Few things evoke the spirit of Christmas quite like a luxurious Irish cream liqueur.
This velvety and indulgent boozy tipple has become a cherished tradition in many households over the festive season, from finishing a bottle whilst wrapping presents to treating yourself as a Christmas dinner dessert.
But it’s no secret that the price of a regular bottle of Baileys can be a bit of a budget buster, ranging from £15 to £20.
With this in mind, the team at Which? decided to conduct a comprehensive taste test of supermarket alternatives, examining their affordability, creaminess, and flavour profile.
In the consumer group’s ultimate showdown, Baileys triumphed with an impressive 76 percent score, but only just, as Lidl’s Deluxe Irish Cream was hot on its heels with just a one percentage point difference in overall satisfaction.
The tasters really liked the discounter’s flavour, appearance as well as mouthfeel. But I wasn’t convinced.
Though I had high hopes for Lidl’s offering, it didn’t quite hit all the right notes.
Even before I tried the festive tipples, I knew which one was the cheaper version. It is paler in colour and noticeably thinner in consistency.
After taking a sip, I was struck by its pronounced sweetness. While it possessed pleasant cocoa notes reminiscent of the original, its flavour profile was uncomplex and simpler. The presence of alcohol was less obvious, and it had a slightly less natural taste.
Comparatively, it’s undeniable that Lidl’s version falls short of the Baileys benchmark. However, at a wallet-friendly price of just £7.99, it stands as a compelling option, especially amidst the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
In stark contrast, the classic Baileys, the undisputed go-to choice, retails at a steeper £16.50 for a 70cl bottle at Sainsbury’s – a staggering 106 percent more than Lidl’s alternative. In my view, the extra investment is well worth it, and it’s worth noting that Baileys often goes on sale in the lead-up to Christmas at major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons.
You don’t realise how much of a kick Baileys has until you try it alongside other creams. The mouthful I had was perfection. If I closed my eyes, I would have believed it was the big day and I was sitting in front of the fire, snuggled up on the sofa watching a Christmas film.
It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth. And I wholeheartedly agree with Which?’s tasters when they commend the “perfect balance between the cream and the alcohol” in Baileys.
For those who wish to explore beyond the classic, Baileys now boasts an extensive range, including flavours like Mint Chocolate and Chocolate Luxe. And the good news is, Asda and Tesco are currently offering it for just £10. Tesco’s deal is exclusively for Clubcard holders, a free-to-join loyalty programme.
If you’re planning to go all-in, the one-litre bottle – usually priced around £22 – can be snagged for a tempting £13 at Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco for Clubcard holders.
It’s worth mentioning that both options have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 17%. So, this holiday season, whether you opt for the classic indulgence of Baileys or the budget-friendly charm of Lidl’s Irish Cream, raise your glass and savour the warmth of the season, one sip at a time.
