How to Try the Limited-Edition Guinness Ice Cream

The rich, bitter, and almost-chocolatey flavors of Guinness have earned this Irish stout its spot among the most iconic beers worldwide. While “classic” is undeniably a word you could use to describe this frothy brew, it has also inspired trends among younger generations. In other words, Guinness appeals to everyone.

Whether you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your favorite stout or want to savor the beer’s flavor without the alcohol, the Irish brewing company has teamed up with another iconic brand to create an inspired sweet treat everyone will want to get their hands on. Guinness and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are partnering to sell a limited-edition pint — of ice cream.

The two brands have collaborated to create a 14-ounce pint of Guinness-flavored ice cream, featuring chocolate chunks mixed throughout. The new product, called “Lovely Day for a Guinness,” will be packaged in custom cartons inspired by the design of this summer’s limited-edition Guinness Draught Stout. Pints of the ice cream are now available for purchase at Van Leeuwen Scoop Shops nationwide for $11.15 or online at vanleeuwenicecream.com for $12, while supplies last.

The special-edition dessert gets its name from vintage “Lovely Day for a Guinness” ads of the 1950s, which the brand has recently channeled into new advertising campaigns.

In a joint press release from Guinness and Van Leeuwen, Karissa Downer, brand director of Guinness, explains that “This collaboration with Van Leeuwen captures the simple summer joys that sit at the heart of our ‘A Lovely Day’ campaign – like sharing a scoop of ice cream, a pint of Guinness, and time with the people who make those moments matter. It’s one more way to come together over a Guinness and enjoy your lovely days this summer.”

This isn’t the first time that New York City-based Van Leeuwen has teamed up to create an unusual ice cream flavor. The company has previously released Kraft Mac & Cheese-, Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard-, and Hidden Valley Ranch-flavored pints. While some of these creations might seem unappealing, a few have been quite popular with customers, and Van Leeuwen has brought back its bright orange Kraft Mac & Cheese ice cream to stores more than once. 

Unlike these other unexpected releases, a Guinness-flavored ice cream sounds delicious at first mention. Chefs have utilized the flavor of this Irish stout in desserts before too.

At Soso’s in Manhattan, you can try a Guinness sundae with chocolate ganache, brown sugar caramel, and Guinness ice cream. Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn has featured a Guinness chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting on the menu for ages. Clearly, chocolate and Guinness are a match made in heaven.

For dedicated Guinness fans, the beer brand has a few more surprises in store this summer. Several Van Leeuwen locations in New York City, Nashville, Dallas, and Chicago will be offering free samples of the Lovely Day for a Guinness, along with small pours of Guinness Draught, while supplies last on select days this July.

Guinness is also bringing “pintmobiles” to Miami, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Columbus, and San Diego. These custom-branded vans will deliver surprises like treats and tiny pints, so keep an eye out if you live in these areas. Anyone over 21 years old near Hermosa Beach, California, can visit a Guinness pop-up at Spyder Surf Shop on August 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. local time to try the ice cream collaboration, enjoy small pours of Guinness Draught, and pick up exclusive merchandise.

To me, there’s one obvious thing anyone with a pint of Lovely Day for a Guinness should do: scoop a generous amount into a tall glass, then pour cold Guinness on top to create a beer and ice cream float. Is it over the top? Absolutely. And that’s the point.