Rum Raisin
An ice cream flavored with rum and studded with rum-soaked raisins. It is creamy and caramel-like, with a gentle alcoholic warmth.
| Category | Ice Cream & Frozen |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Keep sealed in the back of the freezer. The alcohol lowers its freezing point slightly, so it scoops soft. |
| Shelf life | About 2 to 3 months in the freezer unopened; about 1 to 2 months once opened. |
| Best uses | Eating plain, sundaes, and over butter cake and bread pudding. |
| Substitutes | Raisin ice cream without the rum, or butter pecan for a similar caramel note. |
| Pairings | Caramel sauce, butter cake, and coffee. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Rum raisin is one of the original parlor flavors and keeps a loyal following far beyond its sales rank; it is the flavor most likely to be someone's immutable favorite. The rum is cooked into the base or folded in as soaked raisins, so the flavor is more warmth than booze.
Storing it
Temper briefly; it is already the softest-scooping flavor in the case. Keep airtight against odors.
Using it
Serve rum raisin slightly soft over warm butter cake or bread pudding. Its softness makes it easy to scoop for sundaes and shakes.
Swaps & pairings
A vanilla or butter pecan base with rum-soaked raisins folded in is the homemade original. Butter pecan covers the caramel-nut mood without alcohol.
More from this maker: United States