Indulge in Decadent Ice Cream with a Twist
As a barista, I have to tell you that there’s nothing quite like a perfectly crafted ice cream recipe. It’s creamy, delicious, and there are endless flavor possibilities! Today, I’m going to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – ice cream with black pepper and single malt scotch. Trust me when I say that this might sound like an unusual combination, but it is absolutely amazing.
Picture the sweet, creamy taste of vanilla ice cream blended perfectly with a hint of fresh black pepper and finished off with just the right amount of single malt scotch whisky. The flavors come together in a way that is unexpected but completely delightful. This may not sound like your typical dessert, but once you give it a try, it’ll be hard to go back to plain vanilla.
I fell in love with this recipe when I first tried it in college when my friend introduced me to it. Ever since then, it has been my go-to recipe for impressing guests or indulging in something special on my own. This dessert is a fantastic option for dinner parties or after-dinner cocktail hours because its elegant flavors pair incredibly well with good quality scotch whisky.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive right into the recipe and see why you will fall in love with this unique twist on classic vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

My dear reader, I urge you to try this recipe for ice cream with black pepper and single malt Scotch. Why, you ask? Well, let me explain.
Firstly, the combination of fresh black pepper and vanilla ice cream is unexpected yet excites your taste buds. The subtle zing of the black pepper perfectly complements the sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a balance of both worlds in one scoop.
But that’s not all. We take it up a notch by adding a splash of single malt Scotch whisky. The smoky notes of the Scotch bring out a depth of flavor in the ice cream that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
And let’s not forget – this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any extra Scotch you may have lying around.
Finally, this recipe allows for endless variations and substitutions. Switch out the Scotch for a different type of whiskey or experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even try using salted caramel or peanut butter ice cream as a base.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and taste for yourself why it’s become a fan favorite among dessert-lovers everywhere.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups of quality vanilla ice cream
- 4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup single malt scotch whisky
- 2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, coarsely ground
Recipe Ingredients:
- Black Pepper Single Malt Scotch Method:
- 1 tablespoon scotch whisky
- 2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, coarsely ground
Substitutions and Variations:
- Monkey Shoulder or any other good quality malt scotch can be used instead of single malt scotch whisky.
- Dr. Pepper or Skrewball whiskey can be used as an alternative to the single malt scotch.
- Other flavors of ice cream like butterscotch, salted caramel, and peanut butter work well with this recipe.
- For non-alcoholic variation, pumpkin or bourbon can be used instead of the malt scotch whisky.
Recipe Notes:
- Use a metal bowl for freezing to get the best results.
- This recipe can also be made using an ice cream maker.
- If you don’t like fresh black peppercorn in your desserts, you can skip it.
- For those looking for non-alcoholic options, replace the single malt scotch with 1 cup of strong coffee or tea.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe itself. Here are the steps to make our delicious Ice Cream with Black Pepper and Single Malt Scotch:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First and foremost, make sure that all of your ingredients are ready on your countertop. The ice cream will come together relatively quickly once you start cooking, so having everything measured out and prepped in advance is essential.
Step 2: Combine the Cream and Sugar
In a 4-cup metal bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh black pepper coarsely ground with 1/3 cup sugar. Stir well.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes hot.
Step 4: Add the Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Next, add 2 tablespoons of Single Malt Scotch whisky to your heated cream mixture. I recommend using a good quality Scotch whisky like Monkey Shoulder or Aberlour A’bunadh for a rich flavor.
Step 5: Combine with Vanilla Ice Cream
Once you have added the whisky, remove the bowl from heat and let cool for a few minutes. In a separate cream bowl, mix 2 cups of good quality vanilla ice cream until it is soft. Gently fold together your ice cream with your scotch mixture to create one unified batch.
Step 6: Chill or Enjoy Immediately
At this point, you can enjoy your black pepper and single malt scotch ice cream straight from the bowl if you wish! However, if you would like it extra cold, transfer it into an air-tight container and chill in the freezer before serving for later use.
This recipe will provide a rich creamy texture to your mouthfeel which perfectly complements the warmth brought by subtle spices from fresh black pepper further uplifted by a delicious nip from Single Malt Scotch.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or try something new, there are many substitutions and variations you can make to this ice cream recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Spices: Instead of using black pepper, try using other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom to add an extra layer of flavor to your ice cream.
– Alcohol: While the recipe calls for single malt scotch, feel free to experiment with other types of alcohol such as bourbon, Irish whiskey or even Skrewball whiskey for a unique twist. You could also try adding a tablespoon or two of your favorite liquer, such as Amaretto or Bailey’s, for added richness and depth.
– Mix-ins: If you want to add some texture and crunch to your ice cream, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds or pecans. You could also add in some chocolate chips, candy pieces or even fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries.
– Flavored Ice Cream: Not a fan of plain vanilla? Try using different flavors of ice cream as the base. Salted caramel, peanut butter and pumpkin are all delicious options that would pair well with the black pepper and scotch.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, be sure to use good quality ingredients and adjust the recipe as needed. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’ll be able to create a truly unique and delicious dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing my Ice Cream with Black Pepper and Single Malt Scotch, I like to keep things simple yet sophisticated. Serve the ice cream in a beautiful glass coupe or a classic bowl that highlights the contrast between the white vanilla ice cream and the dark specks of black pepper.
As for pairings, there are a few ways you can approach this dessert. If you want to stick to the traditional pairing of whisky and dessert, then serve this ice cream alongside a good quality single malt scotch. Monkey Shoulder is a great choice as it has notes of vanilla, spice, and oak that complement the flavors of the ice cream.
However, if you’re feeling more experimental, there are plenty of other options to try. The savory notes of black pepper make this ice cream a surprisingly versatile dessert that pairs well with rich flavors like butterscotch, salted caramel, and peanut butter. You could also serve it alongside a warm pumpkin pie or drizzle it with your favorite cocktail such as an Irish whiskey or Skrewball whiskey.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this recipe, remember that it’s all about enjoying the flavors and experimenting with what works best for you. Cheers!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made this delicious ice cream with black pepper and single malt scotch, you may want to save some for later or for a special occasion. Fortunately, this recipe allows you to store it in the freezer and reheat it as needed.
To make-ahead, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to one week. When you are ready to serve it, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften before scooping.
If you have leftover ice cream after serving, you can store it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for future consumption. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when reheating.
When reheating the ice cream, take it out of the freezer and place the container in the fridge for 45 minutes to 1 hour to let it thaw slowly. Avoid using a microwave as high heat can cause separation and ruin the creamy texture.
Reheating the ice cream using a double boiler is another option. To do this, heat water in a pot, and bring it to a simmer. Then place your ice cream bowl or container on top of the pot, making sure the bottom of the container does not touch the hot water. Stir gently until the ice cream becomes soft and creamy again.
Overall, this ice cream with black pepper and single malt scotch is perfect for any make-ahead situation or even as a midnight snack that you can quickly reheat without fuss.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients for this amazing ice cream recipe, it’s important to consider some tips that will help you achieve the perfect results. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure that your ice cream with black pepper and single malt scotch turns out delicious:
1. Use good quality vanilla ice cream: The vanilla ice cream is the base of this recipe, so make sure to use a good quality one. A premium vanilla ice cream with a rich and smooth texture will elevate the flavors of the black pepper and single malt scotch.
2. Don’t skimp on the black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is an essential ingredient in this recipe. Make sure to use coarsely ground black pepper and add enough of it to create a balance between the sweetness of the ice cream and the heat from the pepper.
3. Use a good quality single malt scotch: The single malt scotch is what gives this recipe its unique flavor, so using a good quality one is vital. Monkey Shoulder or any other high-quality scotch whisky will work well in this recipe.
4. Chill your equipment before using it: Chilling your metal bowl and whisk for at least 30 minutes before making the ice cream will prevent the mixture from melting too quickly and help you achieve a better texture.
5. Add the scotch towards the end of churning: Adding the scotch too early in the churning process might inhibit the mixture from thickening properly. It’s best to add it towards the end, when the ice cream is almost done churning.
6. Store your ice cream properly: Once you’ve made your ice cream, it’s important to store it properly in an airtight container in your freezer. This will keep it fresh and prevent any freezer burn.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious dessert that combines sweet, creamy vanilla ice cream with a spicy kick from freshly ground black pepper and a smoky, sophisticated note from high-quality single malt scotch whisky.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this ice cream recipe is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of fresh black pepper and single malt scotch adds complexity and depth to the creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a dessert that hearkens back to old-fashioned times, yet still feels modern and innovative.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re a fan of scotch or simply looking to try something new with your ice cream. And don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations – there are so many possibilities with this recipe.
So break out the scoop and prepare for a mouth-watering treat that will delight your taste buds in every spoonful!

Ice Cream With Black Pepper and Single Malt Scotch Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1/4 cup single malt scotch
Instructions
- Divide the ice cream into 4 bowls.
- Grind the black pepper over the ice cream, about 6 grinds per portion.
- Pour one tablespoon of Scotch over each dish and serve.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.