For many across the UK, the festive season truly begins with that first indulgent sip of Irish cream liqueur. The rich, creamy drink is a hallmark of Christmas, enjoyed while decorating the tree, relaxing after a feast, or simply savouring the holiday atmosphere.
The Festive Liqueur Showdown
While Baileys is the iconic brand that dominates the market, journalist Jessica Brunn decided to see how it stacks up against rivals. In a blind taste test for the Mirror, she compared three popular options: the classic Baileys Irish Cream, the premium Coole Swan, and the budget-friendly Aldi Specially Selected Irish Cream.
Each drink was rigorously assessed on its flavour profile, value for money, and how versatile it is for use in cocktails, coffee, or over ice.
Coole Swan: The Premium Contender
Priced at £20 with a Tesco Clubcard (reduced from £26.50) for a 700ml bottle, Coole Swan made an immediate impression with its elegant bottle design. Jessica noted this made it perfect for gifting.
The liqueur itself is a blend of single malt Irish whiskey, real Belgian white chocolate, fresh Irish dairy cream, and vanilla. It boasts a silky smooth texture with subtle chocolate notes in both aroma and taste. With an alcohol content of 16% vol, it was praised for not being overly sweet and for delivering a consistent flavour without a harsh alcoholic 'kick' at the end.
Jessica's conclusion was one of surprise, stating she was "very pleasantly surprised" after doubting it would taste significantly different. Her only critique was its higher price point compared to alternatives. It earned a top score of 9 out of 10.
Baileys: The Nostalgic Classic
The market leader, Baileys, was found to represent excellent value when on offer, priced at £10.98 for 70cl on Amazon (down from £17.50). Its iconic bottle remains a classy and familiar Christmas gift choice.
Containing 17% alcohol by volume, Baileys was celebrated for its rich, nostalgic taste that evokes Christmases past. However, Jessica noted it could occasionally become "slightly sickly after a while", especially after eating, and that the alcohol hit often comes just after swallowing rather than being integrated throughout.
Despite this, it remains a fail-safe favourite and a reliable gift. It received a solid score of 8 out of 10.
Aldi's Budget-Friendly Alternative
The most economical option in the test was Aldi's Specially Selected Irish Cream, costing just £6.99 for 70cl (reduced from £7.69). Its bottle design, consistency, and flavour bear a striking resemblance to Baileys, and it also contains 17% vol alcohol.
Jessica's main observation was that the Aldi drink had "quite a milky scent and taste to it", noting that shoppers could easily mistake it for the well-known brand. It secured a score of 6.5 out of 10.
The Final Verdict
The taste test revealed clear distinctions between the three festive liqueurs. For a premium, gifting-focused experience with a refined and consistent flavour, Coole Swan came out on top. For reliable, nostalgic taste and great value on discount, Baileys remains a strong contender. For those strictly prioritising budget, Aldi's version offers a very passable alternative at a fraction of the cost.
Ultimately, your perfect Christmas pour depends on whether you prioritise luxury, tradition, or price. All prices were correct at the time of publishing.
