Summer is a time for joy, lightness, and sharing special moments with friends outdoor. In Italy, we often gather in the late afternoon or evening, either before dinner for an aperitivo—a refreshing drink with food excellences—or after dinner, enjoying gelato paired with cold birra. But what if you could do both—combine the refreshing zest of beer with the cool sweetness of ice cream?
I’ve loved this idea from my youth: in Italy, beer and ice cream has always been the perfect duo for cooling down and relaxing under the sun: a walk, gelato first and then a beer.
This inspired me to explore creative ways to merge these two summer favorites. Why not turn this fun, classic combo into a real adventure? Thanks to Fermento beers—top-quality brews from our brewery—you can now craft fun, delicious recipes that make beer and ice cream an extraordinary summer treat. Imagine delighting yourself and your friends with these playful desserts—each bite and sip an explosion of flavor and fresh enjoyment.
Today, I want to share three fabulous recipes that push the boundaries of beer and ice cream pairing, turning simple ingredients into unforgettable summer moments. Whether you prefer a fruity sorbet, an indulgent caramel cream, or the classic float, these recipes are more than just desserts—they’re experiences! So, grab a great Fermento beer, and let’s dive into these fun, refreshing, and creative delights!
Nothing screams summer like a cold beer and ice cream combo—bright, lively, and utterly invigorating. That’s why I call this recipe “Beerbetto“—a double play on words that emphasizes its role as a refreshing beer and Sorbetto.
The star ingredient? Our Fermento Mistral, a Weize-style beer bursting with tropical mango aromas, crafted from distinctive hops. Its crisp, fruity profile makes it the ideal partner for a beer and ice cream sorbet that’s bursting with summer freshness.
Start by boiling the water, then add the sugar, honey, and carob flour. Stir until everything dissolves. Let the mixture cool down thoroughly. Once cooled, incorporate the Fermento Mistral and mix everything very well. Pour the mixture into a gelato machine and churn until smooth and creamy.
The result? A beer and ice cream sorbet that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s bright, fruity, and has a delightful tang of alcohol—less than 2%, to elevate the flavor, but not overwhelming. It’s like summer in a scoop: a refreshing treat that refreshes your palate and lifts your spirits.
Pro-tip: Serve Beerbetto in small cups or cones, topped with fresh fruits for that perfect summer finish!
The Sweet Side of Beer and Ice cream: Caramel Cream with Bourbon Vanilla and Fermento Liberica (by Sunrita Dutta)
Now, let’s step into the decadent zone with a beer and ice cream pairing that celebrates rich flavors: salted caramel cream infused with the aromatic depth of Fermento Liberica—a Stout known for its roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee notes.
Fermento Liberica is a full-bodied, complex stout, highly appreciated for its deep aroma profile—think dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and a hint of caramel. It’s perfect for creating a luxurious caramel sauce that’s intensely flavorful, aromatic, and alcohol-free—since boiling evaporates the alcohol, making it suitable for all ages and even as a filling or topping.
This beer and ice caramel sauce can be prepared in just 25 minutes.
Place the Fermento Liberica and sugar into a large saucepan. Heat gently over medium (the mixture will foam up) and don’t stir. Let it bubble and caramelize for about 8-10 minutes until it turns a rich, deep golden color and smells irresistibly caramelized. For accuracy, use a kitchen thermometer—aim for about 160°C.
Carefully stir in the cream (it will bubble vigorously), then add the salt, butter, and vanilla. Stir well and cook for a few minutes more, until the sauce thickens slightly and sticks to the back of a spoon. Let it cool slightly before pouring over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or use it to fill cakes and tarts.
What makes this beer and ice cream caramel sauce so special? It’s a symphony of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and buttery caramel—think of a rich Ovomaltine or Nutella, but with a deeper, roasted character thanks to Fermento Liberica. It’s perfect for drizzling over vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee ice cream. Plus, because it’s boiled, all the alcohol evaporates, leaving a pure, alcohol-free caramel that’s irresistibly flavorful.
This sauce isn’t just a topping—it’s a flavor bomb that complements any dessert and adds a luxurious, gourmet touch. Use it as a stunning filling for layered cakes, a decadent sauce for ice cream sundaes, or a sweet dip for fruit or nuts. It’s the secret ingredient for elevating your beer and ice cream game!
An American Classic: the Beer Float
If simplicity and pleasure are what you’re after, the Beer Float is an unbeatable classic. Originating from American soda fountain traditions, this beer and ice cream combo has become a global favorite—especially during summer.
The idea is simple: scoop your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream into a tall glass, then pour about 16 ml (roughly half a beer bottle) of Fermento Liberica or Mistral over it.
The creamy, cold, sweet ice cream melds perfectly with the fresh, aromatic beer—and when you sip the beer as you eat, the flavors merge into a truly summer refreshment. You can go wild with flavors: add a splash of fruit syrup, a dash of whiskey for extra warm notes, or sprinkle some nuts or sprinkles on top.
The Beer and ice cream float is fun, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or relaxing afternoons. Serve your float in tall glasses with a slice of fruit on top (strawberries, bananas, or citrus work wonderfully). Use Fermento Liberica for a roasted, coffee-like twist (with coffee, vanilla or chocolate ice cream), or Mistral for a bright, fruity burst (with vanilla and fruity ice creams). Just one scoop, one beer, and endless fun!
The Beer and Ice float is an American classic, but with Fermento beers it becomes a real highlight. Simple, quick and incredibly tasty!
There’s a special magic in pairing beer and ice cream—it’s unexpectedly versatile, refreshingly fun, and delicious beyond expectations. Whether it’s the lively Beerbetto sorbet, the luxurious caramel beer and ice cream sauce, or the classic Beer Float, each recipe demonstrates how beers like Fermento Mistral and Liberica can elevate desserts and bring out outstanding flavors.
For an optimal experience, always use a high-quality Fermento beer— its maltiness, fruitiness, and roasted notes make all the difference. The beer enhances the sweetness of ice cream, creating harmony and exciting your palate with every bite and sip.
So, don’t hesitate— try these recipes, have fun experimenting, and create unforgettable moments with beer and ice cream. It’s simple, it’s playful, and it’s incredibly delicious.
Cheers to cool summer treats and unforgettable pairing adventures !
