Sugar Buzz: Gelato Martinis at Sugarland, Chapel Hill NC
Thursday, September 17, 2009 
a sweet dispatch by Cake Gumshoe Shannon Connell
If you’ve never found yourself ordering a scoop of gelato with the phrase, “Shaken, not stirred,” then think twice.
Sugarland, a Chapel Hill-based bakery that’s been featured on Good Morning America has taken to serving up their gelato in the rare form of frozen gelato martinis. The flavors range from twists on classics such as gin and tonic, lemon drop and pina colada to the more inventive, including the Nutty Irishman, a blend of hazelnut gelato, Bailey’s Irish cream and vodka, and the Kiwi Kamikazi, a mix of kiwi gelato, a splash of lime, Midori and vodka.
During my visit to the sweet shop, I sampled Sugarland’s signature Tartini, named for the college town’s beloved Tar Heels. The Tartini is a creamy, blue concoction of lemon, peach, orange and pineapple that goes down cooler and smoother than traditional gelato-free martinis. The flavor was citrusy sweet, and the richly flavored gelato masked the unpleasant taste and burning sensation that can accompany alcoholic sippers.
Sugarland mixes up a variety of gelato martini flavors to fit a range of tastes. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and tart, then the Pink Pomegranate is your match. If you’re craving a richer, more decadent drink, then the Chocolate or Mochatini with a base of white chocolate gelato and Godiva liqueur is meant for you.
In addition to a bevy of gelato flavors, which can be served up straight (sans alcohol), Sugarland also offers coffee, cupcakes, cakes and other baked goodies made with local, organic products.
Sugarland, 140 East Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 919-929-2100; online at sugarlandchapelhill.com. For more of Shannon Connell’s work, check out her website here.
cakespy undercover, guest blog
Reader Comments (5)
Yum...sounds good!
Hey! Thanks for the local dish!
Gotta love that Tartini...and a new place to visit on the east coast!
I LOVE SUGARLAND!
Their gelato is amazing and so is their frosting and coffee. The owner is really nice as well.
Sugarland is the model of a great small business. Thanks for putting it in Cakespy!!!
-A cakespy reader in Chapel Hill
Works for me.