This Boozy Ice Cream Will Actually Get You Tipsy and It Could Be the Next Big Thing
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A startup from Macedonia is bringing a new kind of ice cream to the United States, hoping to change the way people think about dessert and happy hour.
Wice, which blends real wine with ice cream, has announced it will open its U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas as it expands into the American market.
The company says its ice cream contains up to 50% actual wine, using a proprietary method that keeps the alcohol content intact while maintaining a creamy texture.
'A simple question'
"We saw an opportunity to combine two beloved indulgences—wine and ice cream—into a new experience that feels both sophisticated and playful," Wice founder and CEO Sofija Daceva told Newsweek in an email.
"It all began with a simple question: Where can I buy wine ice-cream? Then this curiosity became a mission."
Unlike typical wine-infused ice cream that loses most of its alcohol during processing, Wice says it has developed a process that reconciles wine's low freezing point with the structure of traditional ice cream.
The result is a frozen dessert that apparently retains the alcohol content of the wine, allowing customers to enjoy a dessert that can actually deliver a mild buzz while offering the flavors of Riesling, Merlot and other wine varieties.
Stock image: Servings of ice cream in rows.
Stock image: Servings of ice cream in rows.
Photo by Foodandstyle / Getty Images
What's Different
Wice is attempting to set itself apart in the crowded alcohol-infused ice cream market by using a proprietary process that retains up to 50% actual wine content, far exceeding the alcohol levels typically found in other alcoholic ice cream products.
While most boozy ice creams contain between 1% and 5% alcohol by volume—often requiring multiple servings to feel any effects—Wice's method aims to preserve wine's alcohol while achieving the consistency of ice cream.
"That's the secret of Wice," Daceva said.
"Although the combination of wine and ice cream, or creation of wine sorbets seems attractive, the process is complex."
The founder added that Wice doesn't compromise ice cream's texture to maintain 50% wine.
"It took years of experimentation to strike that balance and we're proud that we've came up this far," she said.
What To Know
Wice is a portfolio company of The International Accelerator, which supports foreign entrepreneurs establishing operations in the U.S.
Daceva said that was what brought the company to Austin.
"What's more, Austin is strategically located near the headquarters of industry leaders like Whole Foods and just an hour away from H-E-B—two retail giants that set the tone for food trends across the country," she added.
"While we're not yet on their shelves, being in their backyard inspires us to think big and be bold in execution."
Wice ice cream flavors include Riesling/vanilla/raspberry and Merlot/chocolate/sour cherry. The company also offers two sorbets: Lemon Spritz (Chardonnay and lemon) as well as Mimosa Sorbet (Riesling, orange and mint).
What People Are Saying
"We're not just creating a new dessert—we're building a new category," Daceva said, adding, "Wice is about pushing boundaries in both wine and ice cream industries.
"What's unique about our product is the taste. I would describe it as a dynamic taste, where with every spoon you feel an explosion of various flavors."
What's Next
Wice will "immediately" begin seeking strategic distribution partnerships, retail entry points and licensing opportunities across North America, according to a release from the company.
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