THE FUSE

I’ve loved Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream for over 15 years, even though I rarely get to eat it. There aren’t any of its scoop shops near me, so I always jump at the chance to eat the deliciously creamy ice cream when I’m traveling and come across a shop. My go-to order always contains a scoop of Brambleberry Crisp, and the texture of smooth Philadelphia-style ice cream (this is how it’s made) is dreamy and perfect.

I recently tasted a new flavor that’s so good it just might knock the brambleberry flavor out of the number-one spot: Earl Grey Crème Brulée.

This and a second flavor coincide with the release of the fourth season of Netflix’s Bridgerton and is what Jeni’s is calling “a rare diamond of a collaboration.” The limited-edition ice creams celebrate all the decadence of the Regency era, with Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake (Princess cake, bright berries, soft sponge, and custard notes) joining the Earl Grey flavor. Dearest reader, while Queen Charlotte was tasty, the Earl Grey Crème Brulée was fantastic.

Ohio-based Jeni’s says, “Earl Grey Crème Brulée ice cream wraps the favorite tea blend enjoyed by the ton into a luscious salted custard with a hint of bergamot for delicate citrus and floral notes. Burnt sugar candies are wrapped throughout for a sweet, lingering finish.”

While Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake is already in scoop shops and available in pints online, Earl Grey Crème Brulée will be available for sale in pints starting February 9 and in scoop shops starting February 12. That means you’ll have plenty of time to order some pints before the release of the second half of the Bridgerton season on February 26 if you want a sweet bite while binge watching.

Earl Grey tea is such a smart choice for an ice cream flavor. The bitter tannins in black tea get tempered by the milk, cream, and sugar, and the floral notes from the bergamot really come through. This Earl Grey Crème Brulée ice cream isn’t too sweet and has a supersmooth texture that doesn’t feel heavy — those who love London Fog lattes will probably be big fans of this.

The best part, though, are the little bits of burnt sugar candies scattered throughout. They stay marvelously crisp, shatter easily when you bite into them, and taste just like the toasted sugar topping on a traditional crème brulée that’s so super satisfying to crack with the back of a spoon.

This ice cream is so delicious I’m 100% sure my pint will be gone by the time the fourth season of Bridgerton begins (and I’m not sharing). Guess I’ll just have to order more pints to enjoy while watching Benedict Bridgerton’s story unfold. Even if you’re not a Bridgerton fan, don’t let this ice cream perfection pass you by.