Graeter’s Ice Cream Teams with the Kentucky Derby® to Launch Backstretch Bourbon Cherry Flavor
HOSPITALITY
Graeter’s new Kentucky Derby–licensed flavor blends bourbon, black cherries, and pralines.
Graeter's Ice Cream is celebrating Derby season with a new limited-edition flavor that brings the excitement of Churchill Downs to dessert lovers nationwide. The Cincinnati-based ice cream maker, known as America's oldest family-owned ice cream company, has partnered with Churchill Downs to launch Backstretch Bourbon Cherry, an officially licensed ice cream of the Kentucky Derby.
The new flavor features bourbon-kissed ice cream blended with black cherries and pralines, designed to capture the tradition and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby. The collaboration marks a natural partnership between two iconic brands with deep roots in the region.
A Perfect Match
"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. Churchill Downs approved it on the very first bite. From that moment, we knew we had a winning flavor."
The flavor became available April 13 for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com and at all Graeter's scoop shops. Starting April 15, pints can be found at select grocery stores including Kroger locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, as well as Dorothy Lane Markets, Jungle Jim's, and Central Market in Texas.
Derby Collection and Giveaway
Graeter's is offering three special pack options in its Off to the Races Collection. The Backstretch Six-Pint Pack includes two pints of the new flavor plus Madagascar Vanilla, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Salted Caramel. The Winner's Circle Six-Pint Pack features Bourbon Ball and other favorites along with a Kern's Kitchen Derby Pie. The Trifecta Chip Wheelies Pack offers ice cream sandwiches with the new flavor and other varieties.
To celebrate the launch, Graeter's is running a sweepstakes through May 2, 2026. One grand prize winner will receive a free Create-Your-Own Six-Pint Pack every month for 12 months, while five runners-up will receive one pack. Fans can enter at Graeters.com/Derby with no purchase necessary.
Derby Weekend Presence
The Graeter's Ice Cream Truck will make its Kentucky Derby debut on May 1-2, 2026, stationed at the Clubhouse Gate entrance. Ticketed guests can sample Backstretch Bourbon Cherry and the signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip flavor. Churchill Downs will also serve both flavors in select suites and dining areas during the race weekend.
About Graeter's
Since 1870, five generations of the Graeter family have used the traditional French Pot method to handcraft ice cream. The company remains the only ice cream maker in the world that still uses this process at scale. Graeter's operates more than 50 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually. The brand is available in more than 3,000 grocery stores across the United States.
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The race, inaugurated in 1875, is the longest continually held major sporting event in the United States and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series.
For more information about Backstretch Bourbon Cherry and the Off to the Races Collection, visit Graeters.com.