Baileys Irish Cream

Baileys was the first Irish cream liqueur, launched in 1974, and it still dominates the category. It’s a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa that clocks in at 17% ABV. Most people know it as a dessert sipper or a coffee addition, but it also works in cocktails like the Mudslide and the B-52. One thing to watch out for: Baileys will curdle if you mix it with strongly acidic ingredients like citrus juice. That’s sometimes intentional (see: the Cement Mixer shot), but usually it’s a mistake.

Last modified on October 15, 2026