Boozy Ice Cream News

Alcohol and ice cream is not a new phenomenon in New York. Since 2018, Gilligan’s Ice Cream in Sherburne, New York, has been adding beer and hard cider to its ice cream, with flavors such as Fireball Whiskey. Tipsy Scoop opened at 270 Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn in September 2019. They boast of blending “the magic of an artisanal, hand crafted ice cream with the mastery of a perfectly mixed cocktail.” Flavors include Cake Batter Vodka Martini and Vanilla Bean Bourbon. Other establishments, such as Morgenstern’s on West Houston Street, UES on Second Avenue, Oddfellows on Water Street in DUMBO, and Bona Bona in Port Chester all are licensed to serve alcohol on their premises. The New York State Liquor Authority, since at least January 2019, has not considered a confectionary with 5% or less alcohol content an alcoholic beverage. There is a bill that unanimously just passed the New York State Senate (S7013) amending a number of statutes to make this state law. This would apply to sealed packages of ice cream, as well as ice cream products sold in restaurants or ice cream shops. The bill is awaiting action by the New York State Assembly.