Here’s a dirty little secret: I am kind of a sucker for Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Yes, yes, I know. It’s too sweet. It’s a girly drink. It’s like an alcohol milkshake. It’s sort of gross. I know all these things, and I agree with them, but I still kinda like it. What can I say: i have my guilty pleasures.
But, truth to tell, I never drink Bailey’s anymore, because I am embarassed to be seen buying it. So my overactive superego has thwarted my own pleasure principle. Until now.
I picked up a bottle Drambuie the other day, along with (on the recommendation of an acquaintance) a bottle of Dewars White. I have strong opinions on single malt scotch, but I know next to nothing about blended scotch. The Dewars was reasonably inexpensive and works well in mixed drinks. Anyway, while drinking a Rusty Nail (2 parts scotch, 1 part Drambuie), a strange thought occurred to me: “I wonder if putting a little cream in this would make it better, or ruin it?”
It turns out that if you put a little cream in a rusty nail and shake it up, you end up with something that tastes almost exactly like Bailey’s. It lacks a hint of chocolate, but I’m sure one could fix that up with a dusting of cocoa powder.
So problem solved. I can now have my cake and drink it too.
Tried “Coole Swan” irish cream yet? The guy who wrote the brewpubs of PA book I keep in my car reviewed it, I haven’t tried it yet. I dunno if it’s outside NYS but if not, I’ll get some next month.
http://lewbryson.blogspot.com/2008/01/coole-swan.html
Yup, the secret is out. My wife and I enjoy the occasional Bailey’s, but you can make it yourself much more cheaply. IIRC, the recipe involves any old blended scotch, a pint of cream, and almond essence. Mix and shake. Just don’t shake too much, or it’ll end up solid!. If you’re interested, I’ll dig up the actual quantities we use.
Do yourself a favor and watch the “Old Gregg” episode of the Mighty Boosh.
It’s a comedy program shown here on BBC3… anywhere else it would be too funny/absurdest to air.
There are pieces of it on YouTube and if you look there are some torrents available.
I can’t think about Bailey’s without laughing about this episode.