Households across the UK are being urged to think twice before disposing of any leftover Christmas Baileys down the kitchen sink, as plumbing experts issue a stark warning about potential pipe damage.
The plumbing peril of creamy liqueurs
Unlike spirits or wine, the popular Irish cream liqueur has a limited shelf life of approximately six months once opened due to its dairy content. This often leads people to pour away unfinished bottles. However, tradespeople from MyBuilder.com have clarified that this common practice is a mistake.
They classify cream liqueurs like Baileys as FOG – Fats, Oils, and Greases. When poured down the sink, these substances can stick to the interior of pipes, cool, harden, and ultimately cause serious blockages. This contributes to the formation of large 'fatbergs' in the public sewer system.
A tastier alternative: Baileys fudge
Instead of risking a costly plumbing call-out, a savvy solution has emerged from social media. A chef named Jane demonstrated on TikTok how to transform leftover Baileys into a simple, indulgent fudge.
The recipe requires just three core ingredients:
- 600g of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 397g of condensed milk (one standard tin)
- 125ml of Baileys
The method is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and melt until smooth, using a microwave or bain-marie. The mixture is then poured into a lined baking tin, spread evenly, and refrigerated until set. Finally, it is cut into squares for serving.
Safe disposal and other uses
For those who do not wish to cook with their leftover liqueur, the recommended method for disposal is to seal it in a container and place it in the general waste bin. This prevents FOG from entering the drainage system.
It is not just Baileys that poses a problem; other festive leftovers like turkey fat fall into the same hazardous FOG category and should be treated similarly, being allowed to cool completely before binning.
For mere dregs left in a bottle, another suggestion is to add a splash to hot chocolate or coffee for an instantly upgraded warm drink. This festive warning serves as a reminder that the most delicious solutions are often far better for your home—and your taste buds—than the drain.
