How could I leave epinions with my ideas on McCormack’s and not try to do Bailey’s justice as well?

If you don’t know about Bailey’s Irish Cream, then perhaps you’ve either been living under a rock or you are one of those under-twenty-one year olds who actually doesn’t drink, which is to say you’re as difficult to find as the legendary pot o’ gold.

Bailey’s is perhaps the first liqueur (and sometimes the only one) many of us ever taste. It’s warm, sweet and smooth… and even conservative types don’t seem to mind kicking up their recipes a notch with it.

What is Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur?

You may know it as the one bottle your folks kept in the fridge while you were growing up. Actually, Bailey’s is an Irish export made of 50% fresh Irish dairy cream combined with triple-distilled Irish pot still whiskey. It has no additives or preservatives (other than the whiskey) and needs to be stored at a temperature between 41 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. So, while it doesn’t exactly need to be refrigerated, it does need cool storage conditions.

Bailey’s has a low alcohol content of 17% alcohol by volume, or 34 proof. It is about 117 calories per serving. It comes in a dark brown, rounded bottle. It seems the dark glass is necessary to preserve the balance of ingredients within.

There is a creamy, chocolatey, sweet flavor to Bailey’s, which makes it a particularly nice compliment to anything chocolate, coffee or cream flavored.

What Do I Like About Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur?

Just about everything. You can find it everywhere, in any corner liquor store, at any given pub, in many people’s homes. It makes a great hostess or housewarming gift, adds a nice touch to your own well stocked bar.

It is versatile, versatile, versatile!!! And for those of you who’ve been reading my many liqueur reviews (thanks again) you know this is one thing I really appreciate.

You can find lots more info on the website at www.baileys.com, and when you enter their “Pleasure Dome” you will find games, contests, and more. You can even request a free recipe booklet!

When is it Appropriate to Use Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur?

The gods-honest truth is, just about any time. Bailey’s is great in after-dinner coffee, in hot chocolate on a cold night, as a cordial after a dinner party or as a toast mid-afternoon. It can be served neat or on the rocks, however you prefer it. It is very nice chilled from the fridge, but okay a little warmer if it has been stored correctly.

It can be used to flavor trifle, chocolate desserts such as brownies, cakes, frostings. Try adding a bit to fresh cream next time you whip it to serve over a chocolate whatever!

Bailey’s should own a spot in your small to mid-sized home bar. It is sweet, smooth and appealing. It has a general appeal for anyone who delights in dessert-style spirits.

To give you some ideas of how to include Bailey’s at a party of any size, I am including a few drink recipes which I personally enjoy:

Grasshopper
2 parts Bailey’s
2 parts Crème de Menthe
2 parts light Crème de Cacao
2 parts double cream (cream or half&half would do)
… shake together and pour over crushed ice. Garnish this creamy drink with chocolate flakes!

Bailey’s Mocha Cream
1 cup hot coffee
1 part Bailey’s
2 T. chocolate syrup
…fill mug with coffee. Add ingredients and top with whipped cream.

Toblerone Cocktail
(YUM!)
1 t. Bailey’s
1 T. Kahlua (see my review)
1 T white Crème de Cacao
2 T Frangelico
4 T cream
½ t. honey
… Blend and pour, baby!

Also, you can serve Bailey’s over crushed ice as a frappe, or blend with vanilla ice cream and a little milk in a blender for a delicious shake!


Who Should Buy Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur?
If you have the twenty bucks, go buy some … right now.

As I mentioned in my McCormack’s review, lesser brands are fine for baking and even mixing. But if you want the best possible taste in an Irish Cream, you have to pay for it. Do yourself a favor and add a nice bottle of Bailey’s to your bar. This is definitely part of phase one of your home bar. Phase one is the basic basics: rum, gin, vodka, tequila and a few good cordials. Make this one of the flavors you choose.

Bailey’s – a household name for a world full of pleasure! (and you don't even have to be Irish to drink it).




***don’t let friends drink and drive!!!!!!!!!!!**********


Recommended: Yes