A wise stranger once said the only thing bad about Baileys is the end of the bottle, and I couldn’t agree more. Baileys Irish Cream is a popular alcoholic liqueur made with a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavors.
There are various ways to drink Baileys, straight, on the rocks, in cocktails; it all depends on your personal preference. Many argue that Baileys tastes amazing on its own, and you don’t need to mix it with anything to enjoy it. If you agree, then you still need to learn how to drink it straight.
When it comes to drinking Baileys straight, it’s important to remember that it is a strong drink. Baileys has an ABV of 17%, which is much higher than other popular alcoholic beverages. 5 shots or more can get you drunk, so you should drink in moderation.
The best way to enjoy Baileys is to start with just a few sips and see how you like it. Swirl it to release the aromas in the drink. You should also drink it at the right temperature and with the right glass.
Continue reading as we dive deep into everything you need to know about drinking Baileys straight.
How Does Baileys Taste?
Baileys tastes like a creamy and sweet liqueur. On the nose, you will detect hints of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, it is smooth and creamy, with notes of cocoa, nutmeg, and sweet cream.
The flavor is sweet and slightly alcoholic but not overpowering. It finishes with a pleasant and slightly warming aftertaste. Don’t be deceived by the sweetness, it still has high alcohol content (17% ABV), so it should be consumed in moderation.
How To Drink Baileys Straight
So, you have yourself a bottle of Baileys, and you don’t want to mix it with anything because you don’t want to dilute the taste, but you’re also wondering if you’ll be doing it justice by just pouring it into a glass and drinking it.
You’ll have all your questions answered; here are some tips to help you drink Baileys straight.
Serve It With the Right Glass
Serving Baileys Irish Cream in a short tumbler or rocks glass is a great way to enjoy all the flavors and aromas of this spirit.
The short tumbler glass has a wide rim which allows for more air to come in contact with the drink, bringing out the aromas of the whiskey, cream, and other flavors. The glass also helps to keep the temperature of the Baileys consistent, allowing for an even drinking experience.
The shape of the glass makes it easier for you to handle the drink, making it easier to enjoy without having to worry about spilling or splashing. And if you care about aesthetics, the short tumbler glass is a classic whiskey glassware that adds a touch of sophistication to any drink.
Serve It at the Right Temperature
The best temperature to serve Baileys is chilled but not too cold. The drink can be overwhelming when served too cold, as the taste of the alcohol is more prominent when cold.
The ideal temperature to serve Baileys is between 50-58 degrees Fahrenheit (or 10-15 Celsius). This is cold enough to enjoy the smooth, creamy texture of Baileys but not so cold that the flavor of the alcohol becomes too pronounced.
Whether you choose to add ice cubes is up to you, but adding ice cubes can dilute the delicate flavor of the whiskey.
Swirl and Sip
Pour the Baileys into the glass, then swirl the drink in the glass by gently moving it in a circular motion. This action will help to release the aromas of the whiskey and cream in the Baileys.
Once the drink is sufficiently swirled, take a small sip and hold it in your mouth. This will allow the flavors to linger and be fully appreciated. Swallow the Baileys, then take a few moments to savor the aftertaste.
Pairing Baileys With Food
There are many recipes on the internet that involve this creamy drink because it goes so well with creamy and sweet foods.
Here are a few ideas for pairing Baileys with food.
- Add a splash of Baileys to a warm cup of hot chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Drizzle Baileys over french toast or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
- Make an Irish-inspired trifle with layers of cake, custard, and Baileys-spiked whipped cream.
- Use Baileys in place of cream in a classic crème brûlée for a twist on the traditional recipe.
- Give your favorite chocolate cake recipe an adult twist by substituting some of the liquid for Baileys.
- Make a rich, creamy Baileys ice cream for a special dessert.
A Brief History of Baileys Irish Whiskey
Bailey’s Irish Cream was created in 1974 by Tom J. Jago and was first introduced to the United States market in 1975.
The liqueur was created as an Irish whiskey-based liqueur that was blended with cream and other flavors such as chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. It was the first of its kind and was an immediate hit.
The brand has gone on to become one of the world’s leading liqueurs and has a strong presence in over 130 countries worldwide. It is now owned by Diageo and is currently the world’s second-largest liqueur brand.
The original recipe remains unchanged, but over the years, the brand has introduced a variety of flavored versions, including Almande, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Luxe, and more.
Final Thoughts
With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, Baileys is perfect for enjoying on its own. Remember to choose the right glass, serve it at the right temperature, and savor the drink to get the best Baileys drinking experience.
