Baileys is a much-loved liqueur known for its creamy, indulgent flavor, and its high demand can sometimes result in empty shelves, so readily accessible substitutes are a practical choice.
Whether you’re lactose intolerant, following a vegan lifestyle, or simply curious about new flavors, it’s essential to know that options are available.
Join us as we explore the best substitutes for Baileys Irish cream and help you make informed choices without any limitations.
Top 10 Baileys Substitute for Baileys Irish Cream
1. Molly’s
Average Price: Roughly $13.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Rich chocolate, caramel, vanilla, whiskey, and coffee
Palate: Smooth milk chocolate, cream, whiskey notes, gentle nuttiness, and sweet toffee
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Molly’s Irish cream liqueur is a delightful alternative to Baileys Irish cream [1]. Its nose tantalizes with a decadent blend of chocolate, salted caramel, and hints of whiskey, promising a luxurious experience.
“The Irish cream liqueur sector is a national success story with a global footprint.” -Charlie McConalogue, Public Servant
Molly’s is often used as it stands out as a premium blend, offering a taste that’s on par with Baileys. Also, unlike other Irish creams, it is easier to find in liquor stores.
2. Hard Chaw
Average Price: Roughly $26.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 25% ABV
Nose: Robust whiskey notes, oak, vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts
Palate: Smooth and full-bodied, intense whiskey character, toffee, dark chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: For those seeking an alternative that embodies the triple-distilled Irish whiskey flavors, Hard Chaw [2] is a remarkable choice, offering a distinctive twist on the classic Irish cream.
Hard Chaw is often used to make Mudslide, boozy hot chocolate, Irish coffee, and White Russian, as it boasts notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts.
Read: Top Substitutes For Kahlua
3. Five Farms
Average Price: Roughly $34.99 (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel fondue, vanilla bean, inviting
Palate: Coffee with fresh cream, Belgian waffles, coconut, dulce de leche, maple,
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: On the palate, Five Farms presents a luscious and indulgent experience featuring flavors like coffee with fresh cream, dulce de leche, coconut, maple, and Belgian waffles.
Its remarkable quality, taste, and innovation have garnered numerous awards and accolades, making it a top-notch choice for cocktails following the original Baileys recipe.
4. Coole Swan
Average Price: Roughly $33.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Nose: Creamy vanilla, dairy, white chocolate, citrus, and almond milk
Palate: Silky smooth, Belgian white chocolate, citrus zest, nutmeg
Star Rating: ★★★☆
Why We Like It: Coole Swan is an excellent Baileys substitute. The palate is a silky, smooth experience with a rich burst of vanilla custard, and the creamy taste is complimented with Single Malt Irish whiskey and delicate white chocolate notes.
5. Carolans Irish Cream
Average Price: Roughly $13.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Honey, gentle whiskey undertones, creamy dairy, soft vanilla
Palate: Rich, creamy, and velvety, Irish whiskey warmth, creamy
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As one of the largest Irish cream brands globally, Carolans has earned its reputation for quality and taste, making it a worthy alternative to Baileys Irish cream for those seeking a classic and creamy liqueur experience.
The nose invites with smooth, honeyed sweetness, complemented by gentle whiskey undertones. Upon tasting, Irish cream Carolans delivers a rich and velvety experience with a perfect equilibrium of honeyed sweetness.
Read: Carolans vs Baileys
6. The Irishman Cream Liqueur
Average Price: Roughly $11.50 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Smooth vanilla, creamy dairy, subtle toffee, hints of Irish whiskey
Palate: Luxuriously creamy, Irish whiskey warmth, toffee notes, butterscotch
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The Irishman cream liqueur’s accolades and use of high-quality ingredients make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium and flavorful Irish cream as a worthy Baileys substitute.
It delivers a luxuriously creamy texture on the palate that harmonizes vanilla sweetness, the comforting warmth of Irish whiskey, delicate toffee notes, and a whisper of butterscotch.
This creamy liqueur skillfully combines the finest Irish whiskey, 100% Irish dairy cream, and natural vanilla flavor to create a rich and delightful flavor profile.
But what’s the best cream liqueur for coffee?
7. The Whistler Irish Cream
Average Price: Roughly $26.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 19% ABV
Nose: Velvety creaminess, hints of malted barley, soft vanilla, delicate toffee
Palate: Silky smooth, vanilla sweetness, distinct Irish whiskey
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: For those seeking a distinctive and refined Irish cream liqueur, The Whistler Irish cream offers an outstanding choice, setting itself apart as an innovative Baileys substitute.
It takes pride in being the first in the world to incorporate the prestigious Single pot still Irish whiskey style into its blend. I noticed hints of malted barley, soft vanilla, delicate toffee, and a whisper of Irish whiskey.
8. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Average Price: Roughly $10.49 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Creamy dairy, vanilla, Irish whiskey, caramel
Palate: Smooth and velvety, with a harmonious fusion of dairy creaminess
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Saint Brendan’s (named after an Irish Monk) is a testament to quality and taste, making it a superb choice for those seeking an excellent Irish cream liqueur.
Saint Brendan’s Liqueur offers a delectable alternative to Bailey’s Irish cream, combining dairy cream, triple-distilled The Quiet Man Irish whiskey, and other spirits into a rich and indulgent treat.
Unlike other Irish creams, it delivers a smooth and velvety texture, where the creaminess of dairy and the warmth of Irish whiskey come together harmoniously.
9. Emmets Classic Cream
Average Price: Roughly $14.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Nuts, salted caramel, pure vanilla, coconut flavor, and almond extract
Palate: Creamy texture, mellow Irish spirits, delicate vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Emmets Classic cream is an authentic Irish cream, making it a compelling substitute for Baileys.
Whether enjoyed straight, with ice, or in coffee, Emmets classic cream promises a flavor and texture of distinction.
10. Ryan’s Irish Cream
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Nose: Creamy richness, chocolate, vanilla
Palate: Silky and indulgent, creamy dairy, rich chocolate cake
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Ryan’s Irish cream offers a delectable alternative to Baileys Irish cream, featuring a blend of dairy-fresh cream, rich chocolate, natural vanilla, and the finest imported whiskey.
“Trying different options instead of Baileys Irish cream is like going on a tasty adventure, where each choice is a new flavor experience.” -Liquor Laboratory
Upon sipping, Ryan’s Irish cream delivers a silky and indulgent texture with creamy dairy, rich chocolate, and subtle vanilla sweetness close enough to an alternative to the popular cream liqueur.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its flavor complexity, smoothness, versatility in mixology, and popular consensus among enthusiasts when used as Baileys Irish cream substitute.
FAQs
What is a cheap knockoff of Baileys?
A cheap knockoff of Baileys Irish cream is typically a lower-quality imitation or generic version of the popular Irish cream liqueur [3].
These Irish creams often come in plain packaging and lack the distinctive branding and quality assurance associated with Baileys.
Next time, try whipped cream, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk instead of Irish whiskey cream liqueurs. Find out what to mix with Baileys here.
Can you substitute Kahlua for Baileys?
Substituting Kahlua for Baileys Irish cream will change the drink significantly. Kahlua offers a strong coffee flavor and sweetness, while Baileys is creamy, sweet, and slightly chocolaty due to its Irish whiskey cream base.
Next time, following a homemade Irish cream recipe [4
What is Bailey’s Irish Cream made of?
Bailey’s Irish Cream is made from a combination of Irish whiskey, cream, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla.
Can I use a different type of whiskey in place of Irish whiskey?
Yes, you can use a different type of whiskey, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Irish whiskey is typically smoother and lighter than other types of whiskey, so choose one that matches your taste preferences.
Is Bailey’s Irish Cream gluten-free?
Bailey’s Irish Cream is made from ingredients that do not contain gluten, but it may come into contact with gluten during the manufacturing process. If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, it’s best to check with the manufacturer or choose a certified gluten-free alternative.
Can I use Bailey’s Irish Cream in cooking and baking?
Yes, Bailey’s Irish Cream can be used in a variety of recipes, including desserts like cheesecake, brownies, or truffles, as well as in sauces for dishes like chicken or pork. Be aware that the alcohol content may not fully cook off in certain recipes, so it’s not suitable for all dietary restrictions.
Final Words
Exploring substitutes for Baileys Irish Cream opens up a world of diverse flavors and possibilities.
From Molly’s Irish cream liqueur, Coole Swan, and Carolans Irish cream Original to The Irishman cream liqueur, Emmets Classic cream, and Ryan’s Irish cream, each brand has showcased its distinct qualities and flavor profiles.
Also, you can make your own Baileys substitute by combining instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla, heavy cream, condensed milk, pumpkin spice, and not too much whiskey.
While they may not precisely replicate the iconic Baileys Irish cream flavor like most Irish cream liqueurs, they provide opportunities for creativity and personalization in cocktail and dessert recipes.
References:
- Tom Jago Helped Create Baileys Irish Cream, the World’s Top-Selling Liqueur
- Former owner of Boulder’s Conor O’Neill’s launches a new Irish whiskey cream
- Diageo India banking on premiumisation and Baileys for double-digit growth
- Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe
