Baileys Irish Cream
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Baileys Irish Cream (the registered trade mark omits the apostrophe), is an Irish whiskey- and cream- based liqueur, made by R. A. Bailey & Co. of Dublin, Ireland. It has a declared alcohol content of 17% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Baileys was created by a team of people from IDV (International Distillers and Vintners) and a new product development company called I&D[citation needed]. The main people behind Baileys (Tom Jago and David Gluckman) have since gone on to create a host of other drinks and products including the successful Jago's Cream Liqueur launched in 2004. Baileys was formulated and taste-tested to ensure it appealed to the American taste. Baileys is produced from Irish whiskey along with cream and coffee and chocolate flavoring. It has an almond, hazelnut or nutmeg aroma and a rich, smooth, sweet taste. It is frequently added to coffee in lieu of cream or sugar, especially at social get-togethers.
The trademark is currently owned by Diageo.
Baileys, as it is often known, was launched on November 26, 1974, and claims to be the first of the cream liqueurs. There is much disagreement about this claim, but the drink has prompted several imitations. As of 2003, it was the highest-selling liqueur brand in the world. [citation needed]
In 2003, Bailey & Co. launched Baileys Glide, a less cloying, longer drink with 4.0% ABV, aimed at the alcopop market. However this was discontinued in 2006.
In 2004, a Baileys commercial featuring a cover of the 1970s Minnie Riperton song Les Fleur was aired on TV.
In 2005, Baileys launched a mint chocolate variant of their Irish Cream, with the same 17% alcohol content as the original.
In 2006, Baileys launched a creme caramel flavoured variant.
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[edit] Urban legend
During the 1980s, an urban legend took hold amongst students in the Netherlands and Belgium that the combination of Baileys and tonic was deadly. The two substances were allegedly supposed to solidify into a dense mass and clog up the entire bowel system. According to the legend, the ensuing constipation would entail certain death. But as it goes with urban legends, this rumour is entirely fabricated.
For an article in Dutch on the matter, visit TUD, the Technical University of Delft.
[edit] Drinking
Baileys is a liqueur made with cream. Baileys is best enjoyed over ice or in cocktails such as a Baileys martini or mudslide.
As is the case 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 tonic water or lime cordial. Some cocktails are made specifically to encourage coagulation, for example a Cement Mixer is an alcoholic drink usually made with lemon juice and Baileys Irish Cream, but can also be made with other acidic alcohols in place of the lemon juice. One takes a shot of lemon juice first and holds it in their cheek then they take a shot of Baileys Irish Cream and mix it in their mouth. The acidity of the lemon juice curdles the Irish Cream then they swallow the mixture.
Baileys Coffee is made using a measure of Baileys in a cup of coffee and then topped off with cream.
[edit] Ingredients
In no particular order: cream, whiskey, cocoa extract, others.
The official website that talks about the ingredients also has a picture of vanilla beans on it.
[edit] Cocktails containing Baileys
- See also: List of cocktails
- B52
- Baileys Frappe
- Car Bomb
- Chocolate Coffee Kiss
- E.T
- Irish Dream
- Irish Lobotomy
- Orgasm
- Teddy Bear
[edit] References
- Adams Beverage Group, Beverage Dynamics (January/February 2006), p.42
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Official website
- Jago's A Cream Liqueur named after one of the creators of Baileys
- Irish Cream information Includes recipes and brand comparisons
