Decadent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream: A Boozy Delight

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Cherie

Enjoy the rich flavours of A Decadent Rum n Raisin Ice Cream. A boozy delight. Creamy smooth ice cream and rum-soaked raisins. Perfect adult indulgence!

My Great Auntie Jen has often said to me ‘Don’t bother to turn up at mine without a tub of your Rum n Raisin Ice Cream’. I think this is a good thing! An indirect, albeit potentially offensive, compliment right?

Great Auntie Jen loves my rum n raisin ice cream. And what’s not to love? Plump rum-soaked raisins and smooth creamy rum-infused ice cream. It is her favourite of all the different flavours I make.

NB: I have never tested the theory of turning up to Great Auntie Jens without a tub of Rum n Raisin Ice Cream, if you knew Great Auntie Jen, you’d understand why, she’s quite a formidable woman!

And I can fully understand why she loves it so much, the dried raisins originally shrivelled, then soaked in rum which makes them plump and juicy, adding a sweet flavour to the rum’s warmth, both complementing the other.

Together, they create a rich and boozy treat and this combination in an ice cream dessert means you can take your time to savour every scoop!

In this article, we’ll tell you about the history of rum, provide some health benefit information, and of course, show you how you can make your very own homemade rum and raisin ice cream.

You can skip right to the recipe if you’d like and scroll to the bottom of this article, or take your time to read through and learn about this amazing combination of flavours.
Jump to Homemade Rum and Raisin Ice Cream Recipe

Let’s find out a little more about these flavours and why they just work.

Rum

Rum is an alcoholic spirit with a long history and a diverse range of flavours. It’s not just for cocktails, Rum can also enhance desserts like Rum and Raisin Ice Cream.

Originating from Caribbean sugarcane plantations, rum-making began with fermenting molasses, a byproduct of refining sugarcane juice into sugar.

The fermented liquid was distilled, purifying it which increased the alcohol content. As European colonisers spread, rum gained popularity, especially among sailors and pirates.

Pirate’s Drink: Rum has a historical association with pirates. It was a popular alcoholic beverage among sailors and buccaneers during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Variety of Styles: Over time, different regions developed unique rum-making processes and now there are several types of rum, including white rum, light rum, dark rum, spiced rum, and aged rum, each with its distinct flavour profile.

Today, rum is a very popular and versatile spirit with a rich Caribbean heritage.

Raisins

Raisins: small, sweet bursts of flavour that enhance any dish. Whether you sprinkle them on salads, bake them into bread or cookies, or soak them in rum to add to your homemade ice cream, these plump gems add intense flavour.

Raisins start as grapes and transform through a natural process. When ripe, they are carefully sun-dried, losing water content and intensifying their natural sugars. This makes them tender, chewy, and full of flavour.

This transformation brings out the grape’s essence, enhancing deeper flavours and a caramel-like richness.

Raisins, become perfect partners for rum, soaking in the rum whilst adding their own flavour profile too.

Raisins Are More Than Just a Sweet Treat!

Raisins pack a nutritional punch that can benefit your overall health. These tiny, sun-dried grapes offer an array of health benefits, making them an excellent addition to your diet.

1. Nutrient-Rich: Raisins are a concentrated source of essential nutrients. They are rich in natural sugars, dietary fibre, vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins), and minerals (including potassium, iron, and calcium). This nutrient profile makes raisins a convenient and nutritious snack option.
2. Heart Health: The fibre, potassium, and antioxidants found in raisins can contribute to heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants like resveratrol may support blood vessel health and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Digestive Health: The dietary fibre content in raisins supports a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Fibre also helps maintain gut health and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
4. Bone Health: Raisins contain calcium and boron, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. These minerals contribute to bone density and may help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
5. Natural Energy Source: Raisins are a quick and natural source of energy due to their carbohydrate content, making them an excellent choice for a pre-workout snack or a burst of energy throughout the day.
6. Antioxidant Power: Raisins are loaded with antioxidants, including resveratrol and quercetin, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and may have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
7. Iron Boost: Raisins are a good source of iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and overall energy levels.
8. Weight Management: Despite their natural sugars, raisins can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The fibre content and low glycemic index of raisins can help promote satiety and control appetite.

Remember, while raisins offer these health benefits, it’s important to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your meals can help ensure you get a wide range of essential nutrients for optimal health.

Recipe for A Decadent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream: A Boozy Treat.

Here’s our recipe and method for creating our homemade rum n raisin ice cream:

Ingredients:

• 125g raisins
• 65ml dark rum
• 250ml double cream
• 125ml whole milk
• 80g granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Pour the Rum into a lidded container and place the raisins in, immerse the raisins and cover. Place the container in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Ideally, leave the raisins soaking overnight. This will allow the rum to soak into the raisins, the raisins will become plump from soaking up the rum.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Take off the heat and allow to cool.
• Once cooled, add the double cream and vanilla extract, and stir well.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker to learn more.
• During the last few minutes of churning, add the rum-soaked raisins, including any remaining rum. Adding alcohol to ice cream can be a bit tricky, as the alcohol can act like an anti-freeze and stop the ice cream from setting, so you want to add the rum-soaked raisins near the end of the churning process. Please see our post – How to Make Delicious, Indulgent, Homemade Ice Cream – which provides a detailed explanation of the delicate process of adding alcohol to Ice Cream.
• Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours, or until firm.
• Scoop the Decadent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the boozy, flavourful delight!

Optional: For extra indulgence, drizzle a small amount of additional rum over the scooped ice cream just before serving.

Note: This ice cream contains alcohol and is intended for adults. Please consume responsibly.

Enjoy your Decadent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream: A Boozy Delight!

Please check out our article – The Art and Science of Blending Alcohol with Ice Cream – which provides some valuable insights, hints and tips into the delicate art of infusing your homemade ice creams with Alcohol.

For a true Rum hit, consider purchasing the real McCoy – Wray and Nephew Jamaican White Rum 63% ABV and smooth like syrup. Be prepared though it’s powerful!

===> Click here to see a selection of Wray & Nephew Rum options.

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We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Decadent Rum and Raisin Ice Cream: A Boozy Delight. Please drop us a comment below if you have any questions and we would love to hear how you get on making your own Homemade Rum n Raisin Ice Cream.

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