Top Irish Cream Brands You Shouldn't Miss

Irish cream liqueur, with its smooth blend of whiskey, cream, and a touch of chocolate, has become a staple for cozy nights and celebratory toasts alike. Among the pantheon of options, certain brands like Baileys have earned legendary status for their rich, authentic flavors. Other noteworthy contenders include Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur and Carolans, both of which offer unique twists on traditional recipes while maintaining the classic decadence fans adore. For those seeking to explore the nuanced tastes of these celebrated brands, a comprehensive list awaits below.

Illustration of irish cream

Best brands of irish cream in 2025

Baileys

Baileys, launched in 1974, has become a global phenomenon in the Irish cream liqueur market, reaching the milestone of 1 billion bottles sold in 2007 and achieving a second billion in sales just 12 years later. Available in 160 countries, Baileys requires over 200 million liters of fresh Irish milk annually. The brand has driven a 31% increase in net sales volume between July 2020 and June 2021 with innovative releases like Apple Pie, Deliciously Light, and Colada. Baileys accounts for 50% of Irish spirits exports and has seen significant growth, with the global cream liqueur category growing 17% in volume in 2021 compared to 2020. For more details about their original Irish cream liqueur, visit Baileys Original Irish Cream.

Kerrygold

Kerrygold, under the umbrella of Ornua, has established itself as a prominent producer of Irish cream liqueur, introducing Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur in 2014 to compete with brands like Bailey's. This liqueur, made from Irish cream, Irish whiskey, and chocolate, boasts a 17% alcohol content and has won the 2016 World Drink Awards "World's Best Cream Liqueur Award." It is produced using milk from grass-fed cows and is distributed exclusively in the US by Infinium Spirits. The product is available in the US, Dublin Airport, and select locations in Ireland. Kerrygold's expansion into the liqueur market was partly driven by the lifting of milk export quotas in Europe in 2015.

Carolans

Carolans is a renowned brand in the Irish cream liqueur market, standing as the world's second-largest selling Irish cream whiskey liqueur. Produced in Ireland since 1978, Carolans is made from the finest Irish ingredients, including fresh cream, honey, and Irish whiskey. The brand was acquired by Heaven Hill Brands in 2017 for $165 million and continues to be distributed internationally by Gruppo Campari. Carolans achieves significant sales, with the United States accounting for 70% of its net sales in 2016. The brand is available in over 40 countries and is known for its superior taste derived from natural honey sourced from the Clonmel area in Ireland. For more information, visit the Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur page.

Coole Swan

Coole Swan is a premium Irish cream liqueur, launched in 2007, crafted from high-quality ingredients including single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, and fresh Irish dairy cream, with an alcohol content of 16% by volume. It has garnered numerous awards, including a double-gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was acclaimed as the number one cream liqueur in the world by Wine Enthusiast in 2020. Produced in County Meath, Ireland, Coole Swan is celebrated for its smooth, rich, and natural flavor profile. The brand is suitable for vegetarians and those with gluten, wheat, egg, and nut allergies, but not for dairy allergy sufferers or vegans. Coole Swan has a shelf life of up to two years unopened and can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 months once opened. For more detailed information, explore their nutritional information and FAQs.

Saint Brendan's

Saint Brendan's is a renowned producer of Irish cream, known for its rich, indulgent blend of triple-distilled The Quiet Man(r) Irish Whiskey and all-natural dairy cream from one of Ireland's most distinguished dairies. This 34-proof (17% ABV) liqueur offers a smooth, creamy taste with notes of vanilla, marshmallow, chocolate, and a touch of spice. Produced by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan's also features a Salted Caramel variant, launched in 2023, which adds a sweet-and-salty twist to the traditional recipe. The brand is part of Luxco's extensive spirits portfolio, which includes other well-known brands like Ezra Brooks and Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Saint Brendan's commitment to authenticity and quality makes it a standout in the Irish cream market. For more information, visit the Saint Brendan's website.

Five Farms

Five Farms is a renowned producer of Irish cream liqueur, distinguished by its farm-to-table approach and high-quality ingredients. Launched in 2017, the brand sources its cream exclusively from five family-owned farms in County Cork, Ireland, and combines it with premium 10-year-old, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, containing 10% whiskey compared to less than 1% in most other brands. This unique blend earned Five Farms the Chairman's Trophy at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge with a score of 97/100. The brand aims to triple its sales in the next five years, targeting shipments of two million bottles and EUR60 million in revenue. Five Farms is available in several markets, including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ryan's

Ryan's Irish Cream is a notable brand in the Irish cream liqueur market, known for its smooth and creamy texture, strong vanilla and mocha flavors, and versatility in coffee cocktails. Developed in the United States, Ryan's offers a value-for-money option with a lower price point compared to other brands. In 2016, Ryan's saw a significant sales increase of 36%, indicating its growing popularity. The liqueur contains 155 calories per 1.5 oz serving, with 11 grams of total carbs and 5 grams of total fat. Its performance contributes to the overall growth of the Irish cream category, which has seen a 23% increase in sales from 2020 to 2021. For detailed nutritional information, you can visit the Ryan's Irish Cream Nutrition Page.

Molly's

Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur, produced by Terra Spirits & Liqueurs in County Cavan, Ireland, is renowned for its exceptional quality, blending fresh Irish dairy cream, aged Irish Whiskey, and natural chocolate flavors. This liqueur has won several awards, including the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022 and the 2020 Sustainability Energy Authority of Ireland award. One third of a bottle of Molly's is pure fresh cream, sourced from local farms, ensuring a silky mouthfeel and delicious taste profile. With global sales in over 60 countries, Molly's continues to grow, nearly reaching the 10 million cases barrier in 2021. The company's commitment to sustainability and high-quality ingredients makes it a standout in the Irish cream liqueur market. For more information, visit their official website.

Feeney's

Feeney's Irish Cream, produced by First Ireland Spirits Manufacturing, is a standout in the Irish cream liqueur market, known for its rich and smooth taste profile. The brand saw a significant surge in revenues, with a 45% increase to almost EUR33 million in the year to March 2022, following a sharp dip in 2021. This growth is attributed to the global expansion of the protected Irish spirit category, particularly in the US and other international markets. Feeney's Irish Cream is crafted with the finest locally sourced ingredients, including Irish dairy cream from cows grazing in County Laois, and a select blend of Irish Whiskey. The company's commitment to quality and sustainability has contributed to its exceptional progress and market traction. For further insights on their remarkable revenue growth, explore the detailed report on First Ireland Spirits Manufacturing's achievements.

The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur

The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur is a highly acclaimed brand, renowned for its premium quality and traditional recipe that combines the finest Irish whiskey with 100% Irish milk cream and natural vanilla flavor, earning it gold and silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards in 2013 and 2010, respectively. This liqueur reflects Ireland's strong tradition in dairy products and spirits, making it a standout in the market. Despite the overall category's fluctuations, Irish cream liqueurs have seen significant growth, such as a 25% increase in Ireland in 2021 compared to 2020. The global cream liqueur market, which includes brands like The Irishman, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2029. This growth is driven by shifting consumer tastes towards luxurious and immersive beverages. For more details on The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur, visit their official product page.