Tesco Irish liqueur dubbed 'Baileys but better' now on sale

Irish Daily Mirror

10 hours ago

Irish cream liqueur is often associated with Christmas time, the sweet, creamy tipple pairing perfectly with cosy films and family games nights. However, as it is served delightfully ice cold, it also makes a perfect summer drink, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
When browsing the shelves for an Irish cream liqueur, plenty of shoppers reach straight for the Baileys. It's a tried and tested treat, for sure, but there are some delicious alternatives out there such as Coole Swan's liqueur, which is now €22 with Tesco Clubcard in selected Tesco stores and at Tesco.com, saving shoppers up to €4.
This drink is said to be great for those who want a lighter, cleaner, smoother and more luxurious sip that was made specifically for long summer evenings, poured over ice and shared with friends. Irish family-founded brand Coole Swan makes its cream liqueur from single malt Irish whiskey, real Belgian white chocolate, and fresh Irish dairy cream which comes straight from the family farm.
The drink is said to have no synthetic flavours, no over-the-top sweetness and has less sugar but more flavour. Plus, it's won 90 international awards including World's Best Liqueur and the Number One Irish Cream Liqueur from Tasting Table. "Finally, we arrive at the only Irish cream liqueur I would safely rate over Baileys: Coole Swan," Tasting Table said.
They described the drink as being "perfectly balanced in a way that's almost difficult to comprehend". The praise doesn't end there, as our shopping editor, Narin Flanders, also endorses it. She sampled it alongside Baileys, a long-standing favourite.
Tesco is offering discounted Coole Swan for everyone with a Clubcard.
Narin commented: "Putting the two glasses next to each other, it's easy to see one of the key differences in ingredients reflected in the colour of the glorious nectars. Coole Swan's Belgian white chocolate origins give it a lighter colour than Baileys' rumoured milk chocolate blend.
"You'd imagine that Coole Swan, being white chocolate-based, would taste sweeter, but to my surprise - and possibly due to the strength of the malt - it tasted more mellow, smoother, and had less of an initial kick."
She continued: "While I love Baileys, for me, the taste comes in stages - you have the initial sweet scent and then the first hit of warmth when you swallow, and then it's eased by the cream that extinguishes the fire. Coole Swan has all of the same elements, but somehow they blend in a way where you get them all simultaneously - there's no fiery undertone and no sweet hit - it's just all beautifully, perfectly balanced from the first sip."
Adding to her remarks, Narin said: "Both drinks have a similar alcohol volume - Baileys is 17% while Coole Swan is 16% ABV - but Coole Swan feels less boozy, making it drinkable to the point of moreish."
If shoppers still aren't convinced, they could try a range of alternatives such as the original fan favourite Baileys Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur 50cl for €25.48 from Masters of Malt. Another option could be the Two Stacks Double Irish Cream for €25.53 from Whisky Exchange.
Shoppers have rated Coole Swan highly, however, on platforms including Trustpilot. One person said: "Excellent service and an excellent product."
Another wrote: "It is now our go to drink for after a meal or for a relaxing evening chat."
One did comment on the taste, adding: "Nice drink but too sweet."
A reviewer also wrote: "Amazing product and company... Coole Swan is the absolute best Irish Cream out there."
For a lower price and rave reviews, Coole Swan could be worth a try for those on the hunt for a new summer tipple.