The Best Plant-Based Baileys Alternatives

Baileys Irish Cream is such an institution in England, that it’s worth looking at plant-based alternatives. It’s not actually Irish (it’s owned by a  multi-national brand that also owns Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan rum and Gordon’s gin).

Plumbers ask us to not pour ‘cream liqueur’s down sinks as like cooking oil, they clog pipes and cause fatbergs. Bin small leftovers in paper, or for large amounts, use an oil recycling container.

Here are a few independent alternatives, which are all plant-based:

Oat Panther Milk (from Barcelona via Glasgow!)

Panther Milk is inspired by a Spanish cocktail. It’s made with spiced/white rum, gin and brandy. Choose from cream, mint, strawberry or coffee. Serve chilled over ice, and top with cinnamon.

This oat-milk cocktail is inspired by a legendary 100-year old Spanish drink, a mix of spice, molasses and a ferocious afterbite!

The drink was created by a Glaswegian businessman, who discovered the history of the original recipe, while in a bar in Barcelona. He did secured funding from Dragon’s Den. But eventually settled for private funding, and the brand is now stocked in off licenses and supermarkets.

Available in four flavours:

• Crema
• Rosa
• Mentha
• Caffè 

Licor 43 Horchata Cream Liqueur

Licor 43 Horchata Cream liqueur is a fusion of horchata with flavours of tiger nuts, spice and citrus. Pair with pineapple juice, espresso and cinnamon for the perfect cocktail.

Or add to ice cubes and mashed raspberries, stir and top with more fresh berries.

Creamaura (plant-based tequila cream liqueurs)

Creamaura offers plant-based tequila cream liqueurs. The caramel versions blends dark-roasted coffee with caramel and vanilla. The Rose version blends rose and strawberry, lovely for dessert cocktails.

Make Your Own Vegan Baileys

This recipe for vegan Baileys (PlantYou) only needs a few ingredients. Sweetened with maple syrup, you need a good blender. Someone online suggests to mix oat milk with Tia Maria (coffee liqueur) for a similar drink.

Health and dietary benefits

Plant-based Baileys substitutes often have less saturated fat and can be much lighter on your stomach. Unlike regular Baileys, these options are lactose-free, which is a bonus for anyone who finds dairy tough to handle. Many versions also use less sugar or opt for natural sweeteners.

If you’re looking at calories, some plant-based brands beat the classic. For example, classic Baileys clocks in at about 327 calories per 100ml, while many vegan options land around 200 to 250 calories for the same size. Check the bottle, though, as recipes vary:

A classic Baileys is 327 calories per 100 ml with high saturated fat and sugar content. Most plant-based alternatives have almost half the calories and low or natural sugars.

Ethical and environmental impact

Plant-based Baileys alternatives aren’t just better for your body, they’re kinder to the world too. With dairy-free drinks, there’s no need for animal farming, which means less strain on natural resources. This cuts greenhouse gases and eases pressure on water and land use.

Plus, plant-based cream liqueurs appeal if you’re put off by animal cruelty. Each bottle supports brands moving away from animal-based ingredients and towards choices that hurt less and give back more. You can raise a glass and know you picked something that’s both kinder and cleaner.

Allergy‑friendly options

Common allergies can ruin a treat, but vegan cream liqueurs often help sidestep some of the big triggers. Some brands make their drinks without nuts or soy, using oats, coconut, or rice instead. This widens the options for people who need to avoid these allergens.

When shopping for a plant-based Baileys, check the label for:

• Nut-free: Perfect if you react to almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts.
• Soy-free: Good news for anyone with soy intolerances or allergies.
• Gluten-free: Safe picks for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.

With several choices ticking these boxes, it’s easier to pour a creamy treat that fits your needs. Plant-based drinks don’t just keep up with the classic, they make sure more people can join in without missing the rich flavour or smooth finish.

Serving Ideas For Vegan Baileys

Once you’ve found your favourite plant-based Baileys alternative, you’ll want to make the most of it. Creamy liqueurs do more than just dress up your drinks. They slide into desserts, perk up your coffee, and even add a grown-up twist to simple treats. Explore the best ways to enjoy every drop, but remember, a little care goes a long way when it comes to clean up.

Cocktails and coffee drinks

Pouring a plant-based cream liqueur opens up a world of simple, tasty serves. Some classic combinations belong in every drinks rotation, whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself at home.

Check out these popular picks:

• Irish coffee: Add a splash of your vegan cream liqueur to fresh hot coffee, topped with dairy-free whipped cream.
• White Russian: Stir together plant-based cream liqueur, vodka, and coffee liqueur over ice for a smooth, indulgent cocktail.
• On the rocks: Sometimes, the only thing you need is a glass, a few ice cubes, and a generous pour.
• Espresso martini upgrade: Shake your favourite plant-based cream liqueur with vodka and strong espresso for an extra creamy version of this bar favourite.
• Dessert latte: Mix a shot of liqueur into your oat or almond milk latte for a sweet and boozy pick-me-up.

These blends keep things easy but feel a bit special, perfect for both slow weekend mornings and lively evenings with friends.

Dessert pairings

Plant-based cream liqueurs do more than stand out in drinks, they shine in desserts too. If you like the idea of turning an everyday treat into something richer and more memorable, these pairing ideas are quick but effective.

Some delicious ways to use up your vegan cream liqueur:

• Drizzle over brownies: Pour a spoonful over warm chocolate brownies straight from the oven.
• Ice-cream topping: Use as a sweet sauce over vanilla, chocolate, or coconut-based ice-cream.
• Add to mousse: Stir a little into vegan chocolate mousse for a deeper flavour and silkier texture.
• Layer in trifles: Splash between layers of sponge and custard in a plant-based trifle for a grown-up twist.
• Boozy milkshake: Blend a scoop of ice-cream, a splash of cream liqueur, and a handful of ice for a creamy shake with a kick.

These pairing ideas let your favourite liqueur stretch further, whether you’re after a quiet treat or a dinner party showstopper.

Conclusion

Plant-based Baileys alternatives offer more than just a swap for the original. There are rich oat, creamy coconut, and nutty almond options for every mood. If you want to skip shopping, DIY recipes let you shape the taste exactly how you like.

Both store-bought and homemade picks can slot into your drinks cupboard with barely any fuss. Try a few, see which one fits your style, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Everleaf is a brand of award-winning no-alcohol aperitifs, ideal for making mocktails (no drink can be 0% alcohol, as even fruit has a little booze). Just mix one part with 3 parts mixer over ice, then add a garnish, for summer in a glass.

If mixing with tonic waters, know that quinine should be avoided for pregnancy/nursing and some medical conditions (blood thinners, antibiotics, antidepressants and for liver failure). In these cases, mix with soda water instead.

Choose from:

• Forest (saffron, vanilla, orange blossom)
• Mountain (cherry blossom, bittersweet rosehip)
• Marine (sea buckthorn, bergamot, kelp – avoid for thyroid issues)

This brand was founded by a conservation biologist, who spent years learning how to observe and learn from the natural world. All ingredients are sustainably-harvested, and the brand gives back to conservation causes worldwide.

Wilfred’s Aperitif is another good brand, made without alcohol and free from honey. Natural botanicals are blended with bitter orange, aromatic rosemary, clove and a hint of rhubarb. Created by an engineer after 100 experiments! His site has simple mocktail recipes.

For a sweeter end to your meal, Gibson’s Organic Liqueurs are made in the Cotswolds, and include:

• Elderflower – a floral taste of an English summer
• Blackberry (add a splash to bubbly, or drizzle into vegan ice-cream or crumble)
• Raspberry (add to vegan ice-cream, crumble or trifle)