Irish Cream Cocktail Recipe
Irish Cream Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:20g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:10%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Irish Cream cocktail is a delicious blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate, often enjoyed as a dessert drink. It was first created in the 1970s by a team of Irish distillers and dairy farmers who wanted to create a unique and indulgent beverage. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
- The Irish Cream cocktail is often associated with celebrations and special occasions
- It is a popular choice for those who enjoy creamy, indulgent drinks
- The cocktail is often served in a rocks glass or a martini glass
How Irish Cream Tastes?
The Irish Cream cocktail is rich, creamy, and sweet with a hint of chocolate and a warming whiskey finish. It is smooth and velvety on the palate, making it a perfect after-dinner treat.
Interesting facts about Irish Cream
- The Irish Cream cocktail is often made with Baileys, a popular brand of Irish cream liqueur
- The cocktail can be served on the rocks or blended with ice for a frozen treat
- Some variations of the Irish Cream cocktail include adding coffee or espresso for a caffeinated kick
Ingredients
- Irish whiskey: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Chocolate syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Whipped cream: 1 dollop
- Chocolate shavings: 1 pinch
Irish whiskey
The heart of the drink—it brings warmth and a complex flavor to the concoction. 1.5 oz strikes a balance between presence and smoothness. Too much, and you may overpower the creaminess; too little, and it becomes a milky whisper in a dairy dream.
Emma Rose
Cream
It's the cloud that cradles the whiskey. At 1 oz, the cream gives the cocktail its lush texture without turning it into a dessert. Omitting it would lead to an Irish wake for the lushness that once was.
Mary Mitkina
Chocolate syrup
Half an ounce is the sweet spot for adding a hint of chocolate without transforming your cocktail into an adult milkshake. No chocolate means missing out on a layer that complements the whiskey's embrace.
Alex Green
Ice
It's the unsung hero! A solid cup of ice chills the liquid courage, ensuring a velvety sip every time. Warm whiskey cream? Hard pass.
Emma Rose
Whipped cream
The frosty pillow atop the concoction—a single dollop is the cherry on top, literally. Skip this, and you'll deny yourself the right to indulge in a little whipped merriment.
Mary Mitkina
Chocolate shavings
A pinch says 'I'm sophisticated' without being pretentious. Pass on these, and no one will judge, but the cocktail will be dressed down for the occasion.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Irish Cream Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate syrup
- Add ice to the shaker
- Shake well until all ingredients are well combined and chilled
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or martini glass filled with ice
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
- Use high-quality Irish whiskey for the best flavor
- For a richer taste, use heavy cream instead of regular cream
Perfect Pairings
Coffee & Tea
Pairing this creamy cocktail with a bold coffee or an earthy tea could complement the rich whiskey and chocolate notes.
Desserts
The sweet components make it a perfect companion for desserts, especially those involving chocolate, vanilla, or caramel flavors.
Savory Snacks
Pair with savory snacks like salted nuts or a cheese platter to balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
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What you could change in Irish Cream
- Irish whiskey can be substituted with bourbon or scotch
- Cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk
- Chocolate syrup can be substituted with cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix
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And of course - twists🍹
Baileys Espresso Martini Twist
- Substitute Irish whiskey with Baileys, add 0.5 oz of espresso.
- Shake well with ice, strain and serve without the whipped cream.
- The espresso adds depth and a kick, perfect for coffee lovers wanting a boozy zap.
Mint Chocolate Irish Cream
- Add a few mint leaves to the shaker before shaking.
- Strain into glass and garnish with a mint leaf on top of the whipped cream.
- The mint brings a refreshing zing to the warm hug of whiskey, like a brisk walk in Dublin's morning mist.
Salted Caramel Irish Cream
- Use salted caramel syrup instead of chocolate syrup.
- Garnish with caramel drizzle instead of chocolate shavings.
- The savory undertones of salted caramel weave a complex tapestry with the whiskey, adding a twist that dances on the edge of sweet and savory.
In case you forgot basics how to make Irish Cream
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Irish Cream
What is the best time of day to enjoy an Irish Cream cocktail?
While the Irish Cream cocktail can be enjoyed any time of the day, it is most commonly consumed as an after-dinner treat due to its rich, sweet, and creamy taste.
Can I use any brand of Irish whiskey for the Irish Cream cocktail?
Yes, you can use any brand of Irish whiskey. However, it's suggested to use high-quality Irish whiskey to get the best flavor.
Does Irish Cream cocktail contain gluten?
Irish whiskey is typically gluten-free, but some types of cream and chocolate syrup may contain gluten, so always check the labels if you're trying to avoid gluten.
Can I replace chocolate syrup in the Irish Cream cocktail with another ingredient?
Yes, if you don't have chocolate syrup, you can substitute it with cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix.
Can people who are lactose intolerant enjoy Irish Cream cocktails?
As this cocktail contains cream, it's not suitable for people with lactose intolerance, unless a lactose-free cream is used.
Is the Irish Cream cocktail very strong?
The strength of the Irish Cream cocktail typically depends on the ratio of whiskey to the other ingredients. However, this cocktail is not generally considered strong compared to other whiskey-based cocktails because of the presence of cream and syrup which mutes the strength of the whiskey.
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