Updated August 2026.
“Cordial” is not a separate US distilled-spirits class from liqueur. is the liqueur / cordial standard: a flavored distilled spirit with added sugar (and optional coloring) bottled at not less than 30° proof (15% alcohol by volume) in most cases. Brand pages may say cordial or liqueur. Baileys Original prints 17% official. A 1.5-ounce pour at 17% is 0.43 of one NIAAA drink.
Related: Baileys taste, schnapps vs liqueur, Kahlúa taste.
Rule vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| US liqueur / cordial | From labeled ABV |
| Baileys Original | 0.43 |
| Word on the label | — |
| Wine “cordial” | — |
A 750 mL 17% bottle is about 7.2 drinks. Four pours are 1.7 drinks. Pour math: liqueur drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.150. baileys.com Original 17%.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.150; usually ≥15%