Tiger Tail Ice Cream – A Sweet And Bold Canadian Classic

Learn about Tiger Tail ice cream, a sweet and bold Canadian classic. Explore its unique blend of zesty orange and rich black liquorice, a combination that you just have to try!

I was recently introduced to a flavour combination that intrigued me from the very first moment: Tiger Tail ice cream. I love curious flavour fusions and of course, this flavour profile did not disappoint. I had a reservation or two, but as soon as I tasted it, it all made perfect sense.

The pairing of zesty orange with the bold, slightly bitter taste of black liquorice creates a curious blend that switches between sweet and sharp and also aromatic and nostalgic.

It’s a flavour profile that’s unexpected yet surprisingly balanced, and it’s no wonder this ice cream has a devoted following.

Beyond the taste, the aesthetic appeal of Tiger Tail is very evident and the name couldn’t be more apt – vibrant swirls of orange and black that are as eye-catching as they are appetising and of course, very much Tiger Tail-like.

In this article, we’ll explain a little about the history of this classic Canadian ice cream flavour, explaining how it became a nostalgic favourite. And, of course, we’ll be sharing our very own recipe and method so you can recreate this deliciously unique ice cream at home.

Whether you’re new to Tiger Tail or it’s a flavour you’ve loved for years, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy.

If you’d like to go straight to the recipe we’ve shared, please click on the following link.

Jump to Homemade Tiger Tail Ice Cream Recipe

What is Tiger Tail Ice Cream?

Tiger Tail ice cream is a distinctively Canadian treat that pairs sweet orange-flavoured ice cream with bold, black liquorice swirls. The result is a striking visual contrast of vibrant orange with deep black streaks, resembling the stripes of a tiger—hence the name.

The flavour combination is equally striking, with the bright, citrusy notes of orange perfectly offsetting the earthy, slightly bitter taste of liquorice. This balance of sweetness and sharpness makes Tiger Tail a unique flavour that stands out among more conventional options.

The Origins of a Canadian Classic

Tiger Tail ice cream first rose to popularity in Canada in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Created by the iconic Canadian ice cream brand Kawartha Dairy which was founded in 1937, it quickly became a nostalgic favourite for children and adults alike.

During a time when ice cream flavours were relatively simple—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry dominated the scene—Tiger Tail brought something refreshingly different to the table. Its bold and unexpected combination of flavours was embraced by those seeking a taste adventure.

Over the years, however, it became harder to find, making it a rare but much-loved treat that continues to evoke fond memories for Canadians who grew up enjoying its unique taste.

Today, it’s experiencing a bit of a revival, with boutique ice cream parlours and home cooks rediscovering its charm and bringing it back for a new generation to enjoy.

The Flavour Profiles: Orange and Liquorice

The beauty of Tiger Tail ice cream lies in its bold contrast of flavours—zesty orange and distinctive black liquorice. These two flavours, seemingly worlds apart, come together to create an unexpectedly delicious combination that excites the palate.

Orange: The Bright and Citrusy Base

Orange is a classic flavour in desserts for a reason. Its bright and tangy notes bring a refreshing sweetness that is both uplifting and energising.

In Tiger Tail ice cream, the orange base serves as a vibrant ice cream base – its citrusy profile provides a juicy sweetness with a hint of tartness that awakens the taste buds. This citrus foundation cuts through the richness of the ice cream, offering a refreshing taste that balances the more robust, earthy flavours that follow with the liquorice.

Liquorice: The Bold and Complex Swirl

Black liquorice is a more daring choice, known for its deep, complex flavour profile that is loved by some and avoided by others. With hints of anise and a slightly bitter, earthy sweetness, liquorice brings a unique depth and complexity to Tiger Tail ice cream.

It has an unmistakable aromatic quality that lingers on the palate, adding a bold contrast to the lightness and zestiness of the orange.

This intensity not only complements the orange but also challenges the conventional ice cream experience, making every bite a surprise.

Together, the sweet, citrusy orange and the deep, aromatic liquorice create a fantastic combination of flavours – one that is simultaneously sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter. This blend of bright and bold makes Tiger Tail a truly unique ice cream that continues to intrigue and delight those who crave something different.

Recreate Tiger Tail Ice Cream at Home

Now that you’ve discovered the unique flavour combination and history of Tiger Tail ice cream, it’s time to bring this Canadian classic to life in your own kitchen.

Making your own Tiger Tail ice cream allows you to enjoy the bright citrus of orange and the bold, complex notes of black liquorice in a fresh, creamy base. The trick is to find the right balance, as you don’t want either flavour profile overpowering the other. So it’s a case of balancing just the right amount of each.

Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic flavours or just love exploring new and unusual tastes, this homemade recipe will help you capture the essence of this distinctive ice cream.

Homemade Tiger Tail Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Orange Ice Cream Base:

• 475 ml double cream
• 240 ml whole milk
• 150 g caster sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 120 ml fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A few drops of orange food colouring (optional, for a more vibrant orange colour)

For the Black Liquorice Swirl:

• 120 ml water
• 100 g caster sugar
• 60 ml black treacle
• 1 tsp anise extract (or more to taste)
• Black food colouring (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the Orange Ice Cream Base:
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the double cream, whole milk, and half of the caster sugar (75 g). Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
  • Slowly temper the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks by adding a small amount at a time while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
  • Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 75°C).
  • Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. If you want a more vibrant orange hue, add a few drops of orange food colouring.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove any cooked egg bits and zest, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Prepare the Black Liquorice Swirl:
  • In a small saucepan, combine water, caster sugar, and black treacle. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the anise extract. Adjust the anise to your taste—add more if you prefer a stronger liquorice flavour.
  • If using, add black food colouring until you achieve a deep, rich black colour. Let the mixture cool completely.
• Churn the Ice Cream:
  • Once the orange base is thoroughly chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
    • NB: If you don’t own an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe, you simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post –How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• Create the Tiger Tail Effect:
  • Transfer half of the churned orange ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Drizzle some of the black liquorice swirl mixture over the top. Add the remaining orange ice cream and repeat with more liquorice drizzle. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the mixture, creating that signature “tiger tail” effect. Be careful not to over-mix; you want distinct swirls of black within the orange base.
• Freeze Until Firm:
  • Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Scoop and serve your homemade Tiger Tail ice cream, and enjoy this sweet and bold classic!

This recipe and method allow you to capture the essence of Tiger Tail ice cream giving you step-by-step instructions on how you can recreate this classic Canadian ice cream at home.

If unique flavour ice cream combinations are your thing, how about trying our Homemade Bacon and Maple Syrup Ice Cream or perhaps our Lavender and Honey Ice Cream? Both offer curious, yet delicious flavour profiles. Check out our other unique ice cream recipes here.

Perfect for Halloween Celebrations

With Halloween just around the corner, Tiger Tail ice cream’s bold colours make it a perfect addition to any spooky celebration. The striking contrast of orange and black captures the very essence of Halloween, bringing both visual appeal and a fun, nostalgic twist to your party menu.

Whether served in scoops, turned into ice cream sandwiches, or even as a base for creative ice cream sundaes, this sweet and bold treat is sure to be a hit.

Impress your guests with something a little different this Halloween—Tiger Tail ice cream is not only delicious but also adds a festive touch to your autumn gatherings!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Tiger Tail Ice Cream: The Sweet And Bold Canadian Classic – introducing you or perhaps reminding you of this delicious and unique flavour combination of Orange and Licorice and we really hope we have inspired you to give this unique recipe a go yourselves.

If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we’ll be happy to get back to you.

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