Hoppy Citrus Pale Ale Ice Cream: Bright, Bitter-Sweet, and Bursting With Zesty Hop Flavor

This Hoppy Citrus Pale Ale Ice Cream is a wild ride — tangy citrus zest meets creamy sweetness, balanced with a punch of hoppy bite from a bold pale ale.

It’s ice cream for the IPA crowd: refreshing, complex, and unmistakably beer-driven. Perfect as a summer treat, palate cleanser, or an unexpected pint-for-dessert twist.

Ingredients (Makes ~1 quart)

For the Ice Cream Base

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange + 1 lemon

For the Beer Reduction

• 1 cup pale ale (citrus-forward preferred: Citra, Amarillo, or Mosaic hops)
• Optional: splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice to boost acidity

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 tbsp honey or agave (to round bitterness)
• 2 oz candied citrus peel, chopped
• 1 tbsp Aperol or limoncello (for boozier, brighter flavor)

Instructions

Reduce the Beer

• In a saucepan, simmer the pale ale over medium heat until reduced to ~⅓ cup. This concentrates flavor and removes water/alcohol.
• Optional: stir in a splash of juice or honey during final minute. Cool completely.

Make the Custard Base

• Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
• In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.
• Slowly temper the yolks with hot milk, whisking constantly. Return everything to the pot.
• Stir constantly over low heat until the custard thickens (170–175°F).
• Remove from heat. Stir in reduced beer, salt, vanilla, and citrus zest.
• Chill mixture in the fridge at least 4 hours or overnight.

Churn & Freeze

• Churn chilled base in an ice cream maker until soft-serve texture (~20–25 minutes).
• Optional: fold in candied peel or liqueur at the end.
• Transfer to a container and freeze at least 4 hours to set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Sliced citrus or fresh berries
• Citrus shortbread or vanilla pound cake
• IPA caramel drizzle (IPA + sugar + butter + cream)
• On top of lemon bars or grapefruit tart

Turn It Into a Float

• Scoop into a glass and pour over citrusy pale ale or session IPA
• Add a splash of soda water or tonic for bitter bubbles

Garnish With

• Fresh mint
• Crushed lemon candies or candied zest
• A sprinkle of sea salt or hop sugar

Beer Pairing

In the Base

• American pale ale with bright citrus hops
• West Coast IPA (for a sharper edge)
• Session IPA or grapefruit pale ale

In Your Glass

• Same beer as the base
• Fruited gose or Berliner weisse for sour contrast
• Wheat beer with orange peel for a smoother pairing

Final Thoughts

Hoppy Citrus Pale Ale Ice Cream is light, zesty, and beer-forward in a way that flips traditional dessert on its head.

It’s creamy, tangy, and tinged with enough hop bitterness to remind you you’re not eating just another scoop — you’re chasing flavor down to the cone.

Cheers to citrus, cream, and hops in every cold, bold bite! 🍺🍦🍊

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.