The name says it all—these are all liqueurs that contain either dairy cream or a similar substitute along with other flavorings.

 

Most of us are familiar with iconic brands like Bailey's Irish Cream (whether served in coffee, over ice cream, or just on the rocks), but there are plenty of options to choose from. Some cream liqueurs will use neutral grain spirits as a base while others will use whiskey, rum, or even a rice-based liquor in the case of horchatas. They are generally lower in alcohol content than liquors and can be flavored with any number of herbs, spices, and even fruits. Great for after-dinner drinks and holiday cocktails, cream liqueurs add a nice heft and depth to cocktails that sets them apart from other liqueurs.

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Cream liqueurs are made to be shelf-stable for quite a while and can be safely stored without refrigeration after opening. Since they do contain either dairy cream or a similar substitute, it is still advisable to store them out of direct sunlight and in a cool place whenever possible.