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Irish cream

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Irish cream
Carolans brand
Typecream liqueur
Country of origin Ireland
Introduced1973
Alcohol by volume 15–20%
Proof (US)30°–40°
Colourwhite
Flavoursweet, creamy
IngredientsIrish whiskey, cream, sugar
VariantsGrape wine is sometimes substituted for whiskey
Related productsIrish 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.

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

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Top brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Kerrygold, Merrys, Carolans and Saint Brendan's. The largest manufacturer is Diageo.

Use

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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

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  • Irish coffee, a more traditional Irish whiskey cocktail of similar principle

References

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  1. ^ "Fíorú Uachtar Éireannach agus Leachtóir Uachtar Éireannach". www.gov.ie. July 13, 2020.
  2. ^ Gluckman, David (October 2, 2017). "In 1973, I invented a 'girly drink' called Baileys". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  3. ^ Taylor, Charles (December 11, 2017). "Irish cream liqueur sales set to break 100m bottle barrier this year". Irish Times. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Easter Egg Fondant & Irish Cream". John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. itv.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.