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.
Serving Ideas For Vegan Baileys
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.
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.
- 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.
