{{Short description|Liqueur}} {{redirect|Baileys|other uses|Bailey (disambiguation){{!}}Bailey}} {{Use Hiberno-English|date=March 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}} {{infobox beverage | name = Baileys Irish Cream | image = File:Glass of Baileys.jpg | caption = Baileys Irish Cream | type = Liqueur | abv = 17.0% | proof = | manufacturer = Diageo; previously Gilbeys of Ireland | distributor = Diageo | origin = Ireland | introduced = {{start date and age|1974}} | discontinued = | colour = | flavour = | related = | website = {{official|https://www.baileys.com/}} }}
'''Baileys Irish Cream''' is a liqueur made of cream, cocoa and Irish whiskey emulsified together with vegetable oil. Baileys is made by Diageo at Nangor Road, in Dublin, Ireland, and in Mallusk, Northern Ireland. It is the original Irish cream, invented by a team headed by Tom Jago in 1971 for Gilbeys of Ireland; Diageo owns the trademark. It has a declared alcohol content of 17% by volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ftc.gov/os/2005/09/050926tabaccocomment.pdf|title=FTC Staff Comment Before the Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Concerning Alcohol Labeling - Federal Trade Commission|date=September 2005}}</ref>
==History and origin== Baileys Irish Cream was created in London by advertising executive Tom Jago,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |url= https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/in-1973-i-invented-a-girly-drink-called-baileys-1.3240945 |title=In 1973, I invented a "girly drink" called Baileys |last=Gluckman |first=David |date=2017-10-02 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref> working from a marketing brief issued by Gilbeys of Ireland, a division of International Distillers & Vintners. Gilbeys was searching for something to introduce to the international market. The process of finding a product began in 1971, and production research began in earnest after consultants David Gluckman, Hugh Seymour-Davies and Mac Macpherson<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ireland-calling.com/lifestyle/baileys-irish-cream-inventor/ |title=Inventor of Baileys Irish Cream stumbled upon the formula in just 45 minutes |date=2017-10-09 |website=Ireland Calling |language=en-GB |access-date= 2019-09-25}}</ref> came up with an alcoholic drink made of Irish whiskey and cream that, they remarked, "didn't taste punishing".<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/tom-jago-helped-create-baileys-irish-cream-the-worlds-top-selling-liqueur-1540564200 |title=Tom Jago Helped Create Baileys Irish Cream, the World's Top-Selling Liqueur |first=James R. |last=Hagerty |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2018-10-26}}</ref> David Gluckman also came up with the idea of naming it "Baileys", after "Bailey’s Bistro", a tiny restaurant beneath their office in Greek Street, Soho, London, next to the Pillars of Hercules pub.<ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=db staff |date=2019-03-04 |title=Baileys Irish Cream: The real story |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2019/03/baileys-irish-cream-the-real-story/ |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=The Drinks Business |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
The formulation of Baileys was motivated partly by the availability of alcohol from a money-losing distillery (part of International Distillers & Vintners, and probably W&A Gilbey)<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://scotchwhisky.com/whiskypedia/5989/w-a-gilbey/ |title=W&A Gilbey {{!}} Scotch Whisky |website= scotchwhisky.com |language=en-GB |access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> and a desire to use surplus cream from another business, Express Dairies, owned by Grand Metropolitan, resulting from the increased popularity of semi-skimmed milk.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000128v |title=Last Word - Lord Heywood, Pamela Lonsdale, Sangharakshita, Tom Jago, Francis Lai - BBC Sounds |website=BBC |language=en-GB |access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> It included alcohol, cream and the chocolate milk-based drink powder Nesquik produced by Nestle;<ref name=":0" /> the initial formulation process took approximately 45 minutes.<ref name=":1" />
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,<ref>{{cite web |last=Clegg |first=Alicia |url= http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050812_942858.htm |title=The Myth of Authenticity |publisher= Businessweek.com |date=2005-08-12 |access-date=2009-04-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081007072547/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2005/id20050812_942858.htm |archive-date= 2008-10-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.littleshamrocks.com/Irish-Food-History.html |title=Irish Food History |publisher= Littleshamrocks.com |date=1974-11-26 |access-date=2009-04-15}}</ref> though the registered trademark omits the apostrophe.
==Manufacture== Cream and Irish whiskey from various distilleries<ref name=productncompany>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-baileys-lounge.baileys.com/en-gb/Product-and-Company-Information.aspx |title=Product & Company Information |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002204159/http://www.the-baileys-lounge.baileys.com/en-gb/Product-and-Company-Information.aspx |archive-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref> are homogenised to form an emulsion with the aid of an emulsifier containing refined vegetable oil. The process prevents the separation of alcohol and cream during storage. Baileys contains a proprietary cocoa extract recipe giving Baileys its chocolate character and essence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baileys.com/en-us/product_company_information.html|title=Baileys Nutrition & Product Information | Baileys Irish Cream|website=www.baileys.com|access-date=2017-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014003401/http://www.baileys.com/en-us/product_company_information.html|archive-date=2017-10-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> The number of other ingredients is not known, but they include herbs, sugar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baileys.com/our-story/|title=Official site: Our story}}{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> vanilla and caramel.<ref>{{Cite episode | title=Liquers | series=Inside the Factory | network = BBC| station = BBC Two | air-date=28 April 2020 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000hr4d | minutes=59 | credits=Presenter: Gregg Wallace }}</ref>
According to the manufacturer, no preservatives are required as the alcohol content preserves the cream. The cream used in the drink comes from Tirlán, an Irish dairy company. Tirlán's Virginia facility in County Cavan produces a range of fat-filled milk powders and fresh cream. It has been the principal cream supplier to Baileys Irish Cream Liqueurs for more than 30 years. At busier times of the year, Tirlán also supplies cream from its Ballyragget facility in Kilkenny.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} Baileys bottles are manufactured solely at Encirc Glass Plant in Derrylin, County Fermanagh.
==Shelf life== The manufacturer claims Baileys Irish Cream has a shelf life of 24 months and guarantees its taste for two years from the day it was made—opened or unopened, refrigerated or not—when stored away from direct sunlight at temperatures between {{cvt|0 and 25|C|F}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baileys.com/en-row/nutrition-allergies.html|title=Nutrition and allergies | Original Irish Cream | Baileys|website=www.baileys.com}}</ref> ==Nutritional values== thumb|Baileys and coffee thumb|Baileys cheesecake served with a Baileys-and-chocolate sauce on the side thumb|Chocolate pralines infused with Baileys Irish Cream
{| class="wikitable" |+ Nutritional information for Baileys, values per 100 ml:<ref name=productncompany /> |- | Fat || 14 g |- | Carbohydrate || 24 g |- | Protein || 3 g |- | Energy || 1,345 kJ (327 kcal) |}
==Drinking== As with milk, cream will curdle whenever it comes into contact with a weak acid. Milk and cream contain casein, which coagulates when mixed with weak acids such as lemon, tonic water, or traces of wine. While this outcome is undesirable in most situations, some cocktails (such as the cement mixer, which consists of a shot of Baileys mixed with the squeezed juice from a slice of lime) specifically encourage coagulation.
==Variant flavours== In 2003, Bailey & Co. launched Baileys Glide, aimed at the alcopop market. It was discontinued in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/9341 |title=Baileys Glide bites the dust — Business support |work=Morning Advertiser |date=2005-08-18 |access-date=2009-04-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110065418/http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/9341 |archive-date=2009-01-10 }}</ref>
In 2005, Baileys launched mint chocolate and crème caramel variants at 17% ABV. They were originally released in UK airports and were subsequently released in the mass markets of the UK, US, Australia and Canada in 2006.
In 2008, Baileys, after the success of previous flavour variants, released a coffee variant, followed by a hazelnut-flavoured variant in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thefoodielist.co.uk/wp/baileys-with-a-hint-of-coffee/ |title=Baileys With a Hint of Coffee |publisher=Thefoodielist.co.uk |date=2008-12-23 |access-date=2009-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015014107/http://thefoodielist.co.uk/wp/baileys-with-a-hint-of-coffee/ |archive-date=15 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company trialled a new premium variety, Baileys Gold, at several European airports in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dfnionline.com/article/Diageo-trials-new-Baileys-in-travel-retail-1858794.html |title=Diageo trials new Baileys in travel-retail |date=23 June 2009 |publisher=dfnionline.com |access-date=2009-06-23| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090626102226/http://www.dfnionline.com/article/Diageo-trials-new-Baileys-in-travel-retail-1858794.html| archive-date= 26 June 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Gold version also was marketed towards the Japanese consumer.<ref name=cases>Thomas N Garavan, Barra O' Cinneide, Mary Garavan, Anna Cunningham, Ambrose Downey, Trevor O'Regan and Briga Hynes {{Google books|zHZH4r4KZzEC| Cases in Irish Business Strategy and Policy|page=56}}</ref> 2011, Baileys launched a Biscotti flavour, and a sub-brand premium product Baileys Chocolat Luxe, which combined Belgian chocolate with Baileys, in 2013. The company released a Vanilla-Cinnamon variety in the US market in 2013, with further flavours, Pumpkin Spice, Espresso and Salted Caramel launching the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2013-10/28325770-baileys-vanilla-cinnamon-irish-cream-launches-stylish-shots-on-the-go-pop-up-photo-booths-008.htm|title=Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Launches Stylish Shots on the Go Pop-Up Photo Booths}}</ref>
From 2016 to 2018, Baileys Coffee Mocha and Latte was available in cans across the UK and Europe. In 2017, Baileys launched their Pumpkin Spice flavoured liqueur, as well as their vegan-friendly Baileys Almande, described as a blend of "sweet almond oil, cane sugar and a touch of real vanilla".<ref>{{cite web |title=Baileys Irish Cream Witches Making Cocktail TV Advert |url=https://alltvspots.com/2021/baileys-irish-cream-witches-making-cocktail-tv-advert/ |website=All TV Spots |access-date=29 October 2021 |date=12 October 2021}}</ref>
Baileys have continued to release new varieties, including Strawberries & Cream (2018)<ref>{{cite web |title= You Can Now Buy Strawberries And Cream Baileys |url= https://www.delish.com/food-news/news/a58105/strawberries-and-cream-baileys/ |website=Delish |access-date=14 September 2023 |date=8 February 2018}}</ref>, Red Velvet Cupcake (2019)<ref>{{cite web |title= Baileys Red Velvet Cupcake launches in UK |url= https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2020/01/baileys-red-velvet-cupcake-launches-in-uk/ |website=The Drinks Business |access-date=14 September 2023 |date=6 January 2021}}</ref>, Apple Pie (2020)<ref>{{cite web |title= Baileys launches limited edition apple pie flavour liqueur and it sounds almost too festive |url= https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/15/baileys-launches-limited-edition-apple-pie-flavour-liqueur-and-it-sounds-almost-too-festive-13428571/ |website=Metro |access-date=14 September 2023 |date=15 Oct 2020}}</ref>, Pina Colada (2021 & 2023)<ref>{{cite web |title= Baileys launches new Piña Colada liqueur, 'Baileys Colada' |url= https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2021/04/baileys-launches-new-pina-colada-liqueur-baileys-colada/ |website=The Drinks Business |access-date=14 September 2023 |date=4 April 2021}}</ref>, S'more (2022)<ref>{{cite web |title= Baileys debuts s'mores-inspired liqueur |url= https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2022/09/baileys-debuts-smores-inspired-liqueur/ |website=Spirits Business |access-date=15 September 2023 |date=13 September 2022}}</ref>, Vanilla Mint Shake (2023)<ref>{{cite web |title= This New Baileys Flavor Is Like A Boozy Shamrock Shake |url= https://www.delish.com/food-news/a42736919/baileys-vanilla-mint-shake/ |website=Delish |access-date=14 September 2023 |date=1 February 2023}}</ref>, Cinnamon Churros (2024)<ref>{{cite web |title=Baileys debuts cinnamon churros flavour |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/09/baileys-debuts-cinnamon-churros-flavour/ |website=The Spirits Business |date=4 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2025}}</ref>, Cinnamon Swirl (2025)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Lucy |date=2025-07-31 |title=Shoppers rush to buy new Bailey's flavour as it lands on Sainsbury's shelves |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/shoppers-rush-buy-new-baileys-32174326 |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref> and Terry's Chocolate Orange (September 2025).
==See also== {{Portal|Drink}} *Irish cream *Irish coffee
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Baileys Irish Cream}} * {{official|https://www.baileys.com/}} * [https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/in-1973-i-invented-a-girly-drink-called-baileys-1.3240945 Account of the invention of Baileys]
{{Diageo plc}} Category:Diageo brands Category:Cream liqueurs Category:Irish liqueurs Category:Irish brands Category:Brands of Northern Ireland Category:Irish alcoholic beverages Category:Products introduced in 1974