Review: Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur

Many liquors and liqueurs have popular, more expensive, “better quality” brands. This is true from vodka to tequila to amaretto, and Irish Cream is no exception. Recently I bought and sampled Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur. I do like Bailey’s, but it can be quite expensive. The off-brands are usually almost just as good, especially when used as mixers.

I do typically enjoy Irish Cream on the rocks, so it doesn’t usually function as a mixer for me, but most cheaper brands that I have tried are decent and comparable to Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur is comparable and less expensive as well. I bought a standard US “fifth” of the liqueur, which is 750 ml, for $12.99 USD. The more expensive brands were almost twice the price!

Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur is 17% alcohol by volume. It claims to be made by the finest Irish whiskey blended with fresh cream. (Don’t they ALL claim to be the best though? I, personally, think most are all about the same, except in price!) I don’t usually like very cheap vodkas, but, for Irish Cream liqueurs and a few others, most are very comparable, in my opinion.

This product delivers almost equal quality compared to more expensive brands. Unlike some cheaper brands, it lacks any kind of aftertaste. It has a fresh, sweet, smooth flavor that goes down well either on the rocks or as a mixer for other shooters or cocktails.

Aside from being very enjoyable by itself served on the rocks as a cordial or a tasty beverage, it can also be featured in a number of different shooters and cocktails. I will share a sampling of some of my very favorites, which are the easiest recipes, but please note that most Irish Creams are very sweet and heavy, so if you’re not a fan of this type of beverage, you may not enjoy some things Irish Cream can make. It tends to have a dominant taste, so it will often overtake other flavors and textures.

The very basic: Buttery Nipple
1 part butterscotch schnapps
1 part Irish Cream
optional garnish grenadine
Layer first the schnapps then the cream, then finish with a few drops of grenadine if desired
Result: very sweet and smooth shot, very popular with females

The very prissy: Attitude
1 part each: Kahlua/coffee liqueur and amaretto
few splashes Irish Cream
Shake all over ice and serve chilled.
Result: another very sweet and smooth shot, also tends to be popular with the ladies.

The very fiery: Comet
1 part Irish Cream
1 part cinnamon schnapps/Goldschlager
splash Bacardi 151 (or other very high proof liquor)
Layer in order given and CAREFULLY light on fire. Grated cinnamon sprinkled on top will also produce sparks over the flame. USE CAUTION!

The very milky: Satisfaction
1 part each:

butterscotch schnapps

coconut rum

Irish Cream

amaretto

Shake with ice and strain, serve chilled.
Results: after a few, you will get very drunk. Please use caution!

As with any alcoholic beverage, please act responsibly and use caution. Of course, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink and drive, even if you have only had a few!

Here is one last recipe for you including Irish Cream. It’s a Halloween treat. (Yes! I know it’s way out of season, but be sure to reference this article in October then!)
The Halloween spectacular: Bloody Brains
2 parts peach or apricot schnapps
1 part Irish Cream
dash grenadine
First pour VERY COLD peach/apricot schnapps in standard shot glass. Layer/float the Irish Cream on top. (This can be done by slightly tilting the shot glass.) Place the glass on a level surface and slowly drop 3-4 drops of grenadine on top so they pull the cream downward. Let sit for at least 15 seconds, and serve.
Result: the cream will slightly harden and the grenadine will give it a bloody and gooey appearance, giving the illusion of a bit of brains in the shot glass, but it’s very tasty!

I hope you enjoy the shots I’ve featured here. I have many great recipes and love to share them. As I stated, this Irish Cream (Feeney’s) was very smooth and comparable to the more pricey brands, but I don’t think Irish Cream is hard to replicate. I would certainly buy this brand again.

Try some of these shots next time you are relaxing or partying at the bar, or next time you are hosting a gathering somewhere. They are popular with almost everyone, from heavy indulgers to rare drinkers, so everyone can enjoy them. Experiment to find your favorites!