# Boozy Bourbon Donuts The Bourbon Ball Donut Celebrates the Start of Derby Season By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-04-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourbon-ball-donut References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2016/04/13/thorntons-brings-back-the-bourbon-ball-donut-for-a-limited-time/) & [thorntonsinc](http://www.thorntonsinc.com/images/press-releases/2016_Thorntons_Bourbon_Ball_Donut_Release_-_FINAL.pdf) With the start of Derby season just around the corner, Thorntons has announced the return of the [Bourbon Ball Donut](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourbon-cream). Featuring a rich chocolate icing and a boozy bourbon cream filling, the donut provides a delicious way to celebrate the [Kentucky Derby](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourbon-barrel-ale). The Bourbon Ball Donut was created as part of a collaboration between Thorntons and chef Matt Jamie of [Bourbon Barrel Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-ales). The donut itself feature a rich bourbon cream filling and a bourbon-flavored chocolate icing coating. The whole thing is then topped with a pecan for a delicious crunch. As the company explains in an official press release, the donut is meant "to translate the decadence and excitement of the Kentucky Derby into a single, tangible, delicious pastry." The new donut demonstrates how chains can capitalize on regional events such as the Kentucky Derby by using locally inspired flavors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Alcohol-infused Desserts:** Creating desserts that incorporate alcoholic flavors and ingredients is a growing trend. - **Collaborative Creations:** Collaborating with local chefs or culinary experts to create unique food items is becoming a popular strategy for businesses. - **Regional Event Marketing:** Utilizing regional events as marketing opportunities to attract customers and create special limited-time products or services. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can explore innovative ways of incorporating alcohol into different types of desserts and pastries. - **Hospitality and Tourism:** Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions can collaborate with local chefs or artisans to create exclusive food and drink offerings. - **Event Planning and Marketing:** Event planning and marketing companies can help businesses leverage regional events to create unique experiences and products for customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Celebratory Spring Holiday Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voodoo-doughnuts-bottoms-up.md) - [Cookie Dough-Flavored Whiskies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dough-ball.md) - [Decadent Cake-Like Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krispy-kreme-decadent-desserts.md) - [Bourbon Barrel-Aged Brown Ales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-ales.md) - [Candied Whiskey Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graeters-bourbon-ball.md) - [Soda-Inspired Football Doughnuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-pepper-kickoff.md) - [Comforting Coffee Blends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballerini-blend.md) - [Disco-Themed New Years Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disco-ball-doughnut.md) - [Birthday Cake-Flavored Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birthday-cake-whiskey.md)