Cherries, chocolate, and a boozy twist. Need I say more? Inspired by Ben & Jerry’s famous Cherry Garcia, this recipe gives a grown-up makeover to the classic dessert by adding cherry whiskey. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make with the Ninja Creami. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just need a treat-yourself moment, this Boozy Cherry Garcia Ice Cream will hit the spot.
Quick Recipe Rundown
- Active Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Serves: About 2-3
Need a quick summary of the tools and skills?
- Skill level: Beginner. The Ninja Creami does the hard work.
- Equipment: Ninja Creami, pint container, whisk or fork, and a bowl. That’s it!
If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can still use a regular ice cream maker. Just note the texture may not be the same.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up creamy deliciousness:
Ice Cream Base:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or your favorite milk substitute)
- ½ cup half-and-half (feel free to opt for lactose-free)
- 2 tbsp vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 tbsp cherry whiskey (Bird Dog or a similar brand works!)
Mix-ins:
- ½ cup dark frozen cherries (halved)
- 2–3 tbsp mini chocolate chips
Optional: A splash (1–2 tbsp) of milk to tweak the consistency later.
Ingredient Swaps:
- No whiskey? Try bourbon, rum, or skip the booze altogether.
- Dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut cream instead.
- Want less sugar? Go for sugar-free pudding mix or sweeteners like monk fruit.
How to Make It
1. Create the Base
Mix milk, half-and-half, pudding mix, and cherry whiskey in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. That pudding mix? It’s the secret to a velvety base.
Tip: Keep those ingredients cold—makes freezing faster!
2. Freeze It
Pour the mixture into your pint container and freeze it flat for 24 hours. No shortcuts here—solid freezing is non-negotiable.
3. Process into Ice Cream
Once frozen, pop the pint into your Ninja Creami and spin it on the “Ice Cream” setting. Watch as it transforms into creamy magic. Got crumbs instead of cream? No biggie. Just hit the “Re-spin” button.
4. Add the Cherries
Spoon out a hole down the center of your ice cream. Toss in those cherry halves and re-process on the “Mix-ins” setting.
Pro Tip: Slightly warm the cherries beforehand. No one loves icy chunks in their ice cream.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips
Repeat the process, this time with the chocolate chips. The goal? Evenly mixed chunks in every bite.
6. Fine-Tune the Texture (If Needed)
Too dense? Add 1–2 tbsp of milk and re-spin. Voilà!
Variations to Try
- Make it Fancy: Top with extra cherries, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate.
- Seasonal Twist: Sub cherries for cranberries during the holidays or peaches in summer.
- Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or cayenne can add an unexpected kick.
Serving & Storing Tips
- Best Ways to Serve: Scoop into a chilled bowl, or go classic with a waffle cone. Pair it with warm brownies if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
- Storage: Keep leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Pro Tip: To make it extra scoopable after freezing, stir in a teaspoon of food-grade glycerin before the final spin.
Final Thoughts
Making Boozy Cherry Garcia Ice Cream is easier than you think—and so worth it! Rich with chocolate, bursting with cherries, and just the right amount of cherry whiskey, this recipe will turn any evening into a celebration. Take it from me: once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
So grab your Ninja Creami, and let’s get spinning!
PrintNinja Creami Boozy Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
This indulgent Boozy Cherry Garcia Ice Cream combines the classic flavors of sweet cherries and rich chocolate with a playful twist of cherry whiskey. Made effortlessly with the Ninja Creami, it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a grown-up dessert treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1 day, 20 minutes (Freeze Time: 24 hours)
- Yield: 1 pint (2–3 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding mix (½ small package)
- 2 tablespoons cherry whiskey (e.g., Bird Dog Black Cherry Whiskey)
Mix-ins:
- ½ cup frozen dark sweet cherries, halved
- 2–3 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional:
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, half-and-half, vanilla pudding mix, and cherry whiskey until smooth and slightly thickened. - Freeze the Base:
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours until fully solid. - Process in the Ninja Creami:
Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine and process using the “Ice Cream” setting until creamy. - Add Cherries:
Remove the pint and create a hole in the center down to the bottom. Add halved cherries into this space and process using the “Mix-ins” setting. - Add Chocolate Chips:
Repeat by creating another hole in the center, adding chocolate chips, and processing again on “Mix-ins.” - Adjust Consistency (Optional):
If the ice cream feels too dense, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and re-spin until your desired texture is achieved.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve in chilled bowls or waffle cones. Garnish with extra cherries or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality frozen cherries for the best flavor and texture. Slightly warm them before adding to avoid icy chunks.
- Alcohol keeps the ice cream soft but should be used sparingly to ensure proper freezing.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Add food-grade vegetable glycerin (1 teaspoon) to keep it scoopable without re-spinning. Avoid reheating; enjoy straight from the freezer!