands of Irish cream include [[Baileys Irish Cream|Baileys]], Five Farms, [[Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur|Kerrygold]], Merrys, [[Carolans]], [[Saint Brendan's]], and Two Stacks Double Irish Cream Liqueur.{{cn |date=June 2025 |reason=Unless some independent reliable sources are cited that say these are top brands, I suggest at least deleting the ones that don't have Wikipedia articles devoted specifically to the Irish cream product for these brand names.}} The largest manufacturer is [[Diageo]].{{cn |date=June 2025}}

==Use==
Irish cream is served straight, [[Bartending terminology#On the rocks|on the rocks]] or in [[mixed drink]]s, often layered in a shot glass with [[Kahlúa]] and [[Grand Marnier]] to make a [[B-52 (cocktail)]] shot, a [[Baby Guinness]], or mixed with [[coffee]] or [[hot chocolate]]. It is also a common addition to [[White Russian (cocktail)|White Russians]]. Some use Irish cream to flavour desserts and other sweet treats.<ref name="itv/john-and-lisa/fondant-and-irish-cream">{{cite web |title=Easter Egg Fondant & Irish Cream |url=https://www.itv.com/john-and-lisas-weekend-kitchen/articles/easter-egg-fondant-and-irish-cream |website=John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen |publisher=itv.com |access-date=9 April 2023}}</ref>

==See also==

* [[Irish coffee]], a more traditional Irish whiskey cocktail of similar principle
*{{annotated link|Eggnog}}
*{{annotated link|Cola de mono}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Alcoholic drinks}}
{{Portal bar|Drink|Liquor|Ireland}}

{{Ireland topics}}

[[Category:Cream liqueurs]]
[[Category:Irish liqueurs]]
[[Category:Irish products with protected designation of origin]]