Graeter's Unveils Boozy Ice Cream Just In Time For The Kentucky Derby

Mint Juleps, move over because there's a new Kentucky Derby season treat stealing the spotlight, and it's boozy in the best way possible.

America's oldest family-owned and operated ice cream maker, Graeter's Ice Cream, is celebrating 155 years of hand-crafted deliciousness with a scoop-worthy collaboration that's as Kentucky as it gets.

Meet their newest creation: Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream, a decadent flavor born from a first-ever partnership with New Riff Distilling, the award-winning Kentucky-based bourbon brand.

This boozy beauty isn't just a new flavor; it's history in the making.

Following the viral success of Graeter's Skyline Chili ice cream (yes, that happened), the brand is back to shake up your spring with something a little more refined but just as bold. Bourbon Ball Ice Cream blends Graeter's signature French Pot small-batch process with the smooth, oaky richness of a single barrel of New Riff bourbon, whiskey-glazed pecans, and velvety dark chocolate chips.

It's everything you love about the classic Southern bourbon ball candy, served cold, creamy, and with a kick.

Worried about the ABV? Don't be. While it's Graeter's first-ever alcohol-infused flavor, it contains less than 0.5% ABV, making it family-friendly but still fun for grown-ups looking for a Derby-inspired indulgence.

Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream will be available for online nationwide shipping starting Friday, April 11, at Graeters.com.

It will officially launch in all 50+ Graeter's scoop shops on Monday, April 14, with select grocery stores, including Meijer, Jungle Jim's, and Dorothy Lane Market, stocking the flavor later this spring. For those near the action, fans can also stop by New Riff Distilling on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to score free samples and grab a pint right from the source.

According to Graeter's fourth-generation president and CEO, Richard Graeter, the new flavor is more than just dessert; it's a celebration of two iconic Kentucky traditions.

"Working with the team at New Riff to taste and select a special Single Barrel, our team has created the perfect fusion of our hand-crafted process and New Riff's exceptional distilling," he said in an email sent to The Blast. "It's a unique experience that honors the rich flavors of Kentucky."

Mollie Lewis, president of New Riff, echoed the excitement: "Graeter's has been an incredible partner... The way they incorporated our Single Barrel Bourbon into this recipe blew us away."

The new flavor is also stepping in as an evolution of Graeter's beloved Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan, raising the bar for bourbon-based desserts with an even deeper nod to Kentucky roots.

Since 1870, the Graeter family has kept things deliciously old-school, sticking to their time-tested French Pot process, making them the only ice cream company in the world still producing at scale this way. Today, they've got over 3,000 grocery store placements across 46 states, ship 300,000+ pints a year, and operate more than 50 scoop shops. Not bad for a company that started with a humble cart in Cincinnati.

So whether you're planning a Derby Day party, bourbon-themed brunch, or just craving something cool and Kentucky-authentic, Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream deserves a place at the table. Just don't be surprised if it steals the show.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic and celebrated horse races in the world.

Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, at the historic Churchill Downs, this prestigious event features three-year-old Thoroughbred horses racing over a distance of 1¼ miles on a dirt track.

Often called "The Run for the Roses" because the winning horse is draped in a blanket of red roses and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" due to its fast pace, the Kentucky Derby is also the first race in the famed Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

The race always takes place on the first Saturday in May, making it a springtime tradition for millions of fans. In 2025, the Derby will be held on May 3. With a purse currently set at $5 million, the stakes are high, and only elite three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete for the title.

Over the years, the Derby has crowned many legendary winners, including Secretariat, who still holds the record for fastest time (1:59.4 in 1973), and American Pharoah, who won in 2015 before going on to clinch the Triple Crown.

The Derby draws thousands of people to Churchill Downs each year, with ticket options ranging from infield general admission to luxurious seats in Millionaire's Row.