I in contrast Coole Swan, Baileys and Aldi Irish Cream, I discovered the Christmas champion
There’s little that puts a Christmas spring in my step quite like an Irish Cream Liqueur, and I’ve tried three of the most popular on the market to see which one is best
As the festive season approaches, I’m already salivating at the thought of all the Christmas grub and tipples. From succulent pigs in blankets and crispy roasties to indulgent cheese platters and sweet mince pies, December is a gastronomic delight.
When it comes to Yuletide drinks, nothing gets me in the holiday spirit quite like a glass of Irish Cream Liqueur. It’s as much a part of my Christmas tradition as decking the halls and settling down for the first of many viewings of Love Actually (because let’s face it, once is never enough).
While Baileys might be the first name that springs to mind when you think of this festive favourite, I decided to broaden my horizons and put the iconic brand up against two popular rivals: Coole Swan and Aldi’s Specially Selected Irish Cream.
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I put them through their paces, judging on taste, value for money, and versatility to determine which one deserves a spot in your drinks cabinet this Christmas.
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Discover Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur
Whether you’re a fan of sipping your Irish Cream over ice, adding a splash to your coffee, or drizzling it over desserts, here are my top picks for the best Irish Creams to stock up on in 2025, reports the Mirror.
Coole Swan – £20 with Tesco Clubcard (was £26.50) for 700ml
This was my first encounter with Coole Swan and I must admit, I was smitten with the bottle at first sight. While the packaging might not be a deal-breaker for some, as a proud owner of a bar cart, I appreciate a good-looking bottle. Plus, it makes for a great gift.
For those unacquainted with this delightful beverage, it’s a blend of single malt Irish whiskey, genuine Belgian white chocolate (yes, the real deal), fresh Irish dairy cream from the brand’s own farm, and a hint of vanilla for equilibrium. The creators, an independent family-run team in Ireland, spent 231 attempts perfecting this drink around their kitchen table.
With such dedication behind it, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Coole Swan offers a velvety smoothness that sets it apart from other Irish Creams I’ve tried. There’s a gentle whisper of chocolate in both aroma and flavour, though it’s not overtly chocolatey – it’s quite understated.
While some might find this disappointing, I appreciated its subtlety, which prevented it from being overly sweet and kept it feeling like a beverage rather than a full-blown pudding. At 16% vol, it’s less potent than Baileys and Aldi’s version.
What’s more, Coole Swan doesn’t overpower your palate like some alternatives out there. It maintains a consistent taste throughout, without that sudden alcohol ‘kick’ you get from some others.
The Coole Swan website is brimming with cocktail inspiration too, featuring concoctions like Santa’s Little Helper (a mix of amaretto, vodka, and cinnamon) and an Espresso Martini with a Coole Swan twist – both sound right up my alley. I also appreciate the inclusion of summer-friendly drink ideas, including a Coole Colada (crafted with pineapple vodka) and a Strawberry Swan (which intriguingly includes chocolate bitters).
One Amazon customer who tried the tipple declared it ‘better than Baileys’ whilst another penned: “Lovely smooth drink, really enjoyable. Nice bottle.”
To be frank, Coole Swan left me genuinely impressed, having initially doubted it could offer anything markedly different from rival brands on the shelf.
My sole gripe with Coole Swan centres on its steeper cost, retailing at £26.50 for 700ml compared to Baileys’ equivalent size priced at £17.00 at full whack. That said, Coole Swan occasionally appears with reductions and is presently available at Tesco for £20.00 with a Clubcard.
Baileys Irish Cream – £10.98 for 70cl (was £17.50)
Baileys stands as a staple in countless homes – it’s as synonymous with Christmas as the roast and party snacks, and when discounted it represents excellent value. Perfect for presents, I adore how Baileys transforms coffee or serves as an indulgent ice cream topping.
The beverage contains 17% alcohol vol. My sole criticism of Baileys is that occasionally it becomes rather cloying over time, particularly when consumed following a meal. I also notice the boozy kick arrives post-swallow, rather than maintaining a uniform flavour profile throughout.
Nevertheless, I appreciate its luxurious taste that evokes nostalgia, conjuring memories of Christmases past. For me, Baileys remains a go-to purchase I’ll continue buying, and I’m confident it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for numerous relatives as well.
Over on Amazon, one shopper raved about the product on the digital storefront: “Classic indulgence done right” – and I’d have to say I wholeheartedly agree.
Aldi Specially Selected Irish Cream – £7.69 for 70cl
At £7.69, Aldi’s Specially Selected Irish Cream comes in as the cheapest contender in my tasting marathon. The packaging bears a striking resemblance to Baileys in design, whilst the texture and flavour profile echo the festive favourite.
My sole gripe with the Aldi tipple is its rather pronounced ‘milky’ aroma and palate. Whilst some might appreciate this characteristic, I personally found it overly dairy-heavy for my liking.
Nevertheless, it remains a scrumptious choice and I’d wager that without any heads-up about what they’re sipping, punters could easily confuse it with a big-name brand. Much like Baileys, it packs 17% vol of alcohol.
I must also tip my hat to Aldi’s creation for its brilliant price tag, which is spot-on for bigger celebrations. All in all, it delivers excellent bang for your buck for budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing flavour.
Which is the best Irish Cream to shop in 2025?
Coole Swan – 9/10
Pros
- Silky smooth drinkable texture
- Nice delicate flavour which is easy to sip on
- Stylish bottle perfect for gifting
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
- Those who are not chocolate lovers may not appreciate subtle sweet taste
Baileys – 8/10
Pros
- Classic taste associated with Christmas
- Ideal for coffees and desserts
Cons
- Slightly sickly after eating
- Hit of alcohol upon swallowing
Aldi Specially Selected – 6.5/10
Pros
- Great budget-friendly price point
- Tastes similar to more expensive brands
Cons
- Milky taste with a strong dairy hint
- Also has a sharp hit of alcohol upon sipping
In the end, whilst I was initially dubious about whether Coole Swan could justify the additional cost, I can definitely confirm it does. For my palate, it was less cloying and hefty compared to the Baileys and Aldi’s Irish Cream, and neither of these contenders could hold a candle to it in terms of texture.
In my book, the top spot has to go to Coole Swan, largely down to its unbeatable silkiness.
