Prohibition Creamy on East 7th Street (Credit: Amy V. Cooper)
Austin is revered as one of the booziest American cities, hosting hundreds of bars to satisfy parched residents and tourists on steamy evenings during the summer months. In terms of other refreshing treats, Austin is also well-known for ice cream, snow cones, gelato and sorbet through establishments like Lick Honest Ice Creams and Dolce Neve.
Laura Aidan decided to combine both delights into an ice cream parlor and cocktail bar establishment called Prohibition Creamery. Opening on East 7th Street in mid-July 2016, Prohibition Creamery has already gathered an influx of fans due to its handcrafted, all-natural ingredients blended smoothly with wine and liquors such as bourbon and tequila.
Rebellious Spirits and Flavors
Prohibition Creamery originated from the Aidan’s interest in that era, due to its promotion of a “rebellious and entrepreneurial spirit.” From 1920 to 1933, since the production and circulation of alcohol was illegal, creative measures were taken to ensure the masses were still well-stocked. This led to many speakeasies and basement bars.
“We like to say that we ‘hide booze in ice cream,’ Aidan shared. “I love that we’re inside a 1920’s bungalow. I’m attracted to the simplicity of the cocktails from that era. Our cocktails and ice creams have short, simple ingredient lists. They’re approachable and fun.”
The Sangria Sorbet is one of the most popular selections, made from a lambrusco dolce and pineapple sorbet mixture (Credit: Nicolai McCrary)
After she made her first bourbon ice cream, she began to experiment with other liquor combinations. Her culinary passions paired well with her background in technology as she tested “the chemistry aspects of perfecting each flavor.” She attended Penn State University’s 120-year-old ice cream course that solidified her knowledge of the basics and equipped her with advanced techniques for making quality, artisanal ice cream in a sustainable manner. She added, “As I thought more about my concept, I knew it had to be something that reflected my tastes and was different than what others had to offer.”
Boozy and Traditional Options
Prohibition Creamery’s menu hosts boozy and traditional ice creams, sorbets, shakes, floats and toppings that are all made in-house with no extracts or flavorings. There are also dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options. Daily and weekly specials are shared online via the business website and Twitter, and there’s even a secret boozy flavor of the month. One to three scoops may be purchased, mixing and matching boozy and non-boozy flavors in cups and fresh waffle cones. I suggest opting for the waffle cone.
Flavors are made into small batches with seasonal, fresh ingredients, and therefore rotate frequently. The alcohol-infused ice creams include flavors such as Whiskey Chocolate, Tiramisu, Sangria Sorbet and Pineapple Tequila Sorbet. While these options may sound overwhelming, each flavor is crafted to bring out the multiple layers of flavor without being too sweet, tart or bitter.
The most popular options are Tiramisu and Sangria Sorbet, and both are perfect to quell the overbearing Texas heat. Mezcal Vanilla is the newest ice cream flavor, combining El Silencio Espadín mezcal with sweet vanilla bean flecks, giving the frozen treat a robust, smoky note. Non-boozy options include flavors like Dark Chocolate Sorbet, Peach and Salted Caramel, to name a few.
Milkshakes and floats are also options, including flavors like Salted Caramel, Bananas Foster and Triple Bourbon Milkshake, as well as root beer and milk stout floats. For a more indulgent choice, try the Connoisseur Sundae, which joins Salted Caramel ice cream, Tiramisu ice cream and Whiskey Chocolate ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Toppings and pour-overs include whipped cream and chocolate sauce, cocoa nibs, espresso liqueur and more.
Prohibition Creamery’s Spin on Classic Cocktails
The full bar features curated cocktails, local brews and wine (Credit: Prohibition Creamery)
Prohibition Creamery also features a full bar with a menu of craft cocktails specifically tailored to pair well with the ice cream selections. Spins on classics include drinks such as Vanilla Bean Daiquiri, Tamarind Whiskey Sour, Earl Grey Scotch and French 77 1/2. I recommend the French 77 1/2, if a cocktail composed of gin, champagne, elderflower and lemon suits you.
Partnering with local vendors, the creamery features local Cuvée Black and Blue nitro cold coffee on tap, as well as local beer favorites such as Austin Beerworks. On Sundays, you can enjoy $5 mimosas to pair with your ice cream until 5 p.m.
Perfect for Dates, Family Nights, Private Events
Prohibition Creamery ‘s refurbished bungalow atmosphere provides a relaxing and yet indulgent experience
Prohibition Creamery pairs liquor with ice cream, like in the Mezcal Vanilla
(Credit: Prohibition Creamery)
The 1,400-square-foot space offers a substantial amount of seating indoors, as well as front and back patios for cooler weather. Original hardwood floors, as well as dark walnut bar fronts, brass countertops and brass accents, set the tone for a relaxed and yet upscale experience. “We want to be the best part of a person’s day and it makes me happy to see so many people coming in for their date nights and families bringing their kids,” Aidan said. For private events, a separate seating area or the entire bungalow can be booked.
Prohibition Creamery is located at 1407 E. 7th St. It is open Tuesday through Sunday at varying hours, and happy hour is hosted from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday. Visit their website, Twitter and Facebook for more information on hours of operation and updates.
@lainey_bird_ wants to know:
Where is your favorite place to get ice cream in Austin?