Baileys is the perfect drink for cold evenings and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Just because the Christmas period is over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a glass of Baileys to warm your spirits (and body!).
But what exactly is Baileys, and what are the best ways that you can you enjoy Baileys?
What Is Baileys?
Baileys (Baileys Irish Cream) is a delicious creamy alcoholic beverage that’s made using Irish dairy cream and Irish whiskey, as well as cocoa beans and vanilla extract – which gives it the signature Baileys flavour.
It’s a tasty drink that can be enjoyed all year round – however, it’s most commonly enjoyed around the Christmas period – in fact, according to a poll conducted by Waitrose, it’s the UK’s favourite alcohol to drink neat at Christmastime.
It has a relatively high alcohol content of 17%, which is more than the majority of wines but less than spirits. Although there are other brands that have a similar taste, Baileys is the original and the most popular. It also isn’t too expensive – you can get a litre bottle for just £20.
How Can You Enjoy Baileys?
Although the popular Irish Cream drink can be enjoyed straight or over ice, there are many other ways that you can drink Baileys.
Whether you’re a coffee-lover, you enjoy milkshakes, or you fancy a hot chocolate on a cold afternoon, Baileys can be a great addition.
Read on for some of the best ways to enjoy Baileys!
Irish Up Your Coffee
Baileys is the ultimate ingredient for Irish coffee. It’s simple to make too – firstly, you need to brew some coffee as strong or weak as you like it.
If you want to make the ultimate Irish coffee, we recommend you make some whipped cream. Mix a cup of heavy cream and a few tablespoons of Baileys into a bowl until it gets stiffer – a mixer will get it done quickly.
Then, mix your whiskey with your coffee, adding a tablespoon of sugar. You can add either a half cup of Baileys, or 3 tablespoons of Irish Whiskey – and top up with your coffee.
Leave around half an inch for your whipped cream. Once you’ve added your whipped cream, you can add a little more Baileys to the top and enjoy!
You can also make a Baileys hot chocolate by following these steps, but by mixing with hot chocolate instead of coffee.
Try A Tasty Milkshake
Baileys can be a great addition to any milkshake, regardless of your flavour of choice. Making a Baileys milkshake from scratch gives you chance to be creative, adding the flavours and toppings that you love.
Choose an ice cream flavour that you enjoy – coffee or chocolate ice cream works best, but mint, vanilla, rum and raisin, and even cookies and cream can pair perfectly with Baileys.
Then, choose something to mix into your ice cream – crushed cookies, syrups, fruit, or nuts are popular additions.
Then, mix together your desired amount of Baileys (60ml should be fine), a cup of your ice cream and mix-ins, and half a cup of milk until it reaches your preferred thickness.
You can then add whipped cream if you like – you can make your own Baileys cream by following the steps listed in the previous section.
Experiment With Different Flavours
If you want something with a bit of extra flavour, you’ll be glad to know that there are a variety of variations of Baileys available.
Why not dry Baileys Salted Caramel, or if you’re a fan of coffee, try the Baileys Espresso Creme? Another popular Baileys variation is the Baileys Chocolat Luxe, which is popular amongst chocaholics.
You could also try some fruity variations – the popular Baileys Chocolate Cherry or Baileys Strawberries and Cream. A perfect winter variation would be the Vanilla Cinnamon.
For a Halloween or autumnal flavour, you could try the Baileys Pumpkin Spice – after all, if it’s delicious in coffee, it’s sure to taste great with Baileys.
If you’re vegan, you’ll be glad to know that you can enjoy vegan Baileys – the Baileys Almande Almond Milk.