Carolans liqueur is a type of Irish cream, an Irish thick alcoholic drink, which is a mixture of whiskey, fresh cream and honey. It is the last ingredient that distinguishes this liqueur from analogues like Baileys. Carolans is produced in Tipperary County, Clonmel. It is curious that the name of the town comes from the Celtic Cluain Meala, which translates as “valley of honey.”
Features
The strength of the drink is 17% (14.5% in the version for the English market). The liqueur is tender and thick (mass fraction of cream exceeds 30%). On the palate, you can feel the tones of vanilla, creamy toffee, aged whiskey, wild flower honey and herbs.
History
Liquor Carolans (Carolans Irish Cream) appeared in 1978 and in July 1979 was introduced to the English market. Now the famous drink is exported to more than 40 countries and is considered the second Irish cream in the world after Baileys.
The liquor got its name in honor of the wandering Irish musician of the XNUMXth century, who became famous for his virtuoso playing the harp – Turlough O’Carolan. It is noteworthy that the brand name is written without an apostrophe before s.
Production technology
The preparation of Carolans liqueur takes place in four stages:
- Preparation of the base: Irish whiskey and alcohol are first mixed. When it is possible to achieve the necessary condition, cream is added to the mixture.
- The finished base is poured into stainless steel containers, more cream, honey, water and stabilizers are added so that the liquor does not curdle.
- “Marriage”. It is necessary to mix the components so that the drink does not delaminate, and the taste becomes balanced and whole. The technology that allows you to combine cream with a strong alcohol base is kept secret.
- Bottling. The drink is cooled, tasted, and if the tasters give the product the highest rating, it is bottled and sent for sale.
How to drink Carolans
The sweet thick liqueur can also be drunk neat with a glass or two of ice, but Carolans is best suited as a cocktail ingredient or component in gourmet desserts.
The manufacturer notes that the drink is not combined with citrus fruits and juices, otherwise there are no restrictions.
An unopened bottle of Carolans is stored for about two years in a dark, cool place. Open liquor is recommended to be kept in the refrigerator and drunk within six months. Like other cream liqueurs, Carolans thickens over time, the fresher the drink, the brighter and richer the taste.
You can snack on sweet liquor with desserts or drink it with black coffee.
Cocktails with Carolans
- carolans latte. Pour 2 parts Carolans, a standard espresso, 1 part Irish whiskey and 3 parts hot milk into an Irish coffee glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon and grated nutmeg to taste.
- Nutty Irishwoman. Mix equal parts Carolans and Frangelico liqueurs, garnish with vanilla berries.
- Mint Carolans Freddo. Mix equal parts of Carolans liqueur and cold milk, a bar spoon of mint liqueur in a shaker with ice. Pour into a chilled glass, garnish with a sprig of mint.
- Carolans Espresso’tini. Mix 3 parts Carolans liqueur, 2 parts vodka, one bar spoon of sugar syrup and a cup of espresso in a shaker with ice. Pour into a chilled glass, garnish with three berries.
In addition, Carolans can be used in cocktails instead of Baileys or other Irish creams.