Boozy Ice Cream: The Scoop on Alcohol-Infused Desserts

First came Jello shots, then Rummy Bears, and now liquor-infused ice cream? It seems we'll never run short of creative ways to enjoy alcohol. But what's behind this trend? Are people really mixing ice cream with liquor? Let's dig in!

The Trend: Alcohol-Infused Treats

Like many culinary mash-ups, liquor-infused ice cream aims to make a good thing even better by combining two favorites—booze and ice cream. Food history is full of attempts to blend popular flavors. Some, like pizza pockets or smoothies, have succeeded. Others, like certain soft drink hybrids, have flopped. When it comes to alcohol-infused foods, there are plenty of examples, and boozy ice cream is just the latest.

The Rise of Boozy Desserts

Let's clarify one thing: infusing foods with alcohol to feel its effects is different from cooking with alcohol. Dishes like coq au vin or rum-spiked tiramisu use alcohol as an ingredient, and most of its intoxicating power evaporates during cooking. Alcohol-infused desserts, however, are designed to satisfy both sugar and alcohol cravings in one go.

Here are some popular boozy treats:

• Jello Shots: The college classic that can actually get you drunk—though they're hardly a dessert.
• Rummy Bears: Alcohol-soaked gummies that require ID to buy, but you'd need to eat a lot to feel any effect.
• Boozy Fruits: Fruit soaked in liquor, like tipsy strawberries or drunken pineapple.
• Alcoholic Whipped Cream: Toppings like "White Lightning" that pack a small alcoholic punch.

Aside from Jello shots, most boozy desserts won't give you much of a buzz if eaten as intended. But they still come with risks, as we'll see.

Tipsy Scoops and Beyond

Boozy ice cream has taken off, with shops like Tipsy Scoop and Buzzed Bull Creamery popping up nationwide. Thanks to online liquor delivery, these treats are now available almost everywhere.

The Science of Alcohol in Ice Cream

What is liquor-infused ice cream? Exactly what it sounds like. But adding alcohol isn't as simple as it seems. Alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water—pure ethanol freezes at -173.5°F. This means adding too much liquor can turn ice cream into a soupy mess. Most manufacturers limit alcohol to about 20% of the ice cream base's weight, resulting in roughly 8% ABV—though it's often less to preserve flavor and texture.

Will It Get You Drunk?

Can alcohol-infused ice cream make you tipsy? It depends. Legal limits vary by state—some cap ABV at 5%, others allow up to 9%. So, while a brand like Arctic Buzz might have a stronger kick, you'd still need to eat a lot to feel intoxicated. Your biology and even the placebo effect can play roles, too.

Is It Dangerous?

Liquor-infused ice cream isn't immediately dangerous, but it's not doing you any favors:

• High in Calories: Alcohol and ice cream are calorie-heavy, and alcohol calories are "empty," offering no nutrition.
• Blood Sugar Issues: The combo can disrupt blood sugar levels and increase diabetes risk.
• Dopamine Overload: Both sugar and alcohol spike dopamine, potentially reinforcing cravings.
• Deceptive Appearance: It looks like regular ice cream, so kids or those avoiding alcohol might accidentally consume it.

Tips for Safe Enjoyment

• Monitor your intake of both alcohol and ice cream.
• If unsure, ask whether ice cream contains alcohol.
• Keep boozy ice cream away from children and those avoiding alcohol.
• Consider alternatives like smoothies or mocktails.
• Use urge-surfing techniques from Quitemate to manage cravings.

Final Thoughts

While liquor-infused ice cream isn't something to panic over, it's not as harmless as it appears. It likely won't get you drunk, but it won't benefit your health either. Sometimes, it's best to enjoy ice cream as it is—simple, classic, and delicious.