Irish Cream Liqueur

One Drink Three Ways: Crazy Gin Clear Lassi Gin

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.


Crazy Lassi Gin

The fusion of British Indian food is well known and widely loved, but why isn’t there a drinking equivalent? This was the question that the Singh’s pondered, and they decided to answer it themselves. Step up - Crazy Gin. Bringing together the refreshment of Indian yoghurt drink Lassi with classics from your spice drawer like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, Crazy Gin created the world’s first clear Lassi Gin. Balance it out with floral juniper and sweet pomegranate, and a fantastically unique and interesting gin was born. We’ve been wondering how Crazy Gin could breathe new life into cocktails and have listed the best ideas below. Have a try and let us know how you might build a cocktail around Lassi gin!


Helena’s Choice: Mad Negroni


I love a Negroni and because it’s so simple, it’s perfect to experiment with. The Mad Negroni is ever so slightly sweeter, fuller, and spicier and the result is totally moreish. Simply fill a mixing glass with ice, pour all the ingredients on top and stir well. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

One Drink, Three Ways Cray Lassi Gin Mad Negroni

Mad Negroni

Recipe

25ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25ml Campari

25ml White Port


Aidy’s Choice: Crazy Gin Pina Colada


If you like piña coladas, and makin’ them more insane...

That would work better with music to be fair.

The extra flavour of the Lassi gin brings an interesting twist to this classic. The cream of the Crazy Gin works wonderfully with the coconut, and the subtle spice with the turmeric intertwines beautifully to add a whole new layer to proceedings. Fill a mixing glass with one scoop of crushed ice. No messing around with this, pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir until everything is chilled. Strain over fresh ice cubes into a hurricane glass and garnish with pineapple leaves, pineapple slice, umbrella, whatever you want! 

One Drink, Three Ways Cray Lassi Gin Crazy Gin Pina Colada

Crazy Gin Pina Colada

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25 ml Coconut Cream

50ml Pineapple Juice

5ml Double Cream

10ml Sugar Syrup (2:1)

Pinch of Turmeric

Pinch salt


Colin’s Choice: Crazy Gin Old Fashioned


I love trying spin offs of my beloved Old Fashioned, and this quirky adaptation really works for a lighter and sweeter drink. The coconut and yoghurt flavours add an intriguing twist, filling the cocktail out. Stir all the ingredients together with ice, add a wedge of mango for complimentary garnish and enjoy on the rocks. 

One Drink, Three Ways Cray Lassi Old Fashioned

Crazy Gin Old Fashioned

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

7.5ml Coconut Syrup (2.5g Demerara sugar, 5g Coconut water, mix until sugar has dissolved)

One Drink Three Ways Crazy Lassi Gin

UK
ABV: 41%
Size: 500ml
Buy it now for £39.94

If you liked this, go and see what we recommend for Mandarin and Ginger Soda, Nouaison Gin Reserve, or Aloha 65!

10 Must Try Irish Cream Liqueur Cocktails

irish cream cocktails

Autumn is in full-flow, winter, Christmas, and a New Year are on the horizon, and the nights have drawn in before dinner is even cooking. One thing is in order and that’s Irish Cream liqueur! Indulgent, creamy, and delicious, it’s the perfect pick-me up and that’s why we love putting it in as many cocktails as possible. Below we have winter warmers, wake-me up Martinis and unusual pairings that will blow you away. There’s something whatever your mood!

Irish Cream Coffee

irish cream coffee

Irish Coffee is made by adding sugar, whiskey, coffee and cream separately, so why not go direct by using Irish Cream? It’s the perfect cozy cocktail for a winter pick-me-up, with warming coffee and whiskey flavours, and super indulgent cream. The definitive hug in a mug.

Ingredients
50ml Irish cream liqueur
80ml coffee
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated nutmeg (garnish)

 Method
Pour in your chosen Irish Cream, and slowly stir in your freshly brewed coffee, making sure to combine them thoroughly. If you want even more cream and extra sweetness you can add a bit of lightly whipped cream at the end. Oh, and let’s not forget a bit of grated nutmeg on top to finish. Nom!

 

Mudslide

Mudslide

The Mudslide was adapted from a White Russian in the Cayman Islands in the 70s - not what you might expect from such a tropical place! It’s since become an American stalwart, often being mixed with heaps of ice cream for a boozy dessert. Ours doesn’t include ice cream, instead focusing on the spirits and liqueurs at play because they’re too good to be drowned in ice cream (no matter how nice that may be).

Ingredients
40ml good quality vodka
60 ml Irish cream liqueur
40ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
Chocolate (to garnish)

 

Method
Add everything bar the chocolate to a cocktail shaker and shake really well with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and grate a generous amount of choc over the top! Top Tip: If you want to make them look that bit more special for a party, melt the chocolate and dip the rims of the glasses into it. Then stand them upright and return them to the fridge for gorgeous chocolate stalactites!

Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

Irish Cream Hot Chocolate

Next. Level. Indulgence. This is a wonderfully warming treat to perk you up whilst the nights are drawing in fast. It’s creamy, smooth and just perfect for fireside sipping if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream
Grated chocolate (optional)

 Method
You’ll want to make the hot chocolate separately here, and how you make that is up to you. Some mix powder with water, others use milk, so choose depending on how lean you’d like this cosy cocktail to be. Simply pour it over your Irish cream, add some whipped cream on top, and grate some chocolate to complete the look!

Irish Cream Martini

Irish Cream Martini

This is a luscious adaptation of a classic Martini, with crisp vodka cutting through the velvety cream beautifully. It has more of a backbone than other options on this list, and if you pick out a vodka that’s particularly smooth, with a touch of sweetness or creaminess (Black Cow, Ketel, Tito’s for example), it’ll be a match made in heaven.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
70ml Irish Cream liqueur
Espresso shot
Coffee beans (optional garnish)

 Method
It’s ridiculously simple once you’ve got your espresso shot. Just shake everything well with ice, and strain it into a classic martini glass! Coffee beans sit on top gorgeously if you want to go the extra mile!

Irish Cream White Russian

Irish Cream White Russian

This Irish Cream White Russian packs a bigger punch than the original, replacing most of the milk and cream with Irish Cream instead. It’s delightfully decadent and so smooth that it’s dangerously moreish.

Ingredients
60ml Irish Cream liqueur
30ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
30ml vodka
20ml milk (optional)

 Method
Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to your glass, preferably a lowball. Fill it with ice and pour your Irish Cream liqueur over the top. Stir gently until cold and watch the beautiful swirls as the colours mix! Top Tip: For those wanting to taper the boozy edge a touch, top up with a little bit of milk.

Irish Cream Espresso Martini

Irish Cream Espresso Martini

If you haven’t guessed by now, we love Espresso Martini and all the spin offs. Introducing the Irish Cream to this classic takes it to the next level, swapping any sharpness for sweetness and of course, pulling everything together with an easy drinking creamy texture. A nice autumn/winter makeover of the original we think.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
35ml Irish Cream liqueur
Espresso shot
25ml coffee liqueur
1 tbsp of syrup (optional)
Coffee beans (optional garnish)

 Method
Half fill your shaker with ice and add everything, shaking until it’s cold to the touch. If you like it sweeter, add a dash of syrup. This can be a simple homemade syrup (sugar and water), or agave will do.

Irish Cream Chocolatini

Irish Cream Chocolatini

Chocoholics, all eyes here. This Chocolatini is sweet, creamy, and oh, so delicious. Original vodka works well as a sturdy base, but vanilla vodka would also pair well with the chocolate and Irish Cream. Maybe avoid a chocolate flavour though unless you really just can’t get enough.

Ingredients
35ml vodka (vanilla optional)
30ml Irish Cream liqueur
20ml chocolate liqueur (like Godiva)
Grated chocolate (garnish)

 Method
Pour your vodka and liqueurs into a shaker and fill it with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Grate some chocolate over the top and eat what’s left of the bar. Yes, that is part of the recipe.

Irish Cactus

Irish Cactus

Tequila lovers rejoice - this one is for you. This is a cocktail that blends an unusual duo to create something very intriguing indeed. The agave flavour of the tequila lurks in the background, with the sweetness and fruitiness providing a really enjoyable second layer behind the delicious Irish Cream. Getting the right balance is important with this one, so experiment and see which does it for you.

Ingredients
30ml tequila
60 ml Irish Cream liqueur

 Method
First, fill your glass with ice, and then pour over the stars of the show. Stir well to combine and enjoy!

Irish Slammer

irish slammer

Now, this is a St. Patrick’s Day drink if ever we’ve seen one. Malty Guinness with its notes of chocolate and coffee pairs so nicely with Irish Cream, not that you’ll have much time to savour it, because this is supposed to be guzzled down.

Ingredients
25ml Irish Cream liqueur
25ml Irish whiskey
½ pint Guinness

 Method
Combine the Irish cream and whiskey in a shot glass and prepare your Guinness. Allow the foam to settle, and then drop the shot glass into the dark depths and enjoy!

Greenbeard

greenbeard

Another slightly unusual pairing with this rum and Irish Cream cocktail. The rum brings out the warming subtle autumnal spices of the liqueur really nicely, and despite being two very different characters, they blend to create something totally distinctive with lots of oomph.

Ingredients
25ml Irish Cream liqueur
25ml spiced rum
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (garnish)

 Method
Simple again – just shake with ice and strain into a tumbler. Cream and chocolate sprinkles to top it off.  

We’ve just used generic ‘Irish Cream’ in these recipes, but each has its own subtleties of course... and it’s the star of these cocktails so it’s gotta be spot on! Explore some of the best options to use in these cocktails by checking out our Best Cream Liqueurs guide here!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

 

12 Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter

It’s that time of year when we start to think of mistletoe, holly and Christmas trees, but what could be more quintessentially thought of as a Christmas drink than cream liqueurs? The shop shelves are awash with Baileys Irish Cream, however, good Baileys is, and it is very good, there are some other alternatives which are just as good if not better.

Cream liqueurs don’t have to be just Irish Cream. They can be made with other spirits than Irish whiskey too. Any whisky, be it Scotch or even English can be used. Rum can also be used. In fact, pretty much any good spirit used delicately can make a cream liqueur and even some that don’t even use dairy! To kick off the Christmas spirit I’ve found a few cream liqueurs which any drinks cupboard would be happy to house, the issue being that most cream liqueurs don’t hang around that long, which begs the question of why we don’t drink them all year round!

 

Cotswolds Cream Liqueur

Cotswold Cream Liqueur

Kicking off we have an English Cream Liqueur from one of the best distilleries in the country. This is made from new make from the Cotswolds distillery, which is the same spirit they are using to make their now famous whisky. All made with barley grown in the local area, it has a little fruity edge from the new make and is excellent over ice cream, but like most cream liqueurs is brilliant just by itself.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £25.95

 

Bumbu Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Bumbu Cream Liqueur

Bumbu make a fabulous, spiced rum, and they also make this wonderful cream liqueur using rum from the Caribbean, a selection of spices and real dairy cream. It’s great to drink neat or over ice, but it mixes very well in cocktails. I’ve added a touch to an espresso martini to give it a creamy texture and smoothness and it works very well.

ABV: 15%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £29 // US $36.99

 

Coole Swan

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Coole Swan

An Irish cream liqueur made from Irish single malt whiskey, fresh Irish cream, and decadent Belgian white chocolate. This is one of the most velvety cream liqueurs I have experienced. It is also one of the sweetest, so if you have a sweet tooth, then this one is for you. It’s not cloying however and has a lovely balance leaving you wanting more. It’s good by itself, but is much better chilled, leaving the flavours to develop as the liquid warms on your palate.

ABV: 15%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £24.94 // US $29.99

 

Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Edition Irish Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Edition Irish Cream Liqueur

I recently did a taste test with a few of the biggest brands of Irish Cream, and it was very difficult to separate this one from the very best and well known in terms of quality. It is a little darker than most, but also a touch richer on the chocolate. It makes a nice change if you’re looking to have more than one cream liqueur. One thing which really does separate it from the rest of the pack is the price. It’s an absolute bargain!

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £7.99

 

Amarula Cream

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Amarula Cream

This is a very fruity cream liqueur with lots of caramel. It is made from the distilled fruit of the Marula tree in South Africa and it wins awards, with good reason. Beyond the cream liqueur there is the Amarula Trust which raises funds for conservation which protects the wildlife, especially the protection of elephants, and also funds educational projects.

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £14.36 // US $23.99

 

Edradour Whisky Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Edradour Whisky Cream Liqueur

This is a Scotch whisky cream liqueur made with single malt whisky from the Edradour distillery. One of Scotland's smallest traditional distilleries. It is a cut above the rest of the regular cream liqueurs, yet remains great value for money at well under £20. A great bang for your buck.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £17.94

 

Kyrö Dairy Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Kyrö Dairy Cream Liqueur

Hailing from Finland, this is made with local milk and cream and uses rye whiskey from the Kyrö distillery. Yet even though it is using local milk and cream it is lactose free! It is vanilla forward in flavour with a little nuttiness in the background and goes extremely well with coffee.

ABV: 16%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £21.95

 

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

This is an Irish cream liqueur from County Cork made with single batches of fresh cream and blended with triple distilled Irish whiskey all within 48 hours of the ingredients being collected. The name comes from the source of the ingredients which come from five family-owned farms in the area. A brilliant one to sip on its own and if you want to see more about how it is made, why not check out episode 3 of The Three Drinkers in Ireland?

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £27.09 // US $34.99

 

Tequila Black 38 Chocolate Cream

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Tequila Black 38 Chocolate Cream

This is an exciting cream liqueur made from liqueur from Destilerías Espronceda. There is a freshness which is produced by tequila which balances perfectly with decadent chocolate flavours. If you’d like something a little unusual and you love Tequila, then is a winner for you.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £21.95

 

Original Magnum Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Original Magnum Cream Liqueur

Created by blending single malt whisky from the BenRiach distillery and Dutch cream, this is a very decadent cream liqueur. It is rich and chocolatey and is very good in coffee, poured over ice or ice-cream! And we’re digging the milk churn bottle shape here at The Three Drinks HQ.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24.95

 

Baileys in Magnum

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Baileys

One can’t have an article on the best Cream Liqueurs without having Baileys on the list. It’s best-selling for a reason. The original cream liqueur was created by Tom Jago after many trials. The only thing better than a bottle of Bailey’s is a Magnum of Bailey’s!

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 1.5l // US750ml
Find here: UK £32.49 // US $26.99

 

Adriatico Amaretto Bianco

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Adriatico Amaretto Bianco

Lastly, we have an unusual alternative to a cream liqueur. It behaves like a cream liqueur but being made from crushed white almonds, it has a certain creaminess without having any dairy in it at all. With vanilla, cherries and sugared almond flavours, this is great for cocktails. If you have a dairy intolerance, or even if you don’t, this is delicious, and you won’t feel left out of the cream liqueur experience.

ABV: 16%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £28.74

Any of the above are rich and creamy and deserving of any festive celebration. If you’re looking for other Christmas suggestions and excitements why not have a look at The Best Tequila to Gift This Christmas or The Best Boxed Wine for Christmas?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

One Drink, Three Ways: Samuel Gelston's Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.


Introducing Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur. The icons of Irish whiskey have ventured into liqueur for the first time in their long history and there’s serious indulgence here with notes of creamy vanilla, toffee, caramel, marshmallow and nougat. It would be amazing in desserts, but we’ve been busy trying it out in cocktails. The Three Drinkers each share their favourite ways to taste it….


Helena’s Choice: The Belfast Shake


Smooth and creamy, The Belfast Shake is an absolute indulgence. With notes of vanilla and chocolate and nutty tones too, all intertwined with the rich Irish whiskey backbone it’s a proper boozy shake and I love it! Simply Blend everything until it’s completely mixed and pour it into a hurricane glass. Grate the chocolate on top, add the hazelnuts if you like them, and voila!

The Belfast Shake Cocktail

The Belfast Shake

Recipe

50ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

60ml almond milk

10ml Orgeat/almond syrup

1 scoop of vanilla ice cream

1 scoop of ice

Garnish: grated dark chocolate & chopped hazelnuts


Aidy’s Choice: Coffee & Cream


If you’re anything like me you will love the sound, look and taste of this. Made in the same vein as the Espresso Martini, the Cream Liqueur just takes it to a new level of decadent delight. To mix it up, shake everything without ice. Then add the ice and shake everything again. Strain into a coupe glass and sprinkle some coffee beans over the foam. Think your mouth is watering now?! Just wait until you taste it!

Coffee & Cream

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vanilla vodka

40ml expresso

10ml caramel syrup

Garnish: coffee beans on foam

Glass: Coupe


Colin’s Choice: Benbane Cup


The Espresso Martini’s Irish cousin is the perfect fireplace sipper. Rich liqueur, glorious coffee flavour, creamy texture, and a vodka backbone – I think that’s a very nice checklist indeed. It’s very simple to make. Pour all the ingredients into a glass over ice. Stir to your blending preference and top up with extra ice.

Benbane Cup Cocktail

Benbane Cup

Recipe

30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur

30ml vodka

20ml cream

20ml coffee liqueur

Glass: Tumbler

UK
ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £17

Enjoy those suggestions? We’ve got plenty more here with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Glenmorangie X, or Don Papa Rum!

What is Liqueur?

What is Liqueur thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

You’ve definitely seen them around, and you might even have some at home! Liqueurs are everywhere in our modern world, and we can see them being used in multitudes of cocktails, or sometimes even sipped on their own. The number of liqueurs continues to grow, and grow it should, as with every new liqueur comes a new, exciting cocktail.

What Is A Liqueur?

A liqueur is essentially a distilled spirit that has been sweetened with sugar or syrup. It can also be flavoured with ingredients such as herbs, spices, fruit, cream, flowers, nuts and sometimes even vegetables! The higher sugar content means they’re often much sweeter than a typical distilled spirit, however, some liqueurs can be bitter, sharp, tart, herbaceous… the list goes on.

Which Liqueurs Are Best?

Of course, with so much choice comes the inevitable anxiety of which ones to choose and which ones to chuck. To help you out with those difficult decisions, we’ve put together a list of liqueurs we think are definitely worth a place in your bar cart. Whilst they are bold enough to be drunk on their own, they also make a great addition to a cocktail, so, if you like the sound of them, why not try out the cocktails we’ve included below?

Cointreau

What is Liqueur Cointreau thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Cointreau is a zesty, fresh and fruity orange liqueur, and it’s used in a TON of cocktails. This is a liqueur you definitely need to have on hand, even as an amateur mixologist. One infamously delicious cocktail made with Cointreau is the Margarita, which is actually quite simple to make. Our only condition is that you DO NOT salt the rim of the Margarita glass, why waste the great flavour of tequila and Cointreau?

Ingredients
50ml blanco tequila
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml Cointreau
lime wedge for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a rocks glass with ice with no salt(!) and garnish with a wedge of lime.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £25.95 // US $60.99

Kahlúa

What is Liqueur Kahlua thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Kahlúa is by far the most popular coffee liqueur out there, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to find this at a supermarket. There are other coffee liqueurs out there (very good ones too), but we love a classic, especially when it’s good value for money! It shines brightest in our favourite coffee cocktail, the darling Espresso Martini but tastes equally as good simply mixed with milk!

Ingredients
40ml vodka
25ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur
25ml espresso
½ tbsp simple syrup
three coffee beans, for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Enjoy!

ABV: 16%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £18.75 // US $30.99

Chambord

What is Liqueur Chambord thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Chambord is a brilliant french liqueur made with black raspberries, Madagascan vanilla and Moroccan citrus peels steeped in cognac and sweetened with honey. It’ll bring a pre-French Revolution decadence to any cocktail you grace it with, and what better ingredient to serve it with than champagne! This cocktail is fabulous and indulgent, just what the stunning bottle deserves.

Ingredients
30ml Chambord
glass of champagne or sparkling wine
raspberry, for garnish 

Method
This is a SUPER simple cocktail. Add a shot of Chambord to a champagne flute and top up with champagne or sparkling wine (we’re loving English sparkling at the moment)! Garnish with a raspberry for a fruity but classy cocktail.

ABV: 16.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 375ml
Find here: UK £27.60 // US $27.99

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

What is Liqueur St Germain thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

The taste of elderflower has long been a dear friend of the English palate, with elderflower cordials and syrups popping up all over the place. If you’re looking for something with that same delicate, floral sweetness with a boozy edge - St. Germain is for you. If you’re not convinced by the delicious taste, perhaps the elegant bottle will entice you! The cocktail we’ve chosen is the ‘English Martini’, full of botanicals and florals.

Ingredients
60ml dry gin
25ml St. Germain liqueur
½ fresh rosemary sprig
rosemary sprig for garnish

Method

Take the leaves off the rosemary sprig and muddle them in the bottle of a cocktail shaker. Add the other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a coupe chilled coupe and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

ABV: 20%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £29 // US $50.99

Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur

What is Liqueur Baileys thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Irish cream liqueur over ice, what could be more satisfying? Irish cream liqueur is made from a mixture of Irish whiskey, Irish dairy cream, chocolate and vanilla and is used in a variety of creamy cocktails. Bailey’s is the original Irish cream liqueur so deserves to be honoured in this list. They’re now creating many variations of the original liqueur which are worth experimenting with! As the colder months are closing in, spiced cocktails are the perfect evening treat, so we’ve chosen a spiced Irish cream cocktail for you to enjoy!

Ingredients
1½ oz Bailey’s Original
¼ oz spiced rum
grated nutmeg for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and carefully grate or shake nutmeg over the top.

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £15.43 // US $24.99

Créme de Menthe (De Kuyper)

What is Liqueur Creme de Menthe De Kuyper thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Créme de Menthe is a sweet mint liqueur that tastes fairly close to if the strawberry cream out of Quality Street was a mint cream instead. Or perhaps an After Eight. Either will do, we’re just hungry for Christmas chocolate… With Créme de Menthe, you can either go for a white (colourless) version or a green version. We love a green version, purely for the theatre of it all! To showcase this green lean liqueur machine, we’ve gone for a Grasshopper cocktail (which looks STUNNING).

Ingredients
25ml De Kuyper Creme de Menthe
25ml creme de cacao
25ml single cream
mint sprig for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprig of mint. Your friends will be green with envy!

ABV: 24%
Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £14.62 // US $23.99  

Drambuie

What is Liqueur Drambuie thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

If Scotland were a liqueur, it would be Drambuie. Drambuie is a whisky liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather, herbs and spices. One sip will transport you to the blustery Highlands where you may or may not find yourself unexpectedly wearing a kilt. For Drambuie, we’ve chosen ‘The Lion’s Mouth’ cocktail. It’s bitter but has light, floral notes.

Ingredients
1 oz Drambuie
1 oz bourbon
2 dashes of grapefruit bitters
lemon twist for garnish

 Method
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until ice cold. Strain over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a twist of lemon!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: UK £28.60 // US $59.99

The above is by no means exhaustive - there are plenty more liqueurs out there just waiting to be tried so if you find any you think should definitely be on this list, let us know via our social @thethreedrinkers! For now though, why not check out What is Vermouth? or The Best Gin for a G&T.

Mariah Carey Has Launched An Irish Cream Liqueur

Mariah Carey Has Launched An Irish Cream Liqueur thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Move over Bailey’s, Mariah’s here. 

She’s the queen of Christmas, the crown jewel of pop, and now, the newest kid on the Irish cream liqueur block (if such a block exists). With her smash hit ‘Fantasy’ recently featured in new movie ‘Free Guy’, Mariah is back in town and she means business.

Mariah Carey took to Instagram to announce the launch of ‘Black Irish’, her own brand of Irish cream liqueur. Lounging on a Caribbean beach flanked by sea, sand and Irish cream liqueur, Carey looked rightfully confident in her brand. The post received much support from fans, eager to get their hands on a bottle.

The name ‘Black Irish’ is a nod to Carey’s own heritage, with an Irish mother and a Black father - a topic she has discussed previously in a 2009 interview:

“It’s, like, my mother’s white – she’s so Irish, she loves Ireland, she’s like, yay, Ireland! Waving the flag and singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. And that’s great. I appreciate that and respect it.”

“But there’s a whole other side of me that makes me who I am and makes people uncomfortable. My father identified as a black man. No one asked him because he was clearly black. But people always ask me. If we were together, people would look at us in a really strange way. It sucked. As a little girl, I had blond hair, and they’d look at me, look at him, and be disgusted.”

Black Irish clearly means a lot to Carey, and the way she talks about the brand echoes this.

Speaking on her brand last week, Carey stated “I wanted to create something that embodies the holidays and gives everyone a reason to celebrate year-round, and I really think we have done that with Black Irish.” To be perfectly honest, we’re quite excited we’ve been gifted with a year-round reminder of her glittering empire. With the heaves of celebrities piling into the drinks industry, it’s refreshing to see one try something a little different.

Mariah Carey is releasing three flavours of the liqueur; Original Irish Cream, Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate; all of which sound delicious.

However, UK and Ireland residents might have to wait a bit longer to sample some of Carey’s liqueur as there’s said to be a Dublin brand already holding the name ‘Black Irish’. Mariah only has access to the US rights for the name, with Darker Still Spirits in Dublin having a stout named ‘Black Irish stout’. We’ll see how that pans out… Perhaps she can offer them a free concert? Signed CDs?

Did you know that there is an abundance of Celebrity Owned Wine and Celebrity Owned Tequila too?!