We put Baileys to the test against ‘delicious’ award-winning alternative

Fans of Baileys will be intrigued to hear Tesco is selling a tasty alternative that’s winning shoppers’ hearts, with many declaring it superior to the festive favourite. In the lead-up to Christmas, Clubcard holders can enjoy a , a newcomer to UK supermarket shelves this year that’s celebrated for its velvety flavour and natural components.

Crafted in Ireland, is an award-winning Irish cream liqueur made in limited quantities using single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, Madagascan vanilla, and fresh Irish cream. Since its introduction, it has rapidly gained acclaim, scooping up nearly 100 awards, including the prestigious title of ‘World’s Best Liqueur’ and a double gold at The San Francisco Wine and Spirits Awards.

The brand markets itself as , a claim that more and more consumers are backing. recently crowned as the top Irish Cream Liqueur out of 15 contenders, including Baileys, noting: “The magic is in its simplicity – real Belgian chocolate melted into Irish whiskey and fresh cream with a touch of Madagascan vanilla is more than enough to create an Irish cream liqueur that can truly be considered a premium pour.”

However, with coming with a higher price point than the Christmas staple that is – which, let’s be honest, is on sale everywhere you look at this time of year – is it actually worth shelling out more for? As reported by , the answer may just surprise you.

There are two types of people in this world: those who consider Irish cream a Christmas-only indulgence, and those who would gladly enjoy it daily if given the opportunity. Shopping expert Narin Flanders firmly belongs to the latter group, as she’s been captivated by its smooth, creamy warmth, making it her preferred short drink.

As the proud co-editor of Secret Elves Club, a newsletter celebrating all things festive throughout the year, Narin asks: “What’s wrong with savouring a bit of Christmas spirit all year round?”

Over time, Narin has experimented with various alternatives, including , which she says ‘tastes like tiramisu in liquid form’. However, she’s always come back to the trusted bottle of Bailey’s.

Narin said: “I’ve tried the (quite good), as well as the (let’s not discuss that – how can two of my favourite things combine to create something so disappointing?). I’ve also tried all the so-called dupes offered by Lidl, Aldi, and M&S – all decent enough for mixing into cocktails, coffees, or hot chocolates, but they just don’t hit the spot when consumed neat.

“Recently, I found myself singing praises of my love for Baileys to a friend who then asked if I’d ever tried . Not a brand I was familiar with, she informed me it was another Irish Cream with an esteemed lineage, crafted in the Emerald Isle.”

A quick Google search revealed to Narin that it too had a devoted following, having recently arrived on mainstream UK supermarket shelves nationwide after the County Cavan-based family firm signed a significant agreement with Tesco, as reported by . Spotting a miniature bottle during her travels, it seemed only courteous to give it a try, especially as it allowed her to compare it to her beloved Baileys original.

As a Baileys enthusiast, here’s Narin’s verdict after pitting the two tipples against each other: “When comparing and in a head-to-head taste test, one key difference is immediately apparent – the colour. Coole Swan’s Belgian white chocolate origins give it a lighter hue than Baileys’ rumoured milk chocolate blend.

“Despite its white chocolate base, surprisingly tasted more mellow and smoother, with less of an initial kick, possibly due to the strength of the malt. While I’m a fan of Baileys, for me, the taste unfolds in stages – the initial sweet scent, followed by the first hit of warmth when swallowed, then eased by the cream that extinguishes the fire.”

“, however, blends these elements in a way where they’re experienced all at once – there’s no fiery undertone or sweet hit, it’s just beautifully, perfectly balanced from the first sip. Both beverages have a similar alcohol content – Baileys has 17% while Coole Swan has 16% ABV – but Coole Swan feels less alcoholic, making it dangerously moreish. However, for me, there’s one aspect that truly elevates Coole Swan as a superior Irish cream choice, justifying its slightly higher price tag.

“I am an Irish cream purist. I don’t object to a fancy cocktail or a hot chocolate topped with Baileys, but for me, the best way to enjoy it is cold and simple – why mask such a delicious flavour with anything else? With Baileys, this means a large ice cube which inevitably dilutes the drink over time if you savour it slowly.

“But the fresh cream of  is so fresh that once you’ve opened the bottle, it must be kept in the fridge, unlike Baileys, which the makers recommend storing in a dark cupboard after opening. Suddenly, Irish cream can be enjoyed ice-cold but without ice cubes and, despite my long-standing love for Baileys, Coole Swan has found a place not only in my heart but also in my fridge.

“Everything about the packaging and marketing of suggests it’s a bit more sophisticated than Baileys, and the taste certainly supports that. If you like the concept of Baileys but find it a tad too sweet or overpowering after a while, then Coole Swan might just be your dream liqueur – especially if you want to enjoy it refreshingly cold this summer. What’s more, with it being a bit more bouji than Baileys, which is now a bargain staple most Christmas seasons, it’s the perfect gift for friends and family who love Irish cream but want something a little more premium.”

 is now available in Tesco stores across the country and online, with a recommended retail price of £26 for a 700ml bottle. However, Clubcard shoppers can get  in the run up to Christmas putting the premium brand closer to Baileys’ budget price tag.

As Coole Swan is a relatively new addition to Tesco, there are few reviews, but it has received 4.7 stars out of five from nine shoppers who have already snapped it up. Fans have predominantly lauded it for its delicious taste, with one customer echoing Coole Swan’s own audacious claim, dubbing it the .

They elaborated: “The most delicious Irish cream liqueur I have ever tasted! Creamy, luxuriously smooth and very moreish. The taste of alcohol is not overwhelming either, which I find with Baileys and other Irish creams. Don’t think I could go back to anything else after trying this, the only downside being the price.”

Another shopper commented: “I have tried a lot of cream liqueurs and this is by far my favourite. It’s balance of flavour along with unique whisky cream base is just delicious. One of the cream liqueurs that has a touch of class vs competitors and also bonus that the bottle design is really smart. Makes a lovely present for someone or a special treat for yourself. You won’t be dissapointed.”

However, some loyalists of Baileys remain. A four-star reviewer of Coole Swan remarked: “Too expensive, I’d rather have two bottles of Baileys.”