Updated in 2023! A few years ago, Bailey’s launched their first dairy-free and vegan creamy liqueur. And since then, some delicious competition has emerged. This adults-only market hasn’t reached the epic proportions of the great dairy-free ice cream boom, but we have uncovered EIGHT dairy-free cream liqueurs to pour over.
The Best Dairy-Free Cream Liqueurs to Make You Forget All About Irish Cream
All of these creamy dairy-free sips are reportedly gluten-free, and they are vegan unless otherwise noted. They also contain alcohol, and can only be purchased in the U.S. if you are 21 or over. In Canada, you must be 19 or over, and in the U.K., you must be 18 over over.
Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur
We can’t thank Baileys enough for forging the dairy-free cream liqueurs path. And their attempt was valiant. Bailey’s Almande provides a great milky base for making drinks. The flavor is simple, lightly sweet, and much like almond milk mixed with brandy.
But if you are expecting a dairy-free clone of Baileys Irish Cream, then I would move on. The consistency isn’t nearly as creamy and has a relatively flat finish. And the flavor is pleasant, but it lacks that extra something for a truly indulgent experience. We also thought the scent needed more allure – it was slightly odd and plain without any warm notes.
That said, this is the lightest option of the bunch in both taste and alcohol. It has a nice spirited balance, although we couldn’t find what liquor it is made with. One would assume Irish whiskey, but it’s been difficult to confirm. And it is the easiest brand to find. You can even order it on Amazon!
- Base: Almond Milk Beverage
- Allergens: Contains Almond and Soy
- Alcohol: 13%
- Availability: U.S., Canada, and U.K.
- Info: www.baileys.com
Almondaire Almond-Based Creme Liqueur
This award-winning drink deserves every medal. They’ve made a better attempt to mimic Baileys Irish Cream with a full-bodied, creamy mouth feel. It’s still lighter, but it does offer those warm hints of cocoa and vanilla that we were longing for.
The warming sensation of this libation is a touch stronger than Baileys Almande, but again we’re left wondering what spirit it’s made with. The label just says, “made with natural grain spirits.” The smooth flavor and consistency of Almondaire won us over for straight sipping and cocktails, and it really does hold its own against the competition.
- Base: Almond Milk Beverage
- Allergens: Contains Almond and Soy
- Alcohol: 13.9%
- Availability: U.S.
- Info: www.almondaire.com
Tokaj Vegan Coconut & Almond Liqueur
This lightly creamy Hungarian beverage was slated to launch in the U.S., but we haven’t seen it in stores yet. Nevertheless, it’s easy to get in Europe and is quite delicious. The company sent us a few bottles to try. We served them at a couple parties and every single person liked the taste quite a bit. In fact, it was voted “better than Bailey’s” by several people.
Tokaj Vegan is almond flavored, not almond based, which gives them a holiday vibe. The alcohol is strong, but not overpowering, and is balanced with just enough sweetness to make this a grown-up treat.
- Base: Coconut Oil and Soy
- Allergens: Soy
- Alcohol: 15%
- Availability: Europe, possibly U.S.
- Info: tokajspirit.hu
Misunderstood Oat Nog
The Misunderstood Whiskey Co. released the first ready-to-drink, dairy-free hard Oat Nog in the U.S.. It’s a lightly creamy seasonal blend made with oat milk and the brand’s Ginger Spiced Whiskey. It’s not too sweet, but does provide dessert-like satisfaction with a grown-up kick.
- Base: Oat Milk
- Allergens: Unconfirmed
- Alcohol: 14%
- Availability: U.S.
- Info: misunderstoodwhiskey.com
Black Lines Oat Nog Liqueur (New this Year!)
Misunderstood might be a dairy-free pioneer in North America, but Black Lines is Europe’s first hard oat nog. Their creamy drink is a bit richer, a touch buttery, and much lower in alcohol. It’ s made with Minor Figures Barista Oat Milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, and lightly spiked with East London Rarer Rum. But get it while you can! This is a purely seasonal beverage that launches in late October.
- Base: Oat Milk
- Allergens: Unconfirmed
- Alcohol: 6%
- Availability: U.K.
- Info: blacklinesdrinks.com
Licor 43 Horchata
This sweet, refreshing, and lightly creamy liqueur hit the U.S. market in 2021. But the brand has been around for a while, making their namesake liqueur in Spain. The horchata is a traditional Valencia recipe using tigernuts.
- Base: Tigernuts
- Allergens: None listed
- Alcohol: 16%
- Availability: U.S.
- Info: www.licor43.com
Besos de Oro (2 Flavors)
I can’t rank this line of dairy-free liqueurs, because they’re only sold in Europe at this time. Besos de Oro is a Spain-based vegan company that has created rich brandy and tiger nut milk liqueur. It’s available in Classic and Chocolate flavors in the U.K., and they are trying to gain distribution in the U.S.
Tiger nuts aren’t actually tree nuts. They’re starchy tubers that are creamier than your average potato. If you have the 2nd Edition of Go Dairy Free, then I recommend trying the Eye of the Tiger-Nut Mylk Recipe – it’s a unique experience.
Unlike the other dairy-free cream liqueurs on the market, Besos de Oro is touted as top allergen-free. Their motto is, “Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Soya Free, Nut Free, Cruelty Free but Not Alcohol Free!” If you are in the U.K., please pick some up and let us know how this brand compares!
- Base: Tigernut Milk Beverage
- Allergens: None Listed
- Alcohol: 18% (Brandy)
- Availability: U.K.
- Info: besosdeoronigeria.com
Prefer Homemade Irish Cream?
If you’re longing for a creamy recipe, can’t find these dairy-free cream liqueurs in store, or need a top allergen-free option, then I recommend trying one of these coconut milk-based Dairy-Free Irish Cream Recipes. They might not be spot on, but they’re close, and delicious!
Discontinued Brands
Sadly, it looks like Bom Bom is no longer producing their sweet, creamy, and delicious dairy-free liqueurs. They used to make a Half Baked and Nilli Vanilla flavors.
11 Comments
Dear Alisa,
Thank you for this article! It was immensely helpful, and hopefully companies will recognize the hole in the market for good vegan cream liquors! (LOVE the Horchata 43!)
I’m sad to report that for the time being, Godiva has discontinued their chocolate liquor due to a chocolate sourcing issue. (Or so the gentlemen at Binny’s told me. !?)
Thanks for all you do!
I just read an article about how this market is expected to grow, so hopefully we will see more dairy-free cream liqueurs in the near future. Thanks for the heads up on Godiva. Disappointing. I’m just waiting to hear back from them on confirmation.
You only have 4 brands listed and you couldn’t be bothered to taste all of them before writing your column?!
There are 6 brands listed. We don’t have access to a couple, but we did try the others. There are notes on them, and we also linked to our full reviews for a few.
Even if we can’t get access to them ourselves, we want to share all options in case you can! Sorry, we couldn’t fly to Europe to get notes on all for you!
I’ve not yet tried Beso but, when searching, I found that their site is no longer working. On Amazon there are some great reviews but not available on there. There is stock on: https://alternativeliqueurs.com for both the vanilla and chocolate.
Thanks! I updated the link.
I love to know how to mix dairy milk with other juice sugar free
Loved Besos De Oro, it’s the nicest Baileys alternative that I’ve tried so far though quite strong.
Than you for sharing this Nigel.
Alisa, I love how your reviews are so honest and unbiased they are! I also love how descriptive this is….I can almost taste it for myself…but without the buzz ?.
Haha, well I think you need to try them now Nicole, in the spirit of the holidays!