NY Gov. Cuomo signs legislation allowing ice cream made with liquor

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Monday signed an executive order allowing the sale of liquor-infused ice cream in the state.

The legislation will allow the manufacturing and sale of alcohol-infused frozen dairy desserts to meet “increasing consumer demand” for alcoholic ice cream, according to Cuomo’s statement in a press release.

“The craft beverage industry has experienced explosive growth in New York and with that comes a responsibility to advance regulations that help ensure long-term viability, protect consumers and provide farmers with opportunities to increase their business,” Cuomo added.

Liquor-infused desserts will be allowed to contain a limit of up to 5 percent alcohol by volume and will have similar labels to that of wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages.

According to the release, the amount of farm-based licenses for craft manufacturers has increased from 282 in 2012 to 823 today.

Sen. Rachel May (D) commended the new legislation, saying it would “help New York’s dairy industry and our liquor and craft beverage industries at the same time.”