Is There Milk in Baileys?

Written by: Kelly Donovan

Bailey has long been a famous liquor. It is used as a great addition to coffees, cocktails, and desserts, but is there milk in Baileys?

The standard Baileys Original Irish Cream is made with Irish dairy cream, meaning it contains milk products. The same is said for other Baileys flavors; however, Baileys Almande is 100% dairy free and does not contain milk or milk products.

This article will cover what ingredients Baileys contains, when it includes dairy products, and whether or not vegans can enjoy this sweet beverage.

What Ingredients Does Baileys Have?

Baileys has a wide assortment of flavors, but the Original Irish Cream is the most renowned.

The ingredients for this drink include:

  • Fresh dairy cream
  • Sugar
  • Alcohol
  • Maltodextrin
  • Milk products
  • Cocoa extracts and flavors
  • Irish Whiskey
  • Coloring, emulsifier, and an acidity regulator

See their official website for a list of ingredients of any other Baileys flavors or products.

four baileys bottles on black background

What Is Baileys Mixed With?

You can drink Baileys alone over ice or mixed with coffees or cocktails. It is also used in some desserts.

Some popular drinks and foods that include Baileys are:

  • Martinis
  • White Russians
  • Irish coffees
  • Hot chocolates
  • Hershey’s pies
  • Cookies and cream parfaits
  • Cheesecake

When Does Baileys Contain Milk?

Almost all flavors of Baileys contain milk, cream, or another milk product. The only advertised non-dairy Baileys flavor is Baileys Almande.

This product is vegan and only made with non-dairy milk.

It combines almond and vanilla flavors to create a drink that can be enjoyed over ice or even to create a spiked chai latte.

Does Baileys Contain Dairy?

Dairy is milk or any product derived from milk. Irish cream is the base of Baileys, which means it contains dairy.

The cream is made when unpasteurized fresh milk separates. The fat rises to the top, and the liquid remains on the bottom. The fat is then skimmed off the top and is called cream.

In factories,

Dairy-Free Alternatives to Baileys

If you can’t get your hands on a Baileys Almande bottle, you may have to find a non-dairy alternative to tend to your craving.

To do so, look for liqueurs with almond or vanilla bases, as these will likely use plant-based milk and vegan creams.

If you’re unsure how you feel about different plant-based milk, use our comparisons to decide which is best for you.

You can also make your own following a recipe like this one from Edgy Veg.

As for those on the market, the Almondaire Almond-Based Crème Liqueur is a close second, having won multiple awards for its almond and vanilla flavor. 

This drink also contains soy.

Licor 43 Horchata is another option, coming from Valencia, Spain.

The Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur is a great dairy-free option for those with an extra sweet tooth for chocolate.

It has 15% brandy and is great for chocolate martinis.

two mugs of baileys topped with whipped cream next to baileys bottle

In Summary

Baileys has become world-famous as a cream liqueur, meaning its strong flavor is deeply rooted in milk and dairy products.

The only dairy-free Baileys available is their Almande flavor.

If you can’t get your hands on a bottle, don’t fret – there are other dairy-free and vegan alternatives to Baileys that are just as delicious!

About the Author

Kelly Donovan is a freelance writer. She enjoys helping people reach their wellness goals by educating them about how food plays a role in their health.