Quick Answer
There are approximately 140 calories in a standard 1.5 oz shot of Baileys Original Irish Cream. The exact calorie count can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and alcohol content.
Calorie Count for Different Baileys Products
The number of calories in a shot of Baileys can differ depending on the specific product:
Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 1.5 oz shot: ~140 calories
- 1 oz serving: ~93 calories
Baileys Chocolat Luxe
- 1.5 oz shot: ~147 calories
- 1 oz serving: ~98 calories
Baileys Espresso Creme
- 1.5 oz shot: ~140 calories
- 1 oz serving: ~93 calories
Baileys Pumpkin Spice
- 1.5 oz shot: ~147 calories
- 1 oz serving: ~98 calories
Baileys Almande (Almond Milk)
- 1.5 oz shot: ~130 calories
- 1 oz serving: ~87 calories
So as you can see, the calorie count ranges from 130-147 calories per 1.5 oz shot depending on the variety. Baileys Original is around 140 calories per shot.
Nutrition Facts for Baileys Original Irish Cream
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1.5 oz (one shot) serving of Baileys Original Irish Cream:
| Nutrition Facts | 1.5 oz (One Shot) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Protein | 0.6g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugar | 10g |
As you can see, the majority of the calories in Baileys comes from fat and carbohydrates, predominantly sugar. Let’s break down where the calories come from:
- Fat: 7g of fat x 9 calories/g = 63 calories
- Carbs: 11g of carbs x 4 calories/g = 44 calories
- Protein: 0.6g of protein x 4 calories/g = 2 calories
- Alcohol: About 31 calories
Added together, this equals the total of around 140 calories per shot of Baileys. The alcohol itself provides around 31 of those calories.
Baileys Ingredients
To better understand the calories and nutrition in Baileys Irish cream, let’s look at the key ingredients:
- Cream – Cream provides the creamy, rich texture as well as some of the fat and calories. Fresh cream has about 30% fat.
- Irish Whiskey – Whiskey is distilled from grains like barley, corn and rye. It provides alcohol calories as well as flavor.
- Cocoa – Cocoa powder provides chocolate flavoring and contains antioxidants.
- Sugar – Sugar adds sweetness and carbohydrate calories.
- Natural Flavors – Other natural flavors enhance the creamy chocolate taste.
So the combination of cream, cocoa, sugar and Irish whiskey make Baileys a sweet, indulgent treat. The creaminess comes from the high-fat cream.
Alcohol Content of Baileys
Baileys contains about 17% alcohol by volume, or 34 proof.
This alcohol percentage means:
- There are about 0.8 oz of pure alcohol in each 1.5 oz shot of Baileys
- The alcohol itself provides around 31 calories per shot
- The whiskey used in Baileys is typically a blend of malt and grain whiskies
The alcohol content contributes to both the flavor and the calorie content of Baileys Irish cream.
Comparing Calories in Baileys vs Other Cream Liqueurs
How does Baileys compare calorie-wise to other cream liqueurs?
Here is a calorie comparison of some popular cream liqueurs:
| Cream Liqueur | Calories (per 1.5 oz shot) |
|---|---|
| Baileys Original Irish Cream | 140 |
| McCormick Irish Cream | 147 |
| Carolans Irish Cream | 135 |
| Godiva Chocolate Liqueur | 200 |
| Starbucks Coffee Liqueur | 140 |
| RumChata | 270 |
As you can see, Baileys is fairly average calorie-wise compared to other cream liqueurs. It contains slightly fewer calories than brands like McCormick’s or Godiva, but more than Carolans Irish Cream.
So if you’re looking for a lower calorie option, Carolans clocks in at just 135 calories per shot. But overall, most cream liqueurs range from 130-270 calories per serving depending on the ingredients.
Does Baileys Irish Cream Have Health Benefits?
Given its high calorie and alcohol content, Baileys Irish cream does not provide much in the way of nutritional benefits.
However, some of its ingredients like cocoa and dairy do contain some nutrients:
Cocoa
The cocoa used to flavor Baileys provides:
- Flavonoids – Antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk
- Minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium
- A small amount of fiber
However, the cocoa is likely highly processed so some nutrients may be lost.
Cream
The cream used in Baileys supplies:
- Vitamin A – Important for immune function and vision
- Calcium – For strong bones
- Protein
- Some B vitamins like riboflavin (B2) and B12
But overall, Baileys is considered an indulgent treat and not a significant source of nutrients, vitamins or minerals. It’s the alcohol content that makes it particularly unhealthy.
Ways Baileys Irish Cream is Commonly Served
While Baileys is often enjoyed on its own or over ice, there are several delicious ways to serve this Irish cream liqueur:
In Coffee Drinks
Adding a shot of Baileys is a popular way to enhance coffeehouse drinks like:
- Baileys Coffee Latte
- Baileys Iced Coffee
- Baileys Mocha
- Baileys Cappuccino
The creaminess pairs especially well with the bitterness of coffee.
In Hot Chocolate
For an indulgent winter warmer, add a shot or two of Baileys to hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream for extra decadence.
In Milkshakes or Smoothies
For a boozy twist, blend Baileys into milkshakes, frappes or adult smoothies. It pairs well with chocolate, caramel, vanilla or fruit flavors.
In Baking Recipes
Add Baileys to recipes like:
- Baileys cheesecake
- Chocolate Baileys brownies
- Baileys chocolate chip cookies
- Baileys frosting or whipped cream
It infuses baked goods with chocolate-Irish cream flavor.
In Shooters
Some popular Baileys shooters include:
- Slippery Nipple – Baileys + Sambuca
- Chocolate Cake – Baileys + Frangelico
- Girl Scout Cookie – Baileys + Peppermint Schnapps
- Lemon Drop – Baileys + Lemon Vodka
The creamy liqueur blends well with many other spirits.
Tips for Consuming Baileys Irish Cream
If enjoying Baileys, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Enjoy cold – Store Baileys in the refrigerator and serve chilled. The colder temperature enhances the creamy texture.
- Use in moderation – At 70 proof, Baileys is a strong liqueur. Limit intake to 1-2 servings max per day.
- Check for curdling – When mixing with acidic juices or soda water, Baileys can curdle. Add modifiers slowly and stir to check for curdling.
- Store properly – After opening, re-seal the bottle and store in the fridge to maintain quality. Consume within several months.
- Avoid freezing – Do not freeze Baileys or place over ice cream as it can cause splitting.
Following these tips will help you enjoy Baileys Irish cream at its best!
Is Baileys Gluten-Free?
Baileys Irish cream is certified gluten-free by the Celiac Sprue Association.
It is produced without the use of any ingredients containing gluten. So people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely consume Baileys without issue.
The gluten-free status makes Baileys a good option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. It can be substituted in cocktails or recipes that call for a cream liqueur.
Some other popular gluten-free cream liqueurs include:
- Carolans Irish Cream
- Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
- Amarula Cream Liqueur
So if you need to avoid gluten, Baileys remains a tasty choice to use in moderation. Those with celiac disease should still check the label for any recipe or manufacturing changes.
Low Calorie and Low Carb Options Similar to Baileys
While delicious, Baileys Irish cream is quite high in calories and sugar. Are there any lower calorie and carb options?
Here are some ideas for lighter cream liqueurs to substitute in cocktails or recipes:
Keto-Friendly Options
- Ryan’s Cream – Just 30 calories and 0g carbs per serving
- Keto Bailey’s – 60 calories and 1g net carbs per serving
- Rebel Cream Liqueur – 80 calories and 3g net carbs per oz
These brands are designed for low-carb keto diets. They replace the sugar with stevia or other zero-calorie sweeteners.
Lighter Dairy-Free Options
- Baileys Almande – 130 calories and 7g sugar per serving
- Godiva Chocolate Vegan – 220 calories and 16g sugar per serving
- Califia Farms Nog – 90 calories and 2g sugar per serving
These dairy-free options use almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, cutting some calories.
Lighter Regular Cream Liqueurs
- Carolans Irish Cream – 135 calories per 1.5 oz
- Emmets Irish Cream – 115 calories per 1 oz
- St. Brendan’s Superior Irish Cream – 101 calories per 1 oz
While not drastically lower in calories, these regular (non-dairy-free) options are a bit lighter than Baileys.
So in summary, there are some low calorie and low carb cream liqueur options if you want a product with less sugar and calories than Baileys Irish cream.
The Bottom Line
To summarize key points:
- There are approximately 140 calories in a standard 1.5 ounce shot of Baileys Original Irish Cream
- The calories come mostly from fat, carbs and alcohol
- Baileys provides little nutritional value and is considered an indulgent treat
- It can be served on its own, in coffee drinks, baked goods, with chocolate or in shooters
- Store opened Baileys in the fridge and drink within a few months
- Baileys is certified gluten-free but still high calorie
- Lower calorie cream liqueur alternatives are available
So if you’re going to enjoy Baileys, do so in moderation and account for the roughly 140 calories per serving. Substituting lower calorie options or limiting intake is best for maintaining a healthy diet. But an occasional shot of Baileys can be a special, chocolatey treat.
