Despite its name, it is not a traditional Irish product, as the first version of it, Baileys, was invented in 1973 by British businessman Tom Jago in London, in response to a marketing brief from Gilbeys of Ireland (a division of International Distillers & Vintners).

[2] Nevertheless, within the European Union, Irish cream is a protected geographical indicator product that must be produced in Ireland.

[3] Top brands of Irish cream include Baileys, Kerrygold, Merrys, Carolans and Saint Brendan's.

Irish cream is served straight, on the rocks or in mixed drinks, often layered in a shot glass with Kahlúa and Grand Marnier to make a B-52 shot or mixed with coffee or hot chocolate.

Some use Irish cream to flavour desserts and other sweet treats.