Lorelei Infusions Bringing Spirit-Infused Ice Cream to Brooksville

BROOKSVILLE, FL - Lorelei Infusions is preparing to open at 813 S Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, and bring a unique ice cream experience inspired by a rich local history. Owned by Wendy McGinnis and Paula Thompson, McGinnis told Business Debut that they are currently under construction with plans to open within four to five weeks.

The shop will offer premium homemade ice cream, spirit-infused flavors, and custom ice cream cakes made on-site using Emery Thompson machinery, a brand that McGinnis and Thompson are very familiar with. The building, an older structure, is undergoing renovations, including painting, electrical work, drywall installation and a few visual surprised for their guests.

Delicious Offerings and Memorable Experiences

Lorelei Infusions will focus on old-fashioned ice cream made without preservative and unnatural colors and dyes. The shop will also feature a coffee counter alongside the ice cream for specialty coffee drinks. They plan to open their coffee counter later this Fall.

McGinnis plans to experiment with items like “Mimi’s Wacky Cake,” a Depression-era recipe made without milk or eggs and other baked desserts that will be added to their ice cream.

Community Engagement and Membership Program

Lorelei Infusions is focused on creating an experience for guests. Visitors can explore the kitchen's observation windows, learn about the history of Emery Thompson machinery, and partake in tastings. McGinnis stated, "We just want a different experience that is not here in Hernando County. We want people to come together and create their own custom ice cream batches during special events. It’s perfect for girls’ groups or bachelorette parties."

They are also introducing a founding members club with special tastings and meetings to share flavor suggestions and gain early access to new inventions. Top-tier members will have their names inscribed on a gold tile on the shop's walls.

Concept Rooted in Fun & History

McGinnis, a retired law enforcement officer who returned to Hernando County with her husband, shared some history behind the concept: “Emery Thompson invented the first mechanized batch freezer in 1905, and that company relocated from the Bronx to Brooksville in 2006," McGinnis shared. The machinery and history inspired McGinnis to partner with Thompson and create an experience where people can come and enjoy their homemade frozen desserts.

The brand name was inspired by the mermaid name “Lorelei,” an enchanted and alluring mythical being. McGinnis also draws on her earlier experience as a mermaid at the world famous Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida.

Stay Connected

While the opening hours are still being finalized, you can follow Lorelei Infusions on Facebook, Instagram and visit their website for updates. Or sign up early for their exclusive founding members program to be among the first to taste their unique handcrafted flavors.