ALBANY, New York – Move over, wine slushies—beer ice cream is coming to New York. A newly passed state law will allow the sale of ice cream made with beer or cider. The frozen treats must contain no more than 5% alcohol by volume and can only be sold to those 21 and older. While wine ice cream has been legal in New York for over a decade, lawmakers voted earlier this year to expand the offering, hoping to tap into growing consumer interest. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Senator James Seward, noted that the legislation blends two of New York’s signature industries: dairy and locally crafted beer and cider.
What is Beer Ice Cream?
Beer ice cream is a frozen dessert that incorporates beer as an ingredient, blending the flavors of hops, malt, and sometimes even the specific notes of the beer style (like chocolate stout, IPA, or pumpkin ale) into a creamy, sweet treat. It typically has a subtle beer flavor and often pairs well with ingredients like caramel, chocolate, or vanilla.
Here are a few key things to know:
Alcohol Content: Most commercial beer ice creams are made with very low alcohol content—often under 5% ABV—to comply with food safety and legal regulations. Some are even cooked to remove most of the alcohol while keeping the flavor.
Taste Profile: The flavor can range from malty and nutty to citrusy and hoppy, depending on the type of beer used. Brewers and ice cream makers may use stouts for a rich, coffee-like profile or IPAs for a slight bitterness and citrusy twist.
Availability: It’s still considered a novelty item but is growing in popularity at specialty creameries, craft breweries, and in states where it’s legal.
Variations: Beer ice cream can be found as:
A churned, creamy dessert like traditional ice cream
A soft-serve style in taprooms or beer festivals
A beer float (ice cream served in a pint of beer)
In 2015, Ben and Jerry’s made a beer ice cream
Ben & Jerry’s New Belgium Salted Caramel Brown-ie Ale ice cream was a limited-edition flavor released in 2015 as part of a collaboration between Ben & Jerry’s and New Belgium Brewing. The ice cream featured a brown ale–infused base with fudge brownies and salted caramel swirls, and a portion of the proceeds supported the nonprofit Protect Our Winters.
This flavor is no longer in production and has been discontinued. It is listed among Ben & Jerry’s retired flavors, often referred to as the “Flavor Graveyard.”