Jose Mier of Sun Valley, CA finds lots of unique dessert recipes and this week’s discovery is just that. A recipe found on Space Shops and Laser Beams shows how to make Skrewball whiskey ice cream.

Whiskey and ice cream might sound like an unlikely pair, but in the world of creative desserts, the two make a remarkably harmonious combination. The deep, smoky warmth of whiskey adds complexity to creamy sweetness, and when done right, it transforms a simple scoop into a sophisticated indulgence. Among the many varieties of whiskey available, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey stands out as one of the most playful and dessert-friendly options. Its sweet, nutty, and slightly salty flavor profile makes it an ideal match for ice cream, offering both comfort and novelty in every bite. Whether swirled into a base of vanilla, folded into chocolate, or drizzled over sundaes, Skrewball brings a distinctive twist that balances familiarity with a hint of the unexpected.

The Allure of Whiskey in Ice Cream

Adding whiskey to ice cream is more than just a fun experiment—it’s a fusion of culinary chemistry and flavor pairing. Alcohol lowers the freezing point of the mixture, which helps create a softer, creamier texture. A touch of whiskey also cuts through the richness of dairy, introducing warmth and depth that elevates the dessert beyond standard flavors. Traditional whiskey ice creams often use bold bourbons, smooth Irish whiskeys, or spicy rye varieties. But Skrewball, with its peanut butter essence, adds a new dimension that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Peanut butter itself has long been a staple in American desserts, from cookies and pies to frozen confections like peanut butter cups or milkshakes. Marrying that familiar, salty-sweet taste with the velvety texture of ice cream—and a splash of whiskey’s sophistication—creates something both comforting and elevated. Skrewball’s unique flavor allows home cooks and chefs alike to craft frozen treats that evoke childhood favorites while appealing to adult palates.

The Story Behind Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

Skrewball Whiskey was born in California, the brainchild of a husband-and-wife team who wanted to bottle the unexpected. The idea came from a bar in San Diego, where a bartender known for his love of peanut butter decided to combine that flavor with his favorite spirit—whiskey. The result was a peanut butter-infused whiskey so smooth and accessible that it quickly gained a loyal following. Skrewball’s creators recognized that their concoction bridged the gap between a traditional whiskey drinker and those who usually preferred sweeter liqueurs.

What makes Skrewball truly distinctive is its flavor profile. Unlike standard whiskey, which is defined by oak aging, caramel undertones, and a certain sharpness, Skrewball introduces roasted peanut notes and a buttery finish. It’s lightly sweet but not cloying, with just enough whiskey character to remind you of its origins. This makes it not only enjoyable to sip neat or in cocktails but also an ideal component for desserts—particularly ice cream, where balance between sweetness and complexity is key.

Why Skrewball Works in Ice Cream

Peanut butter and cream already share a natural affinity—both are rich, fatty, and satisfying. When Skrewball is added to an ice cream base, it enhances those qualities with an extra layer of flavor that isn’t possible with plain peanut butter alone. The whiskey adds warmth, while its nutty essence deepens the dessert’s aroma and taste. Because alcohol doesn’t freeze solid, a small amount also improves the texture, making the ice cream smoother and easier to scoop straight from the freezer.

The key to using Skrewball effectively in ice cream lies in moderation. Too much alcohol can prevent the mixture from freezing properly, resulting in a slushy texture. The sweet spot is usually between one and three tablespoons per quart of ice cream base. That’s enough to impart the flavor without compromising structure. For more intensity, Skrewball can be used in sauces, ribbons, or toppings that complement the ice cream rather than mixed directly into it.

Skrewball Whiskey Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (optional for extra richness)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and half of the cream. Heat over medium until just steaming—do not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining cream, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt.
6. Allow to cool to room temperature, then stir in the Skrewball Whiskey.
7. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight), then churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

The result is a decadent, creamy ice cream with a nutty, boozy twist that’s perfect on its own or topped with chocolate sauce and chopped peanuts.

Variations on Skrewball Whiskey Ice Cream

1. Skrewball Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream
   Add ribbons of chocolate fudge or ganache during the final moments of churning. The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the sweetness of Skrewball perfectly, creating a peanut butter cup-style flavor.
2. Skrewball Banana Split Ice Cream
   Blend mashed ripe bananas into the base before freezing, then top with caramel drizzle and whipped cream. The combination evokes a nostalgic diner-style sundae but with grown-up sophistication.
3. Skrewball Espresso Crunch
   Mix in crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans or swirl in a coffee reduction. The bitterness of coffee balances the whiskey’s sweetness while adding an energizing kick.
4. Skrewball S’mores Ice Cream
   Add mini marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chunks for a playful take on campfire s’mores. The smoky note of whiskey enhances the toasted flavor beautifully.

Whiskey Sauces and Toppings Featuring Skrewball

If you prefer not to add whiskey directly to your ice cream base, Skrewball works beautifully in toppings and sauces. A Skrewball caramel sauce, for example, is simple to make:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Skrewball Whiskey

Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until amber-colored. Add butter and whisk until melted, then slowly pour in the cream. Remove from heat, stir in Skrewball, and let cool slightly. Drizzle it over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a rich, peanut-buttery caramel flavor with a hint of whiskey warmth.

For a lighter option, blend Skrewball into whipped cream or chocolate syrup. It can even be used to soak cake layers for a whiskey-infused ice cream cake—ideal for celebrations or as a unique twist on a boozy dessert.

Pairing Skrewball Ice Cream with Other Flavors

Skrewball’s peanut butter flavor pairs naturally with chocolate, caramel, and banana, but it also works surprisingly well with contrasting flavors like sea salt, cinnamon, and chili. For example, a scoop of Skrewball ice cream next to a scoop of dark chocolate chili ice cream creates a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that feels gourmet. It’s also delicious paired with coffee-based desserts, such as affogatos made with espresso poured over a scoop of Skrewball ice cream—an adult twist on the Italian classic.

Another fun pairing idea is using Skrewball ice cream in milkshakes or boozy floats. Blend it with milk and a splash of chocolate syrup for a creamy peanut butter whiskey shake, or add a scoop to a glass of cola or root beer for a nostalgic yet sophisticated treat.

The Role of Alcohol in Frozen Desserts

Alcohol in ice cream isn’t just for flavor—it plays a functional role. Because ethanol freezes at a much lower temperature than water, it prevents the ice cream from becoming too hard. The result is a scoop that’s softer and creamier straight out of the freezer. However, the amount of alcohol must be carefully balanced. Too much can keep the mixture from freezing altogether, while too little won’t have much effect on texture. Skrewball, being slightly lower in alcohol content (35% ABV) than most straight whiskeys, is particularly suitable for desserts because it provides flavor without overwhelming the base.

The Broader Trend: Boozy Ice Creams

Skrewball ice cream is part of a broader culinary trend that has gained traction in recent years—boozy desserts. Many artisan ice cream shops now feature flavors made with rum, bourbon, champagne, or liqueurs. Whiskey, in particular, has proven a favorite because of its versatility and ability to complement both rich and subtle bases. The addition of Skrewball adds a whimsical, dessert-like twist that bridges the gap between ice cream and cocktail. It’s not just about indulgence; it’s about innovation—reimagining how flavors can work together.

Brands and restaurants have taken notice, creating signature desserts such as Skrewball milkshakes, boozy sundaes, and whiskey ice cream sandwiches. These creations appeal to customers who want a dessert experience that feels both familiar and elevated. The trend also highlights a cultural shift toward playful culinary experimentation—blurring the lines between bar and bakery, kitchen and cocktail lounge.

Making Skrewball Ice Cream at Home

For home cooks, making Skrewball ice cream doesn’t require professional equipment. A standard ice cream maker or even a no-churn method works. For the latter, whip two cups of cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in a mixture of one can of sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup Skrewball, and optional flavorings like peanut butter or chocolate chips. Freeze overnight, and you’ll have a velvety, boozy dessert with minimal effort.

Because Skrewball has a distinctive sweetness, it pairs best with unsweetened or low-sugar bases. Using dark chocolate, unsweetened cocoa, or espresso tones down the sugar and lets the whiskey’s character shine. A sprinkle of sea salt or roasted peanuts adds contrast and sophistication.

Last Thoughts

Using whiskey in ice cream brings together two worlds—comfort and complexity, sweetness and warmth. Among the many whiskey options, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey offers something truly distinctive: a playful yet refined flavor that elevates frozen desserts to a new level. Whether folded into the base, drizzled on top, or blended into milkshakes, its combination of roasted peanut richness and smooth whiskey undertones creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar.

For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, Skrewball ice cream is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to play with flavor and texture, to mix nostalgia with novelty. The result is a dessert that’s both comforting and surprising, evoking childhood favorites while appealing to grown-up tastes. In short, it’s proof that sometimes the best culinary creations come from unexpected pairings—and that a little whiskey, especially the peanut-buttery kind, can make ice cream even more irresistible.

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