Peta highlights 10 vegan cream liqueurs
Animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has unveiled its pick of the best vegan cream liqueurs ahead of the festive season.
The organisation has chosen 10 international vegan cream liqueurs for its ‘cream of the crop’ award list, and paid homage to the distillers producing ‘dairy-free delights’ that are every bit as indulgent as they are kind to cows.
“Whether mixed into a Grasshopper or White Russian or sipped straight over ice, all the winners on Peta’s list deliver buzzworthy flavour,” said Peta founder Ingrid Newkirk. “Peta is encouraging everyone to make the holidays merry and bright for all by giving these delicious dairy-free liqueurs a shot.”
Peta’s list features products from around the world, from Australia to the UK, and Italy to Finland. All featured brands will receive a framed certificate.
Keep reading to find out what Peta considered to be the crème de la crème of the vegan cream liqueur category.
Baileys non-dairy liqueur
Baileys, one of the biggest cream liqueur brands in the world, made Peta’s list on account of its oat- and almond-based creations being ‘milestones on the path towards a vegan future for the sector’.
The brand first moved into dairy-free in 2017 with its Almande expression, though a lack of consumer interest at the time saw it removed from shelves. But, this year Baileys ‘levelled up’ with two oat milk-based liqueurs. Cookies & Creamy offers vanilla and chocolate richness, while Coffee Toffee combines roasted coffee with sweet buttery notes.
Oatrageous
Vegan company Oatrageous made its debut in 2024, bringing a light and smooth experience to the cream liqueur category while toning down the sugar and calories.
Made with sustainably sourced oats (because all of its products are said to be made ‘with the planet in mind’), the brand boasts three expressions: Coconut, Espresso, and Bourbon Cream. The latter is said to be the ‘world’s first’ dairy-free Bourbon cream, made with whiskey distilled at Ross & Squibb Distillery, also known as MGP, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Oatrageous suggests using its products to create Espresso Martinis, Piña Coladas, White Russians or other classic cocktails that use cream elements.
Dirty Cow Cre*m Liqueur
London brand Dirty Cow started life as a vegan chocolate company, but soon branched into cream liqueurs – or, as it says, ‘cre*m liqueurs’. It offers three signature flavours – Silky Strawberry, Sooo Original, and Loaded Chocolate. All include Scotch whisky and coconut extract, are free from 14 allergens and gluten-free.
Presented at 17% ABV, the vegan cream liqueurs have some pretty OTT cocktail suggestions for each expression. The Dirty Frappé is an irresistible fusion of velvety caramel and cre*m liqueur, while the Oreo Hardshake sees the classic flavours of Oreo cookies meld with a creamy ice cream base and 50ml of Loaded Chocolate Cre*m Liqueur.
Almondaire
Almondaire is a Wisconsin-based brand that creates a vegan and gluten-free crème liqueur, made with a combination of chocolate, vanilla and almonds.
Peta added this brand to its list on account of it being a perfect base for a mixed drink.
The taste is said to be creamy and indulgent, with a prominent almond flavour that is sweet but not overpowering. Subtle hints of vanilla and a touch of caramel add complexity, creating a rich and velvety mouthfeel. The natural nuttiness of the almonds balances the sweetness, making it a delightful treat for any palate.
Black Lines Oatnog
‘Tis the season for creamy serves, and it doesn’t get more festive – or creamier – than Black Lines Oatnog.
The decadent annual sell-out release is a dairy-free rendition of the traditional Christmas serve Eggnog, made with Two Drifters Rum, Oatly Barista oat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
Each 750ml bottle contains five serves. The liqueur is designed to be poured straight over ice, or served warm by heating on the stove and garnished with ground nutmeg.
Pallini Limoncello Cream
Hailing from Rome, this citrusy cream liqueur is the brainchild of Italian brand Pallini, which has taken the Mediterranean flavours of a classic limoncello and brought it to new heights with the addition of coconut oil.
The infusion is made using Italy’s finest Amalfi Coast lemons, carefully selected for optimal freshness and flavour. These are recognised as the highest quality lemons, non-GMO and pesticide-free, and allegedly can be eaten in bites like an apple.
The Pallini Limoncello recipe has been a family tradition for more than 100 years, and the lemons are still harvested by hand from the slopes of the Amalfi Coast.
Aihiki Coconut Cream Liqueur
Australian brand Aihiki has brought tropical vibes to its dairy-free cream liqueur, with the addition of aged whiskey and hints of chocolate and vanilla.
The brand offers several serving suggestions, including the It Takes Two to Mango – a delicate blend of Aihiki, papaya and Galliano liqueur, spiked with fresh mango and lime. The Coconut & Pineapple Pisco Sour, meanwhile, is Aihiki’s take on the Peruvian sipper that is bright, citrusy and the ultimate refresher.
Cremaura Tequila Cream Liqueur
First launched in late 2023, Cremaura offers a plant-based twist on traditional cream liqueurs with its Tequila-based Coffee Caramel and Rose flavours.
In October, the brand made the switch from glass bottles to paper. The new bottles, which weigh just a fifth of a traditional bottle, are said to have a carbon footprint up to six times lower than that of glass bottles. Good for cows and good for the planet.
Lustre
Global Brands-owned Lustre highlights three different spirits in its trio of cream liqueurs, with rum featured in its Pineapple Cream, vodka in the Caffe Latte Cream, and Tequila taking the spotlight in the Strawberry Cream expression.
Needless to say, the Pineapple Cream makes for the perfect addition to an extra-creamy Piña Colada, while the Caffe Latte Cream is screaming to feature in your next Espresso Martini.
The base of the range is made from a blend of soya protein and coconut oil. This produces three times less CO2 emissions and 95% less water per litre than dairy-based liquids.
Arctic Blue Oat
Finally, Peta added Arctic Blue Oat from Arctic Blue Beverages to its list on account of it being the world’s first dairy-free gin-based oat liqueur.
Made in Finland, the liqueur joins northern oats in harmony with the brand’s Arctic Blue Gin to create the flavour of an oaty blueberry pie, smothered in vanilla sauce and topped off with a generous sprinkling of cardamom. Expect aromas of freshly baked cardamom bread.
While Arctic Blue Oat liqueur provides warmth in the winter, serving it over ice also makes for a refreshing and cooling drink on hot summer days.
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