Think of cream liqueurs as the comfort food equivalent of the spirits world: cozy, slightly indulgent and a treat to enjoy when you need a little lift—as we all do these days.
Think of cream liqueurs as a reward. The world still likes simple and sweet, the fattiness and richness of the cream, and a little bit of buzz.
The low-alcohol nature of most cream liqueurs makes them more approachable for consumers leery of super-strong spirits. Some bottles reviewed ranged from 12.5% abv, on par with many wine styles, to a ceiling of 19%, still less than half the alcohol level of a typical straight spirits pour.
Styles have expanded far beyond Irish creams made from Irish Whiskey. Notably, bourbon-based cream liqueurs are picking up speed.
The beautiful thing about bourbon is it has natural cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel notes from the corn and the barrel, which meld harmoniously with cream. The bourbon cream boom may also be an extension of consumer interest in products made with local ingredients.
Whatever the base spirit, the most enticing cream liqueurs emphasize both flavor and texture. They go beyond Irish whiskey and bourbon bases. They can be based on an increasingly wide variety of spirits. Encourage customers to try a good cream liqueur, which feels like a luxe blanket tucked around the shoulders, simultaneously warming and decadent. It’s a treat we all deserve.
