If there’s one thing all “college towns” have in common, it’s the presence of student-friendly eateries easily accessible from campus. As a SNHU alumnus, I can safely say that Manchester has several, but among the oldest and most popular is the Puritan Backroom.

The reason is twofold: there’s a buzzing takeout window in addition to a main dining room, and their two signature items appeal to 90% of college students.

There’s the chicken fingers (which folks claim they invented; I have my doubts) and the infamous frozen mudslides. These milkshakes disguising as cocktails contain Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua Coffee liqueur and vodka. That’s the basic variation, but there’s over a dozen varieties and they all do the job of giving students (and everyone else) a one-two punch of sugar and booze.

It’s one of those how-could-it-not-be-great combinations, and it makes me wonder why we don’t combine the cold stuff with the hard stuff more often. Well…

Charlie’s Ice Cream – Exeter, NH – Flavors: Margarita and Mint Chocolate Chip

From the exterior, Charlie’s looks like your standard neighborhood ice cream shop. That impression continues upon walking inside. Take a gander at the menu, and this new, family-owned parlor begins to set itself apart. Get your I.D. ready, because there’s spiked ice cream lurking behind the counter.

Charlie’s opened earlier this year, offering a wide assortment of house-made flavors. Although their hard serve and dairy-free flavors are top notch, their selection of “adult” flavors is what’s turning heads.

The adult section reads like a catalogue of boozy classics: White Russian, Skrewball Peanut Butter Cup, Fireball, Bailey’s and many more. Nostalgic for some, perhaps less so for others, but undeniably fun for everyone over 21, these flavors won’t get you intoxicated, but they’ll provide that edge everyone expects from their favorite drink.

Take the Margarita flavor; it’s laced with tequila and triple sec, plus lemon. The result is bright, citrusy and bracing, with just enough alcohol to add a little pep to your step.

Charlie’s Mint Chocolate Chip won my affection by choosing to forgo the neon green food coloring in favor of a natural off-white hue. Even more inticing, this modern take on a classic comes embellished with crème de menthe and irregular bits of chocolate. These upgrades make for the most refreshing, tongue-tingling mint ice cream you’ve ever eaten.

These flavors are a bit softer than regular hard ice cream, so a cup is the preferred serving vessel. In addition to small, medium and large, patrons can order a “flight” of four flavors, each served in its own little container.

When it comes to quality ice cream shops in New Hampshire, Charlie’s is the new kid in town with the fresh sneakers. Whether you want to get in touch with your inner college student, you’re antsy to consume your favorite drink in an alternative form or you just want to sample some great ice cream, it’s the place to be. Please eat responsibly.

Find Charlie’s Ice Cream at 150 Front St in Exeter, NH. They’re open seven days a week for the summer.