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Influenza Sorbet
Wednesday, January 23, 2013    
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A Columbus-based company has put a twist on ice cream.

Fighting the flu with ice cream? It's possible thanks to Columbus-based Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

Their "Influenza Sorbet" blends Maker's Mark bourbon with lemon juice, honey, cayenne pepper, and ginger. Company founder Jeni Britton Bauer says it began with a flu remedy from her mother.

"It doesn't cure the flu, but it certainly helps with the symptoms," she said.

The first flavors you notice are the lemon juice and honey followed by bourbon and ginger.

"You get the cayenne after about 5 or 7 seconds."

Jeni says they also add pectin, which is found in cough drops, to coat your throat. She says it lasts long enough to get you to sleep.

"We don't load our stores up with it, just on the bottom shelf. We don't talk too much about it, we don't serve it in the stores. If you've got a sick friend and you know about it you come in and get it for them."

She compares it to chicken noodle soup.

A pint sells for $12.