The race to the most indulgent scoop of ice cream of the season has begun. Graeter’s Ice Cream, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated ice cream maker, is releasing a new limited-edition flavor for Derby season: Backstretch Bourbon Cherry.
In a collaboration worthy of the winner’s circle, Graeter’s and Churchill Downs have teamed up to create a bourbon-kissed ice cream blended with black cherries and pralines, intentionally crafted to capture the thrill, tradition and pageantry of the race. The decadent creation is an officially licensed ice cream of the Kentucky Derby.
“We’ve long believed a collaboration between Graeter’s and Churchill Downs was a natural fit,” said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter’s Ice Cream. “When the Churchill Downs team visited Cincinnati late last year, they experienced our factory tour and tasted ice cream straight from our French Pots – and we introduced them to what is now Backstretch Bourbon Cherry. The flavor and name were developed by Graeter’s with their input, and Churchill Downs approved it on the very first bite. From that moment, we knew we had a winning flavor.”
Backstretch Bourbon Cherry became available Monday for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com, as well as by the pint and by the scoop at all Graeter’s locations. Pints of Backstretch Bourbon Cherry can also be found beginning April 15 at select grocery stores including Kroger in Ohio, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Dorothy Lane Markets, Jungle Jim’s and Central Market in Texas.
To help fans celebrate the race weekend properly at home or with friends, Graeter’s is offering three ice cream pack options in its Off to the Races Collection for purchase online:
• The Backstretch Six-Pint Pack: Two pints of Backstretch Bourbon Cherry, one pint each of Madagascar Vanilla, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Salted Caramel
• • The Winner’s Circle Six-Pint Pack featuring Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie: This bundle features two pints of Bourbon Ball, one pint each of Madagascar Vanilla, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Salted Caramel, plus one of the iconic Kern’s Derby Pies – the official pie of the Kentucky Derby Festival
• • The Trifecta Chip Wheelies Pack: Graeter’s signature ice cream sandwiches offered in three different flavors – four of Backstretch Bourbon Cherry (sandwiched between two handmade sugar cookies), and four of Vanilla Chocolate Chip and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip (both between two handmade chocolate chip cookies)
Graeter’s is also taking Derby celebrations to a new level by giving fans the opportunity to win free ice cream for a year, with no purchase necessary. One lucky winner will receive a free Create-Your-Own Six-Pin’ Pack every month for 12 months beginning May 2026 through April 2027. Five runners-up will receive a free Create-Your-Own Six-Pint Pack.
Now through 11:59 p.m. on Derby Day, May 2, ice cream lovers can enter for a chance to win free Graeter’s ice cream for a year by submitting their name, contact information and birthday at Graeters.com/Derby. One winner and five runners-up will be selected at random.
The Graeter’s Backstretch Bourbon Giveaway is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United State and The District of Columbia who are 18 and older. For Official Rules, visit Graeters.com/Derby.
On May 1-2, the Graeter’s Ice Cream Truck will be making its official Kentucky Derby debut, offering ticketed guests the chance to sample flavors including Backstretch Bourbon Cherry and Graeter’s signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, in addition to other Graeter’s staples. The truck will be stationed at the Clubhouse Gate entrance and is open to all guests attending Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs will also be serving Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream and Backstretch Bourbon Cherry scoops in select suites and dining areas.
Graeter’s Ice Cream