Tipsy Scoop, known for alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet, is preparing to open its first Boston franchise at 59 Dartmouth St. in the South End next spring. Until then, it plans to offer delivery and catering, alongside its boozy “ice cream flights,” while r
On 59 Dartmouth St. in Boston’s South End, a storefront sits waiting for next spring—but the company behind it says you won’t have to wait that long to taste the idea.
Tipsy Scoop. a New York-based business known for alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet. plans to open its first Boston franchise at the address next spring. The company is still nearly a year away from a full storefront. but it says customers can sample its boozy frozen treats sooner through catering events and delivery.
The menu preview already sounds like a night out, even in the middle of the day. Customers can expect flavors including cookies and cream espresso martini. vanilla bean bourbon. dark chocolate whiskey salted caramel. and cake batter vodka martini. Tipsy Scoop also plans “boozy ice cream flights,” as well as sundaes.
There’s a catch: guests must be 21+ to enjoy the boozy flavors, with identification required. For those who aren’t old enough—or simply aren’t ordering the alcohol-infused options—the shop will also offer “Cool Kids Sundaes” and non-alcoholic mocktail choices.
If you’re thinking about stocking up before the Boston doors officially open, the company says it won’t be cheap. Ordering four pints of its ice cream via shipping costs about $100.
The person at the helm in Boston is Kimberly Medina. owner of Tipsy Scoop’s Barlour in Astoria. Queens. who will also own the Boston franchise. In a statement. Medina said she’s “incredibly proud” of the move. framing it as a milestone from being the company’s second franchisee to becoming the first franchisee “to expand to multiple locations.” She added that the city holds special meaning for her because of her strong family ties to the area.
The first hints of the Boston expansion began about three months ago. when a video was released showing Medina opening the door to the new location—at the time. it was an empty storefront. Then. one week ago. Tipsy Scoop Boston shared a picture of the shop with large images of the boozy ice cream and a sign that read “Coming Soon.”.
Posts from the owner followed, including “Boston nightlife just got sweeter,” “The buzz is real…@tipsyscoop is coming to Boston,” and “Who’s ready for their first boozy scoop?”
Those early steps are only part of the preparation. A Tipsy Scoop spokesperson said it will take time to obtain the necessary permits and retrofit the former retail shop into a full-service ice cream destination. The planned setup includes freezers, dipping wells, and bar seating, along with outdoor seating once the location opens.
Even with the promise of boozy flavors, federal rules limit alcohol-infused ice cream to less than 5% ABV. Customers will still need to be 21 or older and show identification to buy it. The product is classified as food rather than a beverage. and that means stores do not need a liquor license to sell it.
The brand traces its roots to founder Melissa Tavss. who started the company in 2014 in New York City. building on family generations of ice cream makers dating back to Italy and later Scotland. The business began selling its creations at stores and events across New York City. and opened its first barlour—described as a bar and ice cream parlor—in 2017. It expanded into Brooklyn and Long Island before beginning franchising opportunities in 2023. Bar-lours can now be found in Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, and even the Bahamas.
Tavss said in a statement that “Boston has been at the top of our expansion list since we first opened,” and that over the years the company has enjoyed partnering with local retailers to bring its “boozy pints and ice cream carts to beloved Boston destinations.”
For Boston residents, the anticipation is already showing up in real-time reactions. After influencer Bret Clancy announced the opening, commenters responded with “Finally,” “Literally cannot wait,” and “YESSS.”
Tipsy Scoop Boston South End boozy ice cream alcohol-infused ice cream delivery catering franchise 59 Dartmouth St Kimberly Medina Melissa Tavss