Introduction
Cream liqueurs are a Christmas tradition in many British homes. A glass over ice after dinner, a splash in hot chocolate or a cheeky pour into morning coffee on Christmas Day. But for anyone who is vegan or dairy free, traditional cream liqueurs are off the table. Barti Cream changes that.
Barti Cream is a plant based cream liqueur from Barti Rum, the award winning Welsh producer behind Barti Spiced. Made with coconut rather than dairy, it is vegan friendly while still offering the rich, smooth texture you expect from a cream liqueur. It is spiced with the same warming flavours as Barti Rum: vanilla, clove, cinnamon, orange and lemon.
What makes it stand out is that it does not feel like a compromise. It has won a string of awards, including Best New Launch at the World Drinks Awards, and it stands up well against traditional cream liqueurs.
We enjoyed Barti Cream over two weeks, neat, over ice and in drinks, to see whether it deserves a place on the Christmas drinks table.
Quick Verdict
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best for: Vegan and dairy free drinkers, cream liqueur fans and festive entertaining
Short summary: Barti Cream is smooth, indulgent and beautifully spiced, offering a genuinely delicious vegan alternative to traditional cream liqueurs. The chai like spices and subtle coconut create a warming, festive flavour. It needs refrigerating after opening and has a shorter shelf life once opened, but it is a fantastic Christmas treat.
Main pros
- Plant based and vegan friendly
- Rich, smooth texture
- Warming chai like spice profile
- Award winning
- Versatile neat, over ice or in hot drinks
Main cons
- Needs refrigerating after opening
- Best used within six months of opening
- Coconut base may not suit everyone
Quick buying recommendation: If you love cream liqueurs or need a dairy free option for festive gatherings, Barti Cream is a must try.
Where to buy: Buy direct from Barti | Check the latest price on Amazon
Product Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Barti Cream Liqueur |
| Brand | Barti Rum |
| Product Type | Plant based cream liqueur |
| Key Features | Vegan, coconut based, spiced, award winning |
| Main Purpose | Sipping, festive drinks and desserts |
| Price Range | Around £23.50 for 70cl |
| Ingredients | Coconut based cream, spices (vanilla, clove, cinnamon, citrus) |
| Best For | Vegan drinkers, cream liqueur fans, festive entertaining |
| Available Variants | 70cl (reviewed), with smaller sizes from some retailers |
Design & Build Quality
First impressions
The bottle is stylish and festive, with Barti’s distinctive branding. It has won awards for bottle design, and it is easy to see why.
Packaging
The bottle is practical for pouring and looks great on a drinks trolley or as a gift.
Presentation
It feels premium and giftable, perfect for Christmas.
Features & Performance
Aroma
Warm vanilla, cinnamon and clove, with a soft creamy note.
Taste
The palate is smooth and indulgent, with chai like spice, sweet vanilla and subtle citrus. Coconut is present but understated.
Texture
Rich and creamy, comparable to dairy based cream liqueurs.
Serving
Over ice, it is smooth and refreshing. In hot chocolate or coffee, the spices shine. It also works poured over desserts or in festive cocktails.
Real-World Experience
We enjoyed Barti Cream over two weeks with a mix of vegan and non vegan testers.
The non vegan testers were surprised by how creamy it was. Several said they would not have known it was dairy free.
The vegan testers were thrilled to have a cream liqueur that felt indulgent and festive.
Barti Cream in hot chocolate became a favourite, especially on cold evenings.
Frustrations were minor. We had to remember to refrigerate it after opening, and one tester found the coconut slightly noticeable.
The surprise was how versatile it was, working in coffee, hot chocolate and even poured over ice cream.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vegan and dairy free | Needs refrigerating after opening |
| Rich and creamy | Shorter shelf life once opened |
| Festive spice profile | Coconut may not suit all |
| Award winning | Less widely available than big brands |
| Versatile serving options | Sweet for some palates |
| Beautiful bottle | Occasional stock shortages |
Who Should Buy This?
Barti Cream is perfect for vegan and dairy free drinkers, cream liqueur fans and anyone hosting festive gatherings.
It may not suit those who dislike coconut or very sweet drinks.
As a Christmas gift, it is a brilliant, inclusive choice. Please drink responsibly.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Baileys Almande
A vegan almond milk liqueur from Baileys. Lighter in texture than Barti Cream.
Baileys Original
The classic dairy cream liqueur. Barti offers a spiced, vegan alternative.
Supermarket vegan cream liqueurs
Cheaper options exist, but Barti offers more flavour and character.
Barti Spiced Rum
For those who prefer spirits over liqueurs, Barti Spiced offers the same spice profile.
Is It Worth The Money?
At around £23.50, Barti Cream is fairly priced for an award winning, independent liqueur. The quality and flavour make it worthwhile.
Final Verdict
Barti Cream Liqueur is smooth, indulgent and beautifully spiced. It proves that vegan cream liqueurs can be every bit as enjoyable as traditional ones.
It needs refrigerating after opening, but it is a fantastic festive treat.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy: Buy direct from Barti | Check the latest price on Amazon
FAQs
Is Barti Cream vegan?
Yes. It is plant based and made with coconut rather than dairy.
What does Barti Cream taste like?
It has warming chai like spices, vanilla and subtle citrus with a creamy coconut base.
What is the ABV of Barti Cream?
Barti Cream is 15% ABV.
How should I store Barti Cream?
Refrigerate after opening and consume within six months.
How do you serve Barti Cream?
Over ice, in hot chocolate or coffee, or poured over desserts.
Is Barti Cream a good Christmas gift?
Yes. It is festive, inclusive and award winning.
