Food News
New York-based Tipsy Scoop plans to open a South End location next year and will begin catering events and offering delivery in the meantime.
A rendering of what the new storefront of Tipsy Scoop will look like at 59 Dartmouth St. Courtesy of Siracusa Studios
Boston residents may soon be able to enjoy their cocktails by the mouthful.
Tipsy Scoop, a New York-based company known for its alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet, plans to open its first Boston franchise at 59 Dartmouth St. in the South End next spring.
While the storefront is still close to a year away, the company says customers will be able to sample the boozy frozen treats sooner through catering events and delivery.
Courtesy of Siracusa Studios
Customers can expect to order flavors like cookies and cream espresso martini, vanilla bean bourbon, dark chocolate whiskey salted caramel, and cake batter vodka martini, as well as boozy ice cream “flights” and sundaes.
Although guests must be 21+ to enjoy the boozy flavors, the business also offers “Cool Kids Sundaes” and non-alcoholic mocktail options.
If you want to get your hands on the Tipsy Scoop creations before the opening, it’s going to cost you. Ordering four pints of the ice cream via shipping costs about $100.
Kimberly Medina, owner of Tipsy Scoop’s Barlour in Astoria, Queens, will also own the Boston franchise. The city holds special meaning for her because of her strong family ties to the area.
“Going from being the company’s second franchisee to becoming the first franchisee to expand to multiple locations is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of,” she said in a statement.
Courtesy of Siracusa Studios
News of the Boston outpost first surfaced about three months ago, when a video was released showing Medina opening the door to the new location. At the time, it was an empty storefront.
Then, one week ago, Tipsy Scoop Boston shared a picture of the storefront, featuring large images of the boozy ice cream and a sign that read “Coming Soon.”
Other posts from the owner read: “Boston nightlife just got sweeter,” “The buzz is real…@tipsyscoop is coming to Boston,” and “Who’s ready for their first boozy scoop?”
A Tipsy Scoop spokesperson said it will take some time to obtain the necessary permits and retrofit the former retail shop into a full-service ice cream shop with features such as freezers, dipping wells, and bar seating. Once open, they will also have outdoor seating.
Federal rules limit alcohol-infused ice cream to less than 5% ABV. While customers must be 21 or older and show identification to buy it, the product is classified as food rather than a beverage, meaning stores do not need a liquor license to sell it.
Founder Melissa Tavss started the company in 2014 in New York City, following generations of ice cream makers in her family, dating back to Italy and later Scotland.
The business began selling its creations at stores and events across New York City and opened its first barlour (bar and ice cream parlor) in 2017.
Courtesy of Siracusa Studios
After expanding into Brooklyn and Long Island, it began offering franchising opportunities in 2023. You can now find barlours in places like Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, and even the Bahamas.
“Boston has been at the top of our expansion list since we first opened,” Tavss said in a statement. “Over the years, we’ve loved partnering with local retailers to bring our boozy pints and ice cream carts to beloved Boston destinations.”
In the meantime, locals are excited about the news.
In response to Boston influencer Bret Clancy’s announcement of the opening, commenters said, “Finally,” “Literally cannot wait,” and “YESSS.”
Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.
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