Kentucky just got a whole lot cooler—literally. Graeter’s Ice Cream and New Riff Distilling have teamed up to churn out Bourbon Ball Ice Cream, a luscious, bourbon-laced dessert inspired by the iconic Southern candy. Featuring a swirl of New Riff’s single barrel bourbon, dark chocolate chips, and whiskey-glazed pecans, this scoop is a flavorful celebration of craftsmanship and collaboration. It’s an indulgent nod to local tradition with big implications for buyers, retailers, and R&D teams across the frozen dessert and alcohol-inspired product categories.
Bourbon in my ice cream? Yes, please!
America’s oldest family-owned ice cream company just made a bold new move—and it involves bourbon.
Graeter’s Ice Cream (est. 1870 and still handcrafting with the French Pot method) announced their newest flavor: Bourbon Ball Ice Cream, created in collaboration with Kentucky’s very own New Riff Distilling. The flavor is now available for national shipping through Graeters.com, and hits scoop shops on April 14. Want to taste it early? Swing by New Riff’s Gift Shop on April 12 for free samples.
Here’s what makes this scoop special:
- Crafted with New Riff’s single barrel bourbon – selected specifically for this collab
- Loaded with whiskey-glazed pecans and rich, dark chocolate chips
- Inspired by the classic Kentucky bourbon ball candy
- Retail availability includes Meijer, Jungle Jim’s, and Dorothy Lane Market this spring
- Replacing the Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan flavor—a bold, boozy baton hand-off
The end result? A flavor that walks the line between smooth sippin’ and sweet scoopin’. And it’s got both bourbon lovers and dessert fans lining up for a taste.
“It’s the perfect blend of two great traditions. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with another local, family-owned business that shares our passion for craft and quality.” Mollie Lewis, President of New Riff.
Bourbon ball hits freezers
On the surface, it’s just ice cream. But dig a little deeper, and it’s a snapshot of several big trends scooping up steam in food and beverage:
- Small-batch meets barrel-aged: The handcrafted, single-barrel combo gives this flavor a story consumers want to savor.
- Layered indulgence: Texture, crunch, boozy notes, and nostalgia—it’s a whole sensory experience in a pint.
- Retail-ready with limited-edition appeal: This isn’t a long-term SKU. It’s a “get it while it lasts” moment designed to create urgency and exclusivity.
- Alcohol-inspired without the hangover: A flavor that tips its hat to spirits without packing a punch—perfect for a broader audience.
“Working with the team at New Riff to taste and select a special Single Barrel, our team has created the perfect fusion of our handcrafted process and New Riff’s exceptional distilling,” said Richard Graeter, President and CEO of Graeter’s.
Sweet. Creamy. Legendary.
Sure, it’s dessert. But it’s also an R&D goldmine. Here’s what this means for you if you’re sourcing for private label, co-man, or retail innovation:
Ingredients worth watching:
- Alcohol-infused extracts (think bourbon, rum, or tequila essences)
- Specialty nuts like whiskey-glazed pecans or candied almonds
- Premium chocolate chunks for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Natural flavoring alternatives to recreate boozy vibes in non-alcoholic formats
Co-branding playbook alert: This collab shows how two craft-minded companies can merge to create a product that’s more than the sum of its parts—and a lot more marketable.
Final boozy scoop!
Graeter’s Bourbon Ball Ice Cream isn’t just a fun new flavor—it’s a perfect example of how indulgence, heritage, and modern consumer cravings can intersect. For bulk buyers and food innovators, this is your sign to lean into story-rich collabs, regional inspiration, and flavor formats that bring a little playfulness to the table.
Got a boozy idea for your next frozen dessert or confection? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for whiskey-glazed nuts or the perfect chocolate chip for your next sweet creation? We’ve got you covered—without needing to distill your own bourbon.
For sourcing support or just to brainstorm some bold new flavors, get in touch or browse our catalog of bulk, wholesale ingredients. Let’s make something delicious together. Talk to our team!
