Nothing quite says Christmas like a nice glass of Baileys, cuddled up on the sofa with the fire burning or the heating on full blast. But we’ll bet that you’ve not come across many Baileys cocktails that you could whip up yourself at home! Well look no further as we delve into the realm of cream liqueur mixology! When you think of a cocktail you might picture a mojito or a daquiri, but bear in mind that Baileys requires a higher level of sophistication to add a nice level of balance to a mixed drink.
Our resident bartender is back to give you a better understanding of their favourite Baileys cocktails. But first, it’s important to understand what Baileys is and how this staple liqueur has climbed its way to the top of the charts in the Irish Cream liqueur industry.
What is Baileys?
Baileys is the black bottle that you’ve seen on every backbar and almost every home bar. It consists of that beige-coloured but delightfully creamy Irish liqueur. But what makes that creamy concoction taste so good? It’s an alcoholic beverage flavoured with cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey. Owned by the manufacturer Diageo who are responsible for many favourites such as Guinness and Captain Morgan.
Variations
Baileys was first poured in 1974 and inspired the Baileys Hotel, London. But since, has experienced many fusions of its own unique taste. Different flavoured baileys have included:
- Salted Caramel
- Orange Truffle
- Apple Pie
- Chocolate Luxe
- Strawberries and Cream
- Almande
- Red Velvet Cupcake
- Coffee
Baileys Cocktails
Now, while Baileys is a very tasty addition to a mixed drink, it’s important to note that the chemistry of Baileys restricts it from being included in most of our favourite classics. The reason for this is because it includes cream, and most cocktails include some form of acidity such as lemons or limes. And, like milk, the cream curdles when mixed with a source of acidity. Although, some cocktails, such as the Cement Mixer, specifically call for this combination.
But now, let’s take a look at some of our resident bartender’s absolute favourite baileys cocktails:
After Eight
Ingredients:
- 25ml Baileys
- 15ml Fernet Branca
- 15ml Frangelico
- Whites (preferably a vegan alternative such as Ms Better Bitters Miraculous Foamer)
- Mint sprig
- Ice
Method:
- Pour all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker
- Dry shake for approximately 8-10 seconds (with 1 ice cube) to activate the emulsion
- Fill with ice
- Shake again for approximately 8-10 seconds
- Serve in a chilled Martini glass with a mint sprig tucked into the foam
Cookies and Irish Cream
Ingredients:
- 25m Vodka
- 25ml Baileys
- 10ml Gingerbread syrup
- 50ml milk
- Oreos
- Ice
- Crushed Ice
- Whipped Cream
Method:
- Pour all liquid ingredients into your cocktail shaker
- Add a crushed-up Oreo
- Fill with ice
- Shake vigorously for approximately 8-10 seconds
- Serve in a small tumbler glass filled with crushed ice
- Top with whipped cream
- Add Oreo crumbs
Salted Caramel Latte
- 35ml Vanilla vodka
- 25ml Baileys Salted Caramel
- Double shot of fresh coffee
- 20ml Sugar syrup
- Ice
- Coffee beans
Method
- Pour all liquid ingredients into your cocktail shaker
- Fill with ice
- Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds
- Serve in a chilled coupe
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans
- Voila
Final thoughts on Baileys Cocktails
Now that we know how to whip up some incredibly tasty Baileys cocktails, it’s time for you to get creative and show us your skills over at the Big Family Facebook page. And don’t forget to check out some of our other recipes and food blogs for more delicious ideas for the festive period. But we urge the Swan Big Family to please drink responsibly this Christmas. It’s been a long couple of years for everybody so let’s ensure this year is a good one!
Cheers!
