A little over two 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 of 2018, but we’ve already uncovered SIX dairy-free cream liqueurs to pore over.
The Best Dairy-Free Cream Liqueurs to Make You Forget All About Irish Cream
All of these creamy dairy-free sips are labeled as vegan and gluten-free. 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
Bom Bom Fully Baked
It was actually a very close race between Almondaire and Bom Bom Fully Baked – I’d even venture to call it a tie. They are both delicious, but different.
Bom Bom Fully Baked is made with creamy hemp milk and premium Caribbean rum. Everyone liked the flavor, but a mild “hemp taste” was noted. It has wonderful hints of cocoa intertwined in the smooth creamy finish, and is the strongest of the dairy-free cream liqueurs that we tasted.
It’s enjoyable to sip, but we also thought this cream liqueur was a real star in cocktails. This Vegan Apple Pie Martini is a unique but irresistible drink!
- Base: Hemp Milk Beverage
- Allergens: Contains Soy
- Alcohol: 14.2%
- Availability: U.S. and Canada
- Info: www.drinkbombom.com
Bom Bom Nilli Vanilli
The warm vanilla flavor rush and pure, creamy consistency made this dairy-free cream liqueur our hands down favorite. The others are good, even great, but this one is the best. The vanilla permeates both the scent and the taste for a level of dairy-free indulgence that is hard to rival.
Bom Bom Nilli Vanilli is wonderful in cocktails, but we couldn’t resist sipping most of it straight up. It’s full-bodied, but not too heavy, and has the same strong kick of Caribbean rum as their Fully Baked variety.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the dairy-free cream liqueurs on the market, but this intensely vanilla beverage with creamy almond milk and rum truly won us over.
- Base: Almond Milk Beverage
- Allergens: Contains Almond and Soy
- Alcohol: 14%
- Availability: U.S. and Canada
- Info: www.drinkbombom.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!
Quick Facts on Besos de Oro Dairy-Free Cream Liqueurs
- Base: Tigernut Milk Beverage
- Allergens: None Listed
- Alcohol: 18% (Brandy)
- Availability: U.K.
- Info: besosfoodanddrinks.co.uk
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!
For More Creamy Dairy-Free Recipes, Get Go Dairy Free!
2 Comments
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!