The Session #30: Beer Desserts

The topic for this 29th edition of The Session comes to us from David at Beer 47 and it is “Beer Dessert“.  You can read more about Beer Blogging Friday a.k.a. The Session over on the Brookston Beer Bulletin.

I’m hoping there will be a lots of really cool, intricate, foodie-type beer desserts for this edition of the Session.  After all, food geekery and beer geekery often go hand in hand.  I thought I might go the opposite direction with something that’s super simple to start but can be as fancy as you want.

The Beershake. Just like a milkshake – but with beer.  Yes, really.

The Ingredients

Beer

Ice Cream

Hardware

Blender

Cool glasses

Bendy straws

Directions

For a 16oz serving:

Add 6-8 oz. beer to blender.  Top with 3-4 medium sized scoops of ice cream.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into spiffy glass. Add bendy straw.  Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or whatever else your heart desires.

The best (and maybe worst) part about the beershake is that there are nearly infinite combinations.  After a little experimenting – these were the favorites:

Dogfish Head Festina Peche with Vanilla Ice cream

Ommegang Three Philosophers with Chocolate Ice cream

It doesn’t seem to work as well with overly bitter beers – the hop bitterness really cuts through.  You might like it – I thought it was a little odd.  Not bad, just odd.  Adding more sugar didn’t seem to help so I think some additional “research” is needed.

You could also try sorbet or gelato.  Maybe some fresh fruit.  Depending on the beer some spices might also be in order – cinnamon or nutmeg with pumpkin ale and vanilla ice cream?  I don’t much care for chunks of candy bar – the beer should be the star of the show. The ice cream and spices should play a supporting role.

Also think about the occasion – something refreshing for a hot summer day, or a rich treat for the end of your next beer dinner.  If you come up with an interesting variation be sure to share it with us!

Tagged as: beershake, dessert, milkshake, The Session