In a festive showdown that could shake up your Christmas drinks cabinet, a recent taste test has found an M&S Irish cream liqueur that rivals – and even surpasses – the iconic Baileys Original.
The Festive Taste Test Setup
For the 2025 festive season, Marks & Spencer sent over three of its own-brand Irish cream liqueurs for a professional review. The tasting panel, led by lifestyle writer Chanelle Georgina on December 17, put the drinks through their paces in a classic seasonal setting: wrapping presents while watching a Christmas film.
The three contenders were the M&S Chocolate and Cherry flavour Irish Cream Liqueur, the M&S Tiramisu flavour Irish Cream Liqueur, and the standard M&S Irish Cream Liqueur.
Surprising Results and Detailed Ratings
The first to be sampled was the Chocolate and Cherry variety, served chilled over ice. This liqueur, made with rich Belgian chocolate and fresh cream from Ireland's Arrabawn creamery, made an immediate and powerful impression.
"This one absolutely blew me away," the reviewer noted, describing it as creamy, silky, and dangerously easy to drink. The success was so pronounced that it led to a bold claim: this M&S creation even outdoes Baileys The Original in taste.
Next up was the Tiramisu flavour. It also delivered a wow moment, with delicate but present tiramisu notes and a lovely sweetness running through its pleasingly smooth texture. While highly rated, it was ranked just below the Chocolate and Cherry variant, a distinction attributed purely to personal palate preference.
The final test was the classic M&S Irish Cream Liqueur. This offering proved to be the surprise of the trio, and not necessarily in a good way. The first sip was described as a "shocker," packing a potent punch that was too strong for the reviewer's liking and not something they plan to revisit soon.
The Final Verdict
The official ratings from the December taste test were clear:
- M&S Chocolate and Cherry flavour Irish Cream Liqueur: 5/5
- M&S Tiramisu flavour Irish Cream Liqueur: 4.5/5
- M&S Irish Cream Liqueur: 2.5/5
The conclusion was definitive. The M&S Chocolate and Cherry flavour Irish Cream Liqueur could genuinely rival Baileys, proving that when it comes to festive tipples, the original is not always the best. For shoppers looking for a luxurious and flavourful alternative this Christmas, M&S has delivered a compelling contender.
