When a couple hosting dinner realizes they forgot to pick up dessert, they get creative in the kitchen. They scoop vanilla ice cream into glasses and pour Baileys Irish Cream over the top, adding candied pretzel crumbs to finish the last-minute sundaes.

Baileys was introduced in 1974 as the first Irish cream on the market. The name is that of a restaurant owned by John Chesterman, who granted W&A Gilbey permission to use it. The fictional R.A. Bailey signature was inspired by The Bailey's Hotel in London, though the registered trademark omits the apostrophe.

Ireland Produced and bottled exclusively in Ireland, Baileys is enjoyed drizzled over ice cream, swirled into coffee or simply poured over ice. Farming partners are some of the most important members of the Baileys family.

Due to its distinctive and creamy flavour, adaptability, high quality, and solid brand reputation, Baileys Irish Cream is considered high quality. These elements have aided in making Baileys one of the best-known and most widely consumed liqueurs worldwide.

The Bottom Line. Creamy and decadent, Baileys' luxurious texture and chocolatey lusciousness limit this liqueur's versatility, but it doesn't really need to be anything other than it is: a sweet, plush, decadent indulgence.

Baileys is made from the very best of premium quality dairy cream, triple-distilled whiskey, and fine spirits. It takes about 220 million liters of fresh cream from 38,000 top-bred Irish dairy cows (Baileys Ladies) for the creation of baileys annually.

Bailey's says its product has a shelf life of two years. The problem with an older bottle would be the fat in the cream going rancid.

Baileys Irish Cream tastes sweet and milky, with notes of vanilla and chocolate, the fruitiness of Irish whiskey on the finish.

The most popular way to enjoy Irish Cream is by adding it to coffee. This combination of flavors makes for a smooth, velvety drink. Irish Cream can also be enjoyed straight up in a shot glass or combined with other liquors (see the B52 and Irish Hammer below) for more complex flavors.

The liquor's particular personality and flavour are derived from Irish whiskey, while its smooth and opulent texture comes from cream. Fresh dairy cream that has been carefully sourced to assure its quality is used to make the cream. The taste of Baileys is velvety and chocolate-like because of the inclusion of cocoa.

Many argue that its richness and warm notes of honey and vanilla are unrivaled by any other cream liqueur available. While the exact recipe is a well-kept secret, we do know that Baileys opts for cocoa extract, sugar and herbs as the main other ingredients alongside the whiskey and cream.

Baileys Irish Cream tastes sweet and milky, with notes of vanilla and chocolate, the fruitiness of Irish whiskey on the finish. How much alcohol is in Baileys? It is 17% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it is relatively low in alcohol. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.