Getting the ‘bee in my bonnet’ about making this ice cream happened a couple of months ago at a party where everyone was throwing the Patron XO cafe’s down their throats like there was no tomorrow. I was sipping mine and savouring the gorgeous silky, sweet, coffee nectar. I’m still trying to educate (mainly male) friends that tequila of this calibre needs to be consumed gently, like whiskey.

Anyway, during the conversation the friend who’s birthday it was suggested it would be nice with ice cream. I said I love making ice cream and would create a Patron XO ice cream in his honour. So that is how it all got started.

My first attempt didn’t work out because the alcohol content was too high and it didn’t freeze. It can be quite tricky adding booze to frozen desserts. I also needed to adjust the sugar levels. However this failed prototype – which I blended with milk – made a wicked milkshake. I don’t like anything to go to waste.

On my second attempt and halfway through the churn, my ice cream machine exploded (puff of smoke, small bang). Luckily it was only the fan motor that blew up and not too big a deal to repair.

So third attempt we had success.

I made a batch of my favourite basic base ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s) reduced the sugar and added the Patron XO.

2 eggs (free-range)

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup milk

2 cups cream, heavy or whipping

1/4 cup Patron XO Cafe

How to make this:

beat the eggs until fluffy for about 2 minutes

slowly add the sugar bit by bit and carry on whisking for a further minute or so until it is incorporated

add the milk, and cream and stir to combine

add the patron and run the mix through an ice cream maker until ready according to the manufacturer’s instruction and until its as firm as it will go

transfer it into a plastic container and then freeze until it hardens a bit more and is ready to use

To serve I grated over a very good quality 70% chocolate and drizzled over a bit more Patron just to give it some extra punch.

PS. Mr Hood, I have not forgotten, I just wanted to get it right.

I look forward to connecting with you again in the future.

Visit my Drizzle and Dip Facebook page or Pinterest, and Instagram