Few liqueurs have achieved the worldwide recognition of Baileys Irish Cream. Since its launch in Ireland in 1974, Baileys has become the world's best-selling Irish cream liqueur, enjoyed in homes, bars and restaurants across more than 150 countries. Combining fresh Irish dairy cream with Irish whiskey, Baileys created an entirely new style of premium liqueur that remains synonymous with indulgence, celebration and Irish hospitality.
Whether you're discovering Baileys for the first time or returning to a familiar favourite, the collection offers something for every occasion. From the iconic Baileys Irish Cream 70Cl and Baileys Irish Cream 1L to imaginative seasonal releases inspired by coffee, chocolate and desserts, Baileys continues to evolve while remaining true to its Irish roots.
At TheCru.ie you'll find a carefully curated Baileys Collection alongside our wider range of premium Liqueurs and spirits, making it easy to find the perfect bottle for gifting, entertaining or simply enjoying at home.
The Story of Baileys
Baileys is more than just one of Ireland's most famous drinks—it's the brand that introduced Irish cream liqueur to the world.
Launched in Dublin in 1974, Baileys brought together two ingredients that Ireland is renowned for: rich dairy cream and Irish whiskey. At the time, combining fresh cream with whiskey in a shelf-stable product was a remarkable achievement, helping to create an entirely new category within the global spirits industry.
Over the decades, Baileys has grown into one of the world's most recognisable premium liqueur brands. Today it remains closely associated with celebrations, festive gatherings, after-dinner drinks and indulgent desserts, while continuing to introduce new flavours inspired by changing tastes and seasonal occasions.
Although limited-edition releases come and go, Baileys Original Irish Cream remains the heart of the collection and the benchmark against which every other Irish cream liqueur is measured.
What Is Irish Cream Liqueur?
Irish cream liqueur combines Irish whiskey, fresh dairy cream and carefully selected flavourings to create a rich, smooth drink that sits somewhere between a premium spirit and a dessert.
Unlike cream-based desserts, Irish cream liqueur is designed to be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways. It can be served simply over ice, stirred into coffee, mixed into cocktails or used to elevate desserts with its creamy texture and gentle whiskey warmth.
Baileys helped define this category and remains the best-known example of Irish cream liqueur around the world.
How Baileys Is Made
At the heart of every bottle of Baileys is a simple idea: combining quality Irish ingredients to create an exceptionally smooth cream liqueur.
Fresh Irish dairy cream is blended with Irish whiskey and other carefully selected ingredients to produce Baileys' signature velvety texture and balanced flavour. The result is a liqueur that delivers rich creaminess alongside notes of chocolate, vanilla and gentle whiskey warmth, making it equally suited to sipping, mixing and dessert recipes.
Rather than focusing on complex production methods, Baileys has built its reputation on consistency, quality ingredients and a flavour profile that remains instantly recognisable around the world.
What Does Baileys Taste Like?
One of Baileys' greatest strengths is its remarkable balance between richness and approachability.
Typical characteristics include:
- Smooth, luxurious cream
- Gentle chocolate and cocoa notes
- Soft vanilla sweetness
- Light caramel character
- Subtle Irish whiskey warmth
- A silky, lingering finish
The result is a liqueur that feels indulgent without becoming overly heavy, making it suitable for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
How to Enjoy Baileys
Part of Baileys' enduring popularity comes from its versatility. Whether you're relaxing at home, entertaining friends or creating desserts, there are countless ways to enjoy this iconic Irish cream liqueur.
Popular serves include:
- Chilled over ice
- Added to freshly brewed coffee
- Mixed into espresso-inspired cocktails
- Combined with hot chocolate
- Blended into creamy milkshakes
- Poured over vanilla ice cream
- Used in cheesecakes, brownies and dessert recipes
Baileys is equally at home during festive celebrations, dinner parties or quiet evenings, making it one of the most adaptable liqueurs available.
Explore the Baileys Collection
While Baileys Original Irish Cream remains the flagship expression, the Baileys collection has expanded over the years to include a variety of permanent favourites and limited-edition flavours inspired by desserts, coffee and seasonal treats. Each expression offers its own personality while staying true to the smooth, creamy character that has made Baileys one of the world's most recognisable Irish cream liqueurs.
Availability of seasonal flavours changes throughout the year, so browse our Baileys Collection to discover the latest bottles currently available at TheCru.ie.
Baileys Original Irish Cream 70Cl – The Iconic Classic
For many customers, Baileys Irish Cream 70Cl is the definitive Irish cream liqueur. Combining fresh Irish dairy cream with Irish whiskey, it offers the smooth, indulgent flavour that has made Baileys a household name across the globe.
Ideal for serving over ice, adding to coffee or using in desserts, it's the perfect introduction to the Baileys range and a bottle that deserves a place in every home drinks cabinet.
Perfect for:
- First-time Baileys drinkers
- After-dinner drinks
- Coffee
- Desserts
- Gifting
- Everyday enjoyment
Baileys Original Irish Cream 1L – Made for Sharing
Customers who regularly enjoy Baileys or entertain family and friends often choose the larger Baileys Irish Cream 1L bottle.
Offering the same iconic flavour as the classic 70cl bottle, the larger format is ideal for celebrations, Christmas gatherings, dinner parties or simply ensuring there's always enough Baileys on hand for coffee, desserts and cocktails.
Perfect for:
- Entertaining
- Christmas
- Family celebrations
- Home bars
- Better value for regular Baileys drinkers
Baileys Salted Caramel – A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Baileys Salted Caramel takes the familiar creaminess of Baileys Original and adds rich salted caramel character, creating a wonderfully indulgent variation that's particularly popular with dessert lovers.
The balance of sweet caramel and gentle savoury notes makes it an excellent choice over ice, in coffee or poured over vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert.
Perfect for:
- Caramel lovers
- Ice cream desserts
- Coffee drinks
- Relaxed evenings
- Seasonal entertaining
Baileys Espresso Crème – Crafted for Coffee Lovers
For customers who enjoy coffee-inspired drinks, Baileys Espresso Crème combines the smooth richness of Baileys with the bold character of espresso.
Whether enjoyed neat, added to coffee or used as the foundation for creamy espresso cocktails, it offers a sophisticated alternative while remaining unmistakably Baileys.
Perfect for:
- Coffee enthusiasts
- Espresso cocktails
- After-dinner drinks
- Tiramisu-inspired desserts
- Evening entertaining
Baileys Chocolate – Pure Indulgence
Chocolate has always been a natural partner for Baileys, making Baileys Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur an irresistible choice for anyone who enjoys rich dessert flavours.
Its luxurious profile makes it particularly enjoyable served chilled, paired with chocolate desserts or presented as an indulgent gift for birthdays, anniversaries or festive celebrations.
Perfect for:
- Chocolate lovers
- Dessert pairings
- Celebrations
- Gifting
- Special occasions
Baileys Strawberries & Cream – Light, Fruity and Refreshing
Baileys Strawberries & Cream offers a fresh seasonal interpretation of the original Baileys style.
Combining creamy texture with bright strawberry flavour, it's particularly suited to spring and summer entertaining, garden parties and lighter dessert serves.
Perfect for:
- Summer entertaining
- Picnics
- Garden parties
- Fruity desserts
- Relaxed celebrations
Baileys Chocolate Luxe – A Decadent Dessert Experience
Designed for those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, Baileys Chocolate Luxe brings together luxurious chocolate character with Baileys' signature creamy style.
Serve it after dinner, pair it with rich desserts or enjoy it as a luxurious treat when celebrating life's special moments.
Baileys Birthday Cake – Celebrating Special Moments
Baileys Birthday Cake is one of Baileys' playful limited-edition releases, inspired by the flavours of celebration cakes and sweet treats.
Perfect for birthdays, parties and gifting, it adds a festive twist to the classic Baileys experience.
Baileys Apfelstrudel – Inspired by a Classic Dessert
Inspired by the famous Central European pastry, Baileys Apfelstrudel showcases Baileys' ability to reinterpret beloved dessert flavours while maintaining the smooth creaminess that defines the brand.
Its seasonal nature makes it a popular choice for customers looking to try something different or searching for a unique gift.
Permanent Favourites and Seasonal Discoveries
While Baileys Original Irish Cream remains the heart of the collection, Baileys continues to introduce imaginative limited-edition expressions inspired by desserts, coffee and seasonal occasions. These releases vary throughout the year, meaning every visit to our Baileys Collection offers the opportunity to discover something new alongside the brand's iconic original.