Quick Answer
There are approximately 10-13 grams of carbs in 1 shot (1.5 ounces or 44ml) of Baileys Original Irish Cream. Since Baileys is a liqueur made with whiskey and cream, the majority of the carbs come from residual milk sugars left over after fermentation.
How Many Carbs in Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys Original Irish Cream contains 10-13 grams of carbohydrates per 1.5 ounce (44ml) serving according to the nutrition facts label and information provided by the manufacturer Diageo.
Here is a breakdown of the carbohydrate content in 1 shot of Baileys Irish Cream:
- Total carbs: 10-13 grams
- Sugars: 10-13 grams
The main source of carbs in Baileys is sugar, specifically residual milk sugar (lactose) left over after fermenting the Irish whiskey and Irish cream used to produce it.
During the fermentation process, most of the milk sugar gets converted to alcohol, but not all of it. The remaining unfermented milk sugar accounts for nearly all of the carbohydrate content.
There are minimal amounts of other sugars or starches beyond the lactose from the cream.
Nutrition Facts for Baileys Irish Cream
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1.5 ounce (44ml) serving of Baileys Original Irish Cream:
| Nutrition Facts | 1.5 oz (44ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 121 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 4mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10-13g |
| Sugars | 10-13g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
Factors Affecting Carbs in Baileys
There are a few factors that can impact the exact carb count in Baileys Irish Cream:
1. Ingredients
The specific ingredients used in production may cause slight variation in carbs. The amount of Irish cream and residual lactose sugars can vary between batches.
2. Serving Size
Larger serving sizes will have more carbs. A 3 ounce (89ml) serve of Baileys would contain 20-26g carbs.
3. Flavor Varieties
Other flavors like Baileys Salted Caramel may have slightly different carb counts depending on added ingredients.
4. Manufacturing Differences
There may be small differences between production facilities and regions. The fermentation process can impact residual sugars.
Carb Content of Baileys Versus Other Liqueurs
Compared to other popular liqueurs, Baileys Irish Cream has a moderate carbohydrate count. Here’s how it compares:
| Liqueur (1.5oz/44ml serve) | Total Carbs |
|---|---|
| Jagermeister | 15g |
| Baileys Irish Cream | 10-13g |
| Kahlua | 15g |
| Frangelico | 16g |
| Chambord | 17g |
| Cointreau | 17g |
| St Germain | 18g |
| Southern Comfort | 18g |
| Amaretto Disaronno | 20g |
Baileys contains fewer carbs than most liqueurs since milk sugar is the main contributor versus added cane sugar in other liqueurs.
Low Carb Options
For a lower carb option, Baileys Almande is made with almond milk instead of Irish cream. It contains only 2g net carbs per serving.
There are also some homemade low carb Bailey’s recipes made by infusing heavy cream with Irish whiskey and sugar-free flavors.
Do Carbs from Alcohol Count?
Yes, carbs from alcohol still count and impact ketosis on low-carb diets like keto. The body still absorbs and metabolizes the carbs for energy.
Hard alcohols like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey are the lowest carb options since they don’t contain added sugars. Dry wines are also low carb.
Should You Drink Baileys on a Low Carb or Keto Diet?
Baileys can be enjoyed occasionally on a keto diet in small servings, but it may temporarily pause ketosis due to the carb content.
Most low carb diets suggest limiting carb intake to under 50g daily. One shot of Baileys contains 10-13g carbs, so just one serving takes up a large percentage of a person’s daily carb limit.
When drinking Baileys or any liqueur on keto, it’s best to account for the carbs by reducing other carb intake that day to stay under the limit and in ketosis.
Tips for Drinking Baileys on a Low Carb Diet
Here are some tips for enjoying Baileys Irish Cream on a low carb or keto diet:
- Limit intake to 1 small serving (1-1.5oz) max per day
- Drink plain with no added syrups or sugary mixers
- Pair with very low or zero carb mixers like unsweetened almond milk or seltzer
- Account for carbs by reducing other carbs in meals that day
- Drink occasionally as a treat, not daily
- Stick to original flavor since flavored varieties likely have more carbs
Low Carb Baileys Drink Recipes
Here are some delicious low carb recipes for enjoying Baileys in keto-friendly ways:
Low Carb Baileys and Cold Brew Coffee
- 1 shot Baileys Irish Cream (1.5oz)
- Cold brew coffee
- Heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk (optional)
- Ice
Combine over ice and enjoy!
Low Carb Baileys Frappe
- 1 shot Baileys Irish Cream (1.5oz)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Small handful ice cubes
- 1/4 tsp sugar-free caramel syrup (optional)
- 1/4 tsp sugar-free hazelnut syrup (optional)
Blend all ingredients together until frothy and enjoy!
Low Carb Baileys Milkshake
- 1 shot Baileys Irish Cream (1.5oz)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower florets
- 1/4 tsp sugar-free vanilla syrup (optional)
- Small handful ice cubes
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
The Bottom Line
Baileys Irish cream contains around 10-13 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from milk sugar, per 1.5 ounce (44ml) serving.
It can fit into a low carb lifestyle like keto in moderation and when accounted for. Limit intake to 1 small serving max per day and pair with low carb mixers.
Enjoy Baileys occasionally as a low carb treat, and opt for low sugar alcohol options at other times to stay in ketosis.
