Now You’ve Done It
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Cincinnati’s latest culinary creation: Skyline Spice Ice Cream, the brainchild of two local icons, Graeter’s Ice Cream and Skyline Chili. Yes, this is real. No, it’s not a fever dream brought on by one too many cheese coneys. This bold collaboration has spawned an ice cream that dares to combine Graeter’s creamy French Pot craftsmanship with the aromatic spice mix that makes Skyline’s chili so beloved. Throw in some crunchy oyster crackers for texture, and you’ve got yourself a dessert… or maybe a main course? We’re still figuring that out.
So, what’s the scoop on this unique treat? (Pun absolutely intended.) According to those brave enough to dive in, the flavor is an unexpectedly pleasant medley of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, with just a whisper of chili powder. It’s like a chai latte that went on a weekend getaway to Cincinnati and came back with a few surprises. The texture is classic Graeter’s—smooth and rich—with the added crunch of oyster crackers that somehow feels both wrong and oh-so-right. Reviews are calling it “unexpectedly delightful” and “reminiscent of spiced holiday desserts,” though some say the connection to Skyline is more of a subtle nod than a bold shout.
But let’s be honest: this isn’t just ice cream. It’s a conversation starter, a dare among friends, a way to show out-of-town visitors just how weirdly wonderful Cincinnati can be. It’s a dessert that says, “Yes, we put chili spices in ice cream, and no, we’re not sorry.” Starting January 27, you can snag a pint at Skyline restaurants, Graeter’s Scoop Shops, select Kroger stores, or online if you’re an ex-pat craving a taste of home.
Of course, this collaboration begs the question: What’s next for Cincinnati’s food scene? Clearly, the bar for “iconic mashups” has been raised to spicy, cracker-crunching heights. Here are some proposals for the next great Queen City culinary experiment:
LaRosa’s Pizza-Flavored Goetta Breakfast and dinner collide in this bold creation. Imagine goetta patties infused with LaRosa’s sweet pizza sauce and tiny pepperoni bits. Bonus points if it’s served in a hoagie roll because, honestly, why not?
Grippo’s BBQ Chip Hummus Take creamy hummus, add a fiery kick of Grippo’s BBQ seasoning, and top it with crushed chips for texture. Celery sticks optional; more Grippo’s chips encouraged.
Skyline Chili Buttercream Cake Chocolate cake layered with chili-spiced buttercream frosting and finished with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Because who needs dignity when you have dessert?
Montgomery Inn Ribs-Flavored Popsicles Perfect for those humid Cincinnati summers, these frozen treats combine slow-cooked rib flavor with the portability of a popsicle stick. Messy? Sure. Delicious? Maybe.
Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip Coney Dogs A daring fusion of dessert and dinner. Picture Skyline’s cheese coney topped with Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip sauce and a drizzle of chocolate. It’s a culinary identity crisis you didn’t know you needed.
Frisch’s Big Boy Tartar Sauce-Flavored Wings Why dunk your wings in tartar sauce when you can bake the flavor right in? Served with crinkle-cut fries, naturally.
UDF Grater-Tot Sundae Warm tater tots topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and (yes) Skyline’s shredded cheddar. The sweet-salty combo no one asked for but everyone will try.
Busken Bakery Glazed Chili Donut A cinnamon-spiced chili filling inside a classic Busken glazed donut. Breakfast, ruined.
Flying Pig Pork Belly Skyline Sundae Vanilla ice cream meets Skyline chili, pork belly crumbles, and shredded cheddar. True Cincinnatians will understand; everyone else will panic.
Cincinnati Craft Beer Float A scoop of Graeter’s ice cream floating in a Rhinegeist Truth IPA or Madtree Psychopathy. Because hops and ice cream were always meant to be.
If there’s one thing Skyline Spice Ice Cream has taught us, it’s that Cincinnati isn’t afraid to get weird in the name of flavor. Whether these mashups become reality or remain fevered daydreams, one thing is certain: this city knows how to keep its food scene as unique as its people. Cheers to the bold, the unexpected, and the deliciously questionable!