Crema reggina

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Crema reggina is a rum-flavored ice cream that hails from Calabria. It is made with milk, sugar, carob, rum, candied fruit, chocolate, and Alchemers—Italian herbal liqueur made with rosewater, orange blossom water, sugar, herbs, and spices. This red liqueur gives the ice cream a distinctive pink hue. Some versions will leave out the liqueur and add food coloring. Crema reggina was an accidental creation of Pepé Caridi, a local pastry chef. The legend says that while he was preparing a custard, he made the mistake of adding too much rum, and though the outcome was not what he was hoping for, it resulted in a delicious combination that he decided to name after his hometown. This ice cream is listed as a traditional product from the region and is now available in other gelato shops. Crema reggina is usually decorated with candied fruit or melted chocolate.