Graeter's Ice Cream Captures the ‘Thrill' of the Kentucky Derby in a New Flavor

Graeter's is churning out a new ice cream flavor, and it's certain the mashup is strides ahead of the competition.

Inspired by the "thrill" of the Kentucky Derby comes a "winning" collaboration between the cult-favorite ice cream maker and the renowned Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky: the new, limited-edition Backstretch Bourbon CherryIce Cream.

"We've long believed a collaboration between Graeter's and Churchill Downs was a natural fit," Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's Ice Cream, shared in a statement. "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," the exec added, joking that Churchill Downs approved it "on the very first bite" and it was from that moment, "we knew we had a winning flavor."

Graeter's Debuts Backstretch Bourbon Cherry Ice Cream Flavor

News of the first-ever collab comes two weeks ahead of Derby Day and just shy of the one-year debut of a similar partnership Graeter's announced with local whiskey and bourbon maker Riff Distilling, but the two flavors couldn't be more different.

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Last year's special offer, Bourbon Ball ice cream, featured "rich dark chocolate and bourbon-glazed pecans." This year's Backstretch Bourbon Cherry is officially described as "a bourbon-kissed ice cream blended with black cherries and pralines."

Where Will the New Limited-Edition Graeter's Ice Cream Be Sold?

Graeter's new Backstretch Bourbon Cherry will be available by the pint and scoop at all Graeter's Scoop Shops beginning today (April 13). Fans can also find pints at select grocery stores, including Kroger in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indianapolis; Dorothy Lane Markets; Jungle Jim's; and Central Market in Texas (prices may vary), as well as online via the Graeter's website, where the flavor can be shipped nationwide.

The new flavor will also be part of the brand's "Off to the Races Collection," which features special multipacks of ice cream available exclusively via the Graeter's website.

• 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 ft. 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).

And since it's a collab with the racetrack, it only makes sense that Churchill Downs would also be serving it alongside the creamery's signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream. Guests can find the flavors in select suites and dining areas.

Additionally, on May 1 and 2, the Graeter's Ice Cream Truck will make its official Kentucky Derby debut and offer ticketed guests the chance to sample flavors like the new Backstretch Bourbon Cherry and Graeter's signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. The truck will be stationed at the Clubhouse Gate entrance and is open to all guests attending the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.

Graeter's Backstretch Bourbon Giveaway Offers Fans the Chance to Win Free Ice Cream for 1 Year

As if the officially licensed ice cream flavor wasn't enough, Graeter's is giving fans the opportunity to win free ice cream for a year, no purchase necessary.

Beginning today, through 11:59 p.m. ET on Derby Day (Saturday, May 2), qualifying ice cream lovers across the country can enter for a chance to win free Graeter's ice cream for a year by simply submitting their name, contact information and birthday via the official sweepstakes website.

One lucky winner will receive a free "Create-Your-Own Six-Pint 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-talk about a sweet deal!

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This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 7:01 AM.