If you think it’s hard to improve upon ice cream, try one infused with wine, beer or liquor. Even Ben and Jerry’s is on board, announcing it will release a beer-infused ice cream in conjunction with New Belgium Brewing Co. later this year. Thanks to these grown-up versions, sharing a pint this summer just got a whole new meaning.
Pearl & Ash
Ever tried a cocktail sandwich? This New York City restaurant has earned acclaim for its killer beverage program—it made Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants list in 2015—and the dessert menu is just as impressive. Gin fans shouldn’t miss the Negroni Ice Cream Sandwich ($6). The Campari, semi-sweet Vermouth and Gordon’s Gin-infused ice cream is slathered between pieces of decadent orange-vanilla cake, making for a boozy bite.
Steve’s Ice Cream
Forget that after-dinner drink—Kentucky Bourbon fans should try this vanilla ice cream mixed with a heady dose of Bulleit Bourbon. The Brooklyn, New York-based company sources its milk and cream from the dairy cooperative Hudson Valley Fresh. The ice cream sells for $6.99 per pint at national retailers like Whole Foods and Safeway.
The Ice Cream Bar
This Georgia-based ice creamery has been pushing the envelope since its inception in 2011, releasing nearly a dozen flavors of ice cream and sorbet spiked with everything from rum to pumpkin ale. Its Brandy Alexander Chip clocks in at 8.2% abv, meaning you’ll taste brandy in every bite. Averaging $8 per pint, it’s available year-round at select grocery stores in Georgia, and the company is eying national distribution.
Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream
Designed with wine lovers in mind, Mercer’s offers eight frozen flavors inspired by favorite wine-and-food combinations like strawberries and Champagne. Offering a particularly luxurious feel, the rich Ruby Port ($7.95/pint) incorporates New York-made Taylor Wine Company Port and registers at 5% abv.
The Clam
Although this New York City restaurant is largely devoted to chef/owner Mike Price’s favorite ingredient—you guessed it, clams—the dessert menu skews toward classic American treats, with a twist. The Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream Sundae, $9, uses Berkshire Mountain Bourbon in its housemade pecan gelato base. The scoop is adorned with warm chunks of cinnamon and pecan bun, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
OddFellows and Maison Premiere
Partnering with liquor brands and local restaurants, quirky Brooklyn ice cream shop OddFellows has some unique spiked desserts for the summer like Absinthe Chocolate Chip ice cream. It’s served alongside a scoop of celery-flavored ice cream at Brooklyn oyster bar Maison Premiere for $11, which has a following for its extensive collection of absinthe from around the world.
The Red Cat
This New York City eatery doesn’t skimp on good spirits in this boozy dessert treat ($10). Pastry chef Sharon Vanegas swirls a Pierre Ferrand 25-year-old Cognac with cherry purée into a housemade crème fraîche vanilla ice cream studded with boozy brandied cherries. The liquor-heavy base is bookended by two brownie cookies and is topped with chocolate fudge and cherries mixed with sugar and brandied cherry juice.
Ritz Carlton Sarasota
Those who can’t do dairy don’t have to miss out on the fun. Beat the heat with cocktail-inspired popsicles ($12), perfect for beach or poolside lounging. Choose from Mai Tai, made with Banks 7 Golden Age Rum and a blend of fresh orange, pineapple, passion fruit and mango juices, or the satisfyingly simple margarita, with Patrón Tequila, fresh lime juice and a hint of salt.
1Negroni Ice Cream Sandwich
2No. 21 Small Batch Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream
3Brandy Alexander Chip
4Ruby Port Ice Cream
5Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream Sundae with Bourbon-Pecan Gelato
6Absinthe Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
7Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich
8Cocktail Popsicles
