The 9 Best Irish Creams to Drink in 2022 (2024)

Our Top Picks

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla

The original Irish cream, Baileys is still the leader of the pack. “In my mind, there really is only one Irish cream and that is Baileys,” says bartender Jena Ellenwood of Dear Irving and Raines Law Room in New York, NY. “It is also the first alcohol I remember really liking.”

Made with Irish cream (from real Irish cows), Irish whiskey (and other spirits), and chocolate and vanilla flavors, it is sweet—but not overly so. Just the right amount of creamy, you can sip it on its own over a couple of ice cubes, pour it into a cup of coffee, or even drizzle it over a scoop of ice cream.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Spice

Made in Derry using real cream and The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, this Irish cream is named for Brendan of Clonfert, a traveling sixth-century Irish monk who sailed the Atlantic Ocean in search of the Garden of Eden, discovered an island, and had a run-in with a sea monster.

It’s a great substitute when you want something more budget-friendly than Baileys, but still retains the liqueur’s desired chocolaty notes and creamy body. Pour it into some iced coffee for an afternoon treat or pack a bottle to keep you warm on a long ocean journey inspired by the spirit’s namesake saint.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Maple, Caramel

Easily identified by its milk bottle-shaped container and ceramic swing-top cap, this Irish cream is for the true Irish cream connoisseurs out there who want a more craft product. Touting itself as “farm-to-bottle,” Five Farms is made with cream sourced from, you guessed it, five family-owned farms in Ireland’s County Cork. The brand prides itself on mixing the cream and the Irish whiskey within 48 hours of the cream’s collection. They also claim that their Irish cream is made with a higher percentage of whiskey than other brands, which comes through on the palate as warmth and spice. If Irish cream is your after-dinner drink of choice, splurge a little on this bottle.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Whiskey, Caramel

Crafted at the family-owned Boann Distillery in County Louth, Ireland, this liqueur is the first of its kind made with single-pot still Irish whiskey—whiskey made at just one distillery using a pot still. And at 40-proof, it’s one of the strongest Irish creams you can buy, with undeniable whiskey flavors and heft. This makes it a great pick for those who tend to think of Irish creams as being too sweet for their tastes. The whiskey cuts through, balancing out the cocoa flavors and creamy texture. Give it a chill, pour it straight into a weighty lowball, and sip slowly.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Dark Chocolate, Fresh Cream, Spice

Yes, this is the same Kerrygold that produces the beloved Irish butter and cheese—so it stands to reason that they know their way around dairy. Launched in 2014, it’s a relatively new addition to the Irish cream family, but it already has its fan club.

“My favorite cream liqueur is for sure Kerrygold Irish cream,” says Ezra Star, general manager of Boston’s Drink. “It's what I use whenever I need one in a recipe. It's a very Irish dairy company and I'm a huge fan of their butter. I was very skeptical when they said they were coming out with one, but it has such a rich mouthfeel and is not overly sweet.” Pour it into coffee for an indulgent pick-me-up.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Cream, Baking Spices, Honey

Created just a few years after Baileys in 1978, this liqueur sets itself apart from the pack by using honey as the sweetener instead of cane sugar.

“Honey and Irish whiskey is such a wonderful, natural pairing. Add fresh cream from the most lovely cows and it’s like nectar,” says Abigail Gullo, assistant general manager and bar manager at Ben Paris in Seattle.

“I enjoy using Carolan’s Irish Cream as a modifier in cocktails, especially those that are coffee-based,” says Mimi Burnham, bartender at Avital Mixology and hospitality consultant at Smart Olive NYC. The addition of honey, she says, makes it “a great compliment to whiskey cocktails because of its clean notes.”

Related: The Best Coffee Liqueurs

Region: Ireland | ABV: 13% | Tasting Notes: Nutty, Vanilla, Cream

This non-dairy version of Baileys is made with almond milk and flavored with vanilla—and is definitely worth trying. The almond milk base lends a light nutty flavor to the liqueur, making it delightfully cozy. It’s just different enough from the original to be interesting while still retaining the undeniable essence of Baileys.

Though still creamy, the liqueur is lighter than its full-dairy big brother, which makes it extremely versatile in cocktails. It’s good in classic coffee-based cocktails but also works with fruit. Try it in a White Russian, stirred into iced coffee, or even blended into a take on a frosty Pina Colada.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Cocoa, Nuts

“My favorite Irish cream is Emmets Irish Cream,” says bartender Anthony Baker (aka “the Professor”). And though it’s good simply poured into a cozy drink, he likes to go the extra step and add it to whipped cream for an extra-decadent Irish Coffee or, our personal favorite, hot chocolate.

“It has notes of vanilla and cocoa beans, which is an amazing component for my homemade whipped cream recipe,” he says. “Rather than having the boring store-bought whipped cream, you can make your own homemade whipped cream, adding some hints of unique flavors with Emmetts. This way, that first sip doesn’t have to be some boring whipped cream atop; it could be a lovely and smooth whipped cream that adds a touch of Irish throughout your entire cocktail experience.”

Related:The Best Whipped Cream Dispensers

Region: Ireland | ABV: 17% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Fresh Cream, Root Beer

When it comes to spiking a milkshake, nothing is better than Irish cream. Already creamy, it doesn’t thin the dessert drink out, only adding to its indulgent texture. And Sean’s vanilla-heavy flavor is perfect with a variety of ice creams, from vanilla to chocolate to strawberry—and, of course, coffee. Simply blend it into your favorite milkshake or try it in a frozen Mudslide, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream (Sean’s), and vanilla ice cream. Whirl everything together and top with chocolate shavings for a drink that will both satisfy your sweet tooth and slake your thirst for a stiff cocktail.