Can You Drink Baileys Straight?

Baileys Irish Cream is best known as the flavorful topper to a Baby Guinness cocktail or a luscious addition to a cup of joe, yet many folks don't need any extra frills to enjoy it. For some, drinking this liqueur without jazzing it up is the best way to appreciate its rich, creamy mouthfeel. The sweet flavors of chocolate and vanilla tame the subtle sting of the Irish whiskey it contains, and because it only has 17% ABV (about half as much alcohol as more traditional spirits like vodka) it can be savored without necessarily getting a strong buzz.

There is no wrong way to drink Baileys straight as long as you are enjoying yourself responsibly, although many prefer to pour it over ice so the bite of the alcohol becomes even more diluted. This also chills the beverage, which some folks find more palatable than sipping at room temperature. On the other hand, if you don't want the drink to become diluted but like the idea of keeping it cold, you can always store the bottle in the refrigerator or use whiskey stones to keep it chilled.

While some proclaim Baileys is best relished straight, others say it shines brightest when mixed with other ingredients. However, that doesn't mean it has to be blended into a cocktail. There are dozens of ways to enhance a beverage by adding Baileys, but some of the best ways to enjoy it — at least if you don't want to sip it straight — are by adding it to sweet treats.

With a little imagination, there is seemingly no end to the ways you can use Baileys to enhance cocktails. You can substitute cream for Baileys and make a boozy White Russian, for instance, or add it into a mudslide for an extra boost of flavor. Likewise, it tastes heavenly when mixed into any number of sweet martini recipes. If you are craving something with more of a dessert feel, pouring Baileys over ice cream or gently blending it into a milkshake takes dessert to the next level. Still, some contend that the rich, creamy nature of the beverage is best enjoyed by eating it.

For instance, many recipes that call for heavy cream can be made with Baileys instead. Cupcakes are enhanced with subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla by adding the liqueur, and fudge likewise takes on a depth of flavor that is a game-changer when the liqueur is incorporated into the recipe. Brownies, cheesecake, and even an Italian affogato (one of those key terms to use at an Italian restaurant) can all benefit from adding a touch of the rich, boozy beverage. In some confections, the alcohol will largely cook out, but others will retain it and make for a delightful addition to the adults' dessert table.