My rule of thumb is “If something tastes good, it will taste even better if you turn it into ice cream.” Hence my passion for coffee ice cream—and this divine take on everyone’s favorite Kentucky Derby Day libation. The better the bourbon, the better the ice cream. We serve this with shortbread, but it’s good with any type of cookies. Shaved or grated bittersweet chocolate would be a delicious addition.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 2 quarts

　　2 cups heavy cream

　　4 cups half-and-half

　　1/2 bunch mint sprigs (about 2 ounces)

　　9 egg yolks

　　2 1/2 cups sugar

　　1/2 cup bourbon

　　

Step 1

Heat the heavy cream, 1 cup of the half-and-half, and the mint in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until it is just on the verge of boiling. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for about 30 minutes. Strain the cream into a small bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale yellow. Slowly whisk the cream into the egg mixture and return it to the same saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until the custard has thickened enough to coat a wooden spoon.

　　

Step 2

Strain the custard into a bowl and cool in an ice bath, then add the remaining 3 cups of half-and-half and the bourbon.

　　

Step 3

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

　　From Crescent City Cooking by Susan Spicer Copyright (c) 2007 by Susan Spicer Published by Knopf.Susan Spicer was born in Key West, Florida, and lived in Holland until the age of seven, when her family moved to New Orleans. She has lived there ever since, and is the owner of two restaurants, Bayona and Herbsaint. This is her first cookbook.Paula Disbrowe was the former Cowgirl Chef at Hart & Hind Fitness Ranch in Rio Frio, Texas. Prior to that, she spent ten years working as a food and travel writer. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Saveur, among other major publications.