Imagine a dessert that transforms the classic Manhattan cocktail into a luscious, creamy frozen treat that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This isn't just another ordinary ice cream recipe - it's a sophisticated, adult-only dessert that brings the elegance of a timeless cocktail directly to your dessert plate. Perfect for cocktail lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this Manhattan Cocktail Ice Cream promises to be the showstopper at your next dinner party or a luxurious personal indulgence.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup sweet vermouth
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Whisk thoroughly until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth base mixture.
- Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and vanilla extract to the cream mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a cocktail-inspired liquid base.
- Finely chop maraschino cherries and set aside. Reserve a few whole cherries for garnishing the final ice cream.
- Pour the liquid mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- During the last 5 minutes of churning, gradually fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and develop full flavor complexity.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-7 minutes to soften slightly. Garnish with reserved whole maraschino cherries.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor - the alcohol content helps keep the ice cream smooth and prevents excessive crystallization.
- Ensure your sugar is completely dissolved in the cream mixture to achieve a silky-smooth texture.
- Chill your ice cream maker's bowl thoroughly before churning to help the mixture freeze more efficiently.
- For an extra touch of sophistication, consider using premium maraschino cherries from a gourmet food store.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can use the no-churn method by whipping the cream first and folding in the other ingredients, then freezing for 6-8 hours.
- Allow the ice cream to temper for a few minutes before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 100mg
