Jeni’s + Intelligentsia = Best Ice Cream Ever?

If there’s one thing we possibly like more than coffee, it’s ice cream. And as far as we’re concerned Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams makes the best ice cream in the world. The Columbus-based company has expanded all around America over the last few years, including Chicago’s Logan Square. Jeni’s is known for going to great lengths to source fresh, seasonal ingredients, so we knew it was only a matter of time before they collaborated with Chicago’s own, Intelligentsia Coffee.

Direct Trade, Grass-grazed

Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Vimeo.

Jeni’s limited edition Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso ice cream features Intelli’s signature espresso blend, steeped in Ohio’s finest grass-grazed cream. We haven’t gotten to try this flavor yet, but this gorgeous video has us wanting to make a beeline up I-71 to the Midwestern Mecca of frozen desserts that is Columbus. Or we might just drive to the suburbs and go to Whole Foods. Either way, we need this coffee ice cream in our life immediately.

DIY Coffee Ice Cream

If you don’t have a scoop shop in driving distance, you can always order their wonderful cookbook, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home and a bag of Blackcat. You’ll also need an ice cream maker. We’re big fans of the Cuisinart ICE-21. We’ve never tried steeping espresso in cream, but we’ve had a lot of success using cold brew coffee in ice cream.

These are the sorts of trans-culinary discipline collaborations that we love to see take place. We can only hope Jeni’s will be putting a scoop shop in Louisville soon. Until then, we’ll be looking for any excuse to visit Columbus, Nashville, or Chicago.