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What is the alcohol content of Bailey’s Irish Cream?

Quick answer

Baileys Original Irish Cream is 17 percent alcohol by volume, which is 34 proof. That is much lower than most spirits at about 40 percent. Flavored Baileys versions can differ, so check the label of the bottle you have.

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In this article
  1. What is the alcohol content of Baileys?
  2. How does it compare with other drinks?
  3. What is Baileys made of?
  4. How do you serve Baileys?
  5. Does it go off?
  6. How many drinks is a glass of Baileys?

What is the alcohol content of Baileys?

Baileys Original Irish Cream is 17 percent ABV, according to the maker, which works out to 34 proof. That means 17 ml of pure alcohol in every 100 ml. Other Baileys flavors and plant-based versions may have a different strength, so read the label.

How does it compare with other drinks?

Drink Typical ABV
Baileys Original 17%
Wine About 12 to 15%
Brandy About 40%

Most spirits such as whiskey, vodka and gin are also commonly around 40 percent, but check each label. Because Baileys is sweet and creamy, it is easy to drink more than you realize, so measure pours.

What is Baileys made of?

The maker describes it as fine Irish whiskey and spirits blended with Irish dairy cream and chocolate and vanilla flavors. It contains milk and milk products (including lactose), so it is not suitable for anyone avoiding dairy.

How do you serve Baileys?

  • Neat or over ice.
  • Shaken into cocktails.
  • Stirred into coffee.
  • Over ice cream or baked into cakes.

Does it go off?

It contains cream, so check the best-before date on the bottle and the storage advice on the label. Keep it sealed, out of heat and sunlight, and do not drink it if it smells sour or has separated and will not shake back together.

How many drinks is a glass of Baileys?

The amount of alcohol depends on the pour size. As arithmetic, 100 ml of a 17 percent liqueur holds about 17 ml of alcohol, roughly what 150 ml of 12 percent wine holds. If you need an exact number, use a units calculator and the volume you pour.

People also ask

What percent alcohol is Baileys?

The Original is 17 percent ABV (34 proof), according to the maker.

Is Baileys stronger than wine?

Per volume, slightly. Baileys Original is 17 percent versus about 12 to 15 percent for wine.

Does Baileys contain dairy?

Yes. The maker lists milk and milk products, including lactose, as allergens.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. Baileys: Baileys Original Irish Cream, read 6 Nov 2026
  2. Feast and West: Brandy 101 (wine and brandy ABV), read 6 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jul 13, 2023 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
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