Liquid Gold: Why This Cult-Favourite Irish Cream Is Better Than Any Easter Egg On The Shelf
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In case you haven’t been to a supermarket – or, like, any shop – lately, there are a million new types of Easter eggs in the world.
We might have gotten used to the Creme Eggs and Lindt bunnies of our youths, but you can now buy a chocolate treat in basically any shape you like. Dinosaur? You got it. Poodle? No probs.
And while I’m not one to turn my nose up at any kind of post-roast (or just middle of the day) sweet treat, I have to confess that the thrill of eggs at Easter starts to wear off more with each year that goes by.
Honestly, I think that’s because spending so much time around family of a long weekend often calls for something stronger.
As one of the youngest of my extended family, it feels like I’m constantly calling for a cocktail or alcoholic beverage (pronounced ‘bever-ahj’, FYI) to get me through an evening of political pondering.
The best part of this particular penchant is that sweet treats and alcohol are not necessarily mutually exclusive, so I’ve taken plenty of pleasure in indulging in an espresso martini or spiced fruit G&T with my Fun Aunt™️.
But I’ve long been looking for a way to scratch my Easter chocolate itch while getting my bev on, so imagine my surprise when I found out an Irish Cream Liqueur could be the solution to all my problems – truly.
Until now, I foolishly thought ICLs were restricted to a glass of Baileys on Christmas day. And let me ask you this: is anyone actually fussed about a thick glass of glorified alcoholic milk after gobbling down every kind of carb under the sun at Christmas lunch?
So imagine my surprise when I decided to give the latest ICL, Coole Swan, a go in an inspired moment of attempting to make a hot chocolate martini.
If there’s one thing I learned from my bartending days, it’s that you have to give you liquor a taste au naturale before adding it to a cocktail. Even if it gets you fucked.
Not to sound dramatic, but that cool glass of Coole Swan on the rocks really rocked my world.
Now, another thing you need to know about me is I’m a white chocolate apologist. Sorry, sue me! One review of the liqueur hit the nail on the head when they described the experience as “like pouring white chocolate ice cream into a glass”.
It was vanillary, smooth and, best of all, not too sweet. And, thanks to being made with real Belgian white chocolate, it tasted exactly like a white chocolate ice cream – all while managing to be lighter than Baileys.
It’s no wonder, then, that Tasting Table rated Coole Swan as its No.1 Irish Cream Liqueur and another review claimed: “This is in a different league.”
Still not convinced? Coole Swan also boasts the title of the ‘World’s Best Liqueur’ alongside over 90 international awards.
Personally, it’s won the award of being the Most Surprising Liqueur on my bar cart. After my years of ICL avoidance, I now reach for this regularly to concoct a white chocolate martini, or when I feel like a pick me up after dinner.
I’ve even stocked up on a fresh bottle for my Easter weekend cocktails – and Tesco has £6.50 off online and in select stores when you swipe your clubcard until 4 April to mark the occasion.