clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Where to Eat and Drink Near the National Zoo

Where to Find Outstanding Mexican Food Around D.C.

Where to Find Outstanding Tacos in D.C.

More in Washington DC See more maps
[Dolcezza]

Boozy Ice Cream: D.C.’s Essential Frozen Treat

Intoxicating sweets great for beating the heat

byLani Furbank
1comment/new
View as Map
byLani Furbank
1comment/new
[Dolcezza]

Spiked slushies and frosé are impossibly popular on Instagram posts and patio menus during the summer, but there’s another form of frozen self-gratification that doesn’t get the hype it deserves. Boozy ice cream is a gift from the alcohol gods because it provides a socially acceptable way to imbibe at any time of day.

Local restaurants, bars, rooftops, and ice cream shops are giving the people what they want: alcohol in dessert form. From adulterated scoops and fruity sorbets to shave ice and ice pops, there’s no telling what bartenders and pastry chefs will transform with a splash of the hard stuff. (Prefer an amped-up shake? Suck onthese frosty creations.)

Whether it’s an afternoon happy hour on the patio, a Sunday morning walk through the neighborhood, or a spirited end to a dinner date, there is no wrong time to order any of these 12 boozy ice cream treats.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See ourethics policy.

Red's Table

Copy Link

In addition to whipping up seasonally inspired sorbets, Red’s Table blends espresso, cinnamon, Frangelico, and vanilla into its Milton ice cream ($3 per scoop). It’s named after a popular milkshake from executive chef Kevin Ettenson’s hometown.

11150 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA
(571) 375-7755
(571) 375-7755
[Red’s Table]

Dolcezza

Copy Link

home-s Dolcezza定期添加一個嗜酒的踢pun gelato. One year-round offering is Rye Whiskey Pecan Praline made with One Eight Distilling’s rye. During the warmer months, special sorbets pop up based on what’s in season. Look for Strawberry Tequila, Cucumber Mint Vodka, Yellow Peach Southern Comfort, and White Peach Prosecco as the temperature rises.

1560 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 333-4646
(202) 333-4646
[Dolcezza]

Also featured in:

Top of the Gate

Copy Link

Complement the sweeping views from the rooftop of the Watergate Hotel with spiked Hawaiian Shaved Ice ($16). There are two flavors: Silver Fox with coconut milk, almond milk, pineapple juice, and Baileys; and 1972 featuring pineapple, cherry, cassis, and limoncello.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972
[Watergate Hotel]

Also featured in:

Bub and Pop's

Copy Link

The water ice at Bub & Pop’s is a little more potent than good old H2O. Its spiked take on the Philly specialty comes in rotating flavors ($8). Right now, try Lychee with Malibu coconut rum, lemon with Godiva chocolate liqueur, and a concoction called ‘Bottom of the Fruit Salad’ with whipped cream vodka — which tastes like the leftover juice after a fruit salad is polished off.

1815 M St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 457-1111
(202) 457-1111
[Bub and Pop’s]

Also featured in:

Rosario

Copy Link

The house-made cherry fernet gelato at Rosario practically begs for a digestif to accompany it ($10). The frozen treat is made with Fernet-Branca and cherries, topped with candied mint.

2435 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 791-0298
(202) 791-0298
[Rosario]

Radiator

Copy Link

The Chef’s “Naptime” Sundae at Radiator isn’t meant for kids, but adults who indulge will likely be ready for a snooze ($14). It’s a decadent combination of vanilla ice cream, Guinness coffee ice cream, a shot of whiskey, Heath Bar cookie crumbs, maple syrup, and bacon fat powder.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 742-3150
(202) 742-3150
[Radiator]

Ice Cream Jubilee

Copy Link

Founder Victoria Lai is always spinning new combinations, including several boozy varieties. Right now, choose from Banana Bourbon Caramel with Jim Beam bourbon, Gin & Tonic Sorbet with Beefeater Gin and lime, or Dark & Stormy with Gosling’s Rum and candied ginger. Boozy Eggnog, Grapefruit Campari, Maple Rye Pecan, Pear Brandy, Bourbon Old Fashioned, and Fig, Port & Goat Cheese have also popped up in the past.

1407 T St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 299-9024
(202) 299-9024
[Ice Cream Jubilee]

Tico DC

Copy Link

Pastry chef Alex Levin puts a Latin spin on a classic Italian dessert cocktail with his Sgroppino Latino ($10). The glass is filled with coconut sorbet, compressed pineapple, and spiced rum, and then cava is layered on top tableside.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 319-1400
(202) 319-1400
[Tico]

Also featured in:

Sakerum

Copy Link

The signature gelato at Sakerum is made with chocolate and Zacapa 23 rum ($9). It’s served with a caramel sauce and crumbled streusel.

2204 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 518-2222
(202) 518-2222
[Sakerum]

Also featured in:

DNV Rooftop Lounge

Copy Link

They can’t help snap a photo, but the Selfie Sticks at the DNV Rooftop are still worth trying ($15). The boozy ice pops come in a trio of flavors, which change throughout the summer. Previous offerings have included red sangria, and dark rum coffee.

1155 14th St NW Fl 14, Washington, D.C.
(202) 379-4366
(202) 379-4366
[DNV Rooftop]

Moorenko's Ice Cream

Copy Link

Silver Spring’s premium ice cream parlor churns alcohol into several of its flavors. The shop offers Burnt Caramel Bourbon Brickle with bourbon and chocolate-covered toffee, Grapefruit Campari sorbet with ruby grapefruit juice and Campari, Irish Stout with Guinness, as well as Irish Cream with Irish whiskey, cream, and coffee.

8030 Georgia Ave Ste B, Silver Spring, MD
(301) 565-7804
(301) 565-7804
[Moorenko’s]

Osteria Morini

Copy Link

Osteria Morini’s selection of house-made gelato and sorbetto includes a Strawberry Prosecco Sorbet, which is a blend of strawberry puree and Desiderio Jeio Prosecco ($8 for 3 scoops).

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C.
(202) 484-0660
(202) 484-0660
[Osteria Morini]

Also featured in:

More inMaps

Loading comments...

© 2023Vox Media, Inc.All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Red's Table

11150 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA

In addition to whipping up seasonally inspired sorbets, Red’s Table blends espresso, cinnamon, Frangelico, and vanilla into its Milton ice cream ($3 per scoop). It’s named after a popular milkshake from executive chef Kevin Ettenson’s hometown.

11150 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA
(571) 375-7755
(571) 375-7755
[Red’s Table]

Dolcezza

1560 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

home-s Dolcezza定期添加一個嗜酒的踢pun gelato. One year-round offering is Rye Whiskey Pecan Praline made with One Eight Distilling’s rye. During the warmer months, special sorbets pop up based on what’s in season. Look for Strawberry Tequila, Cucumber Mint Vodka, Yellow Peach Southern Comfort, and White Peach Prosecco as the temperature rises.

1560 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 333-4646
(202) 333-4646
[Dolcezza]

Top of the Gate

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Complement the sweeping views from the rooftop of the Watergate Hotel with spiked Hawaiian Shaved Ice ($16). There are two flavors: Silver Fox with coconut milk, almond milk, pineapple juice, and Baileys; and 1972 featuring pineapple, cherry, cassis, and limoncello.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972
[Watergate Hotel]

Bub and Pop's

1815 M St NW, Washington, D.C.

The water ice at Bub & Pop’s is a little more potent than good old H2O. Its spiked take on the Philly specialty comes in rotating flavors ($8). Right now, try Lychee with Malibu coconut rum, lemon with Godiva chocolate liqueur, and a concoction called ‘Bottom of the Fruit Salad’ with whipped cream vodka — which tastes like the leftover juice after a fruit salad is polished off.

1815 M St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 457-1111
(202) 457-1111
[Bub and Pop’s]

Rosario

2435 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.

The house-made cherry fernet gelato at Rosario practically begs for a digestif to accompany it ($10). The frozen treat is made with Fernet-Branca and cherries, topped with candied mint.

2435 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 791-0298
(202) 791-0298
[Rosario]

Radiator

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

The Chef’s “Naptime” Sundae at Radiator isn’t meant for kids, but adults who indulge will likely be ready for a snooze ($14). It’s a decadent combination of vanilla ice cream, Guinness coffee ice cream, a shot of whiskey, Heath Bar cookie crumbs, maple syrup, and bacon fat powder.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 742-3150
(202) 742-3150
[Radiator]

Ice Cream Jubilee

1407 T St NW, Washington, D.C.

Founder Victoria Lai is always spinning new combinations, including several boozy varieties. Right now, choose from Banana Bourbon Caramel with Jim Beam bourbon, Gin & Tonic Sorbet with Beefeater Gin and lime, or Dark & Stormy with Gosling’s Rum and candied ginger. Boozy Eggnog, Grapefruit Campari, Maple Rye Pecan, Pear Brandy, Bourbon Old Fashioned, and Fig, Port & Goat Cheese have also popped up in the past.

1407 T St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 299-9024
(202) 299-9024
[Ice Cream Jubilee]

Tico DC

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.

Pastry chef Alex Levin puts a Latin spin on a classic Italian dessert cocktail with his Sgroppino Latino ($10). The glass is filled with coconut sorbet, compressed pineapple, and spiced rum, and then cava is layered on top tableside.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 319-1400
(202) 319-1400
[Tico]

Sakerum

2204 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.

The signature gelato at Sakerum is made with chocolate and Zacapa 23 rum ($9). It’s served with a caramel sauce and crumbled streusel.

2204 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 518-2222
(202) 518-2222
[Sakerum]

DNV Rooftop Lounge

1155 14th St NW Fl 14, Washington, D.C.

They can’t help snap a photo, but the Selfie Sticks at the DNV Rooftop are still worth trying ($15). The boozy ice pops come in a trio of flavors, which change throughout the summer. Previous offerings have included red sangria, and dark rum coffee.

1155 14th St NW Fl 14, Washington, D.C.
(202) 379-4366
(202) 379-4366
[DNV Rooftop]

Moorenko's Ice Cream

8030 Georgia Ave Ste B, Silver Spring, MD

Silver Spring’s premium ice cream parlor churns alcohol into several of its flavors. The shop offers Burnt Caramel Bourbon Brickle with bourbon and chocolate-covered toffee, Grapefruit Campari sorbet with ruby grapefruit juice and Campari, Irish Stout with Guinness, as well as Irish Cream with Irish whiskey, cream, and coffee.

8030 Georgia Ave Ste B, Silver Spring, MD
(301) 565-7804
(301) 565-7804
[Moorenko’s]

Osteria Morini

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C.

Osteria Morini’s selection of house-made gelato and sorbetto includes a Strawberry Prosecco Sorbet, which is a blend of strawberry puree and Desiderio Jeio Prosecco ($8 for 3 scoops).

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C.
(202) 484-0660
(202) 484-0660
[Osteria Morini]

Related Maps

Baidu
map