Ice cream is the usual go-to when you crave relief from the unrelenting heat of desert days and nights. But what if you crave something other than the classic scoop in a cup or cone? These days, there are more indulgent, creative and – in some cases, artistic – options for a tasty cold snack.
Here are 10 frosty, creamy and icy treats to try this summer in metro Phoenix.
Since 2011, this popsicle shop has been serving stick-bound icy confections sans fillers and artificial flavors. Vegan, no-sugar, non-dairy and gluten-free options are part of the rotating selection that features more than 100 flavors ($3.50, $30 for 10). Popular options include strawberry watermelon, lavender berry lemonade and mango sunset. Balsamic fig chevre, Vietnamese coffee and pineapple blood orange ginger are among the more out-of-the-box creations.
Details: 5050 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix. 602-279-0026, azpops.com.
The aptly-named La Bomba ($32) is an impressive creation. A housemade chocolate shell is filled with a mélange of ice creams and sorbets plus pieces of cakes, berries, nuts and edible flowers. Presented tableside, a countdown culminates with a shout of the dessert’s name followed by the server dropping it – shattering the chocolate shell into large chards. The server will then ceremoniously drizzle the confection with three different sauces. The bomb indeed.
Details: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.
Cool off like they do in the Aloha State with fresh and fluffy snow-like cones shaved from block ice and covered with handmade syrups made with C&H Pure Cane Sugar and purified water. Adorn your choice of 65 shave ice flavors with accouterments like mochi, gummy bears, li hing mui powder or ice cream ($3.50-$5.50). Or go with one of the signatures ($4-$6). The piccadilly is made with diced pickles and a sprinkle of Kool-Aid or Tajin, while chocolate cherry is topped with chocolate and cherry syrups, chocolate drizzle, chocolate chips and a cherry on top, just for good measure.
Details: 13825 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix. 602-819-3050, kamanawana.com.
There are more than 40 rotating flavors ($2.89-$8.99) at Jeremiah’s, with 24 in the cooler at any given time. In addition to classics like chocolate, cherry and lemon, find out-of-the-box offerings like horchata, cake batter and a secret menu item made with a changing combo of house flavors. Up your ice game a notch or two with a gelati ($3.89-$7.99) – an Italian ice and soft serve ice cream parfait.
Details: 20784 E. Victoria Lane, Queen Creek. 480-268-7793. Also, 4050 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. 480-702-0211. Other locations at jeremiahsice.com.
The monthly Show Stopper shake ($20) truly earns its name. The eye-popping multi-tiered shake is a far cry from the traditional blend of ice cream, milk and flavored syrup, and a new, season-inspired concoction graces the menu every month. For August the Lemon Drop flaunts a refreshing lemon sorbet and vanilla ice cream duo topped with lemon meringue pie, a lemon Madeline cookie, milk crumb, Lemonheads, Sour Skittles and lemon sugar sticks, finished off with a whipped cream hat. For the month of August, $1 of each one sold will go to the Arizona Golden Rescue.
Details: 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. 480-376-2600, hotelvalleyho.com.
Build your own Taiwanese shaved ice dessert ($5.75-$8.75) starting with flavors including pistachio, strawberry, taro or milk cream and add toppings like marshmallows, mango jelly, Oreo cookies, condensed milk, caramel and Nutella.
Details: 914 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-888-4063, snohice.com.
Chill out with tantalizing dark chocolate, tiramisu, honey lavender and Bailey’s Irish gelato ($6.11-$8.12 cup, $15.59 pint, $24.68 quart) and a cornucopia of sweet and salty toppings. The selection at Frost also includes handmade dairy-free sorbets in flavors such as strawberry and champagne and limoncello.
Details: 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. 480-899-2160. Also, Biltmore Fashion Park, 24th Street and Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-955-3767. Other locations at frostgelato.com.
About a dozen-ish flavors are available daily at Paletas Betty, which specializes in the Mexican version of a Popsicle ($3.50). The seasonal menu features frozen pops made with fresh fruit and spices ground fresh in-house. Choose from options like arroz con leche, mango con chile, pecan-filled nuez and pepino made with Greek yogurt and cucumber.
Details: 96 W. Boston St., Chandler. 480-779-8080, paletasbetty.com.
Almost too beautiful to tear into, the icy snow cones at this Korean frosty haven are exactly what a triple digit day demands. Build your own with nearly endless topping options or go for one of the shop’s signatures ($6.25-$11.75). The Golden Dust is adorned with red bean and rice cake on an almond snowball and the Miss You Matcha offers matcha tiramisu cake and matcha dust on an icy green tea orb. You can also enjoy it stuffed in a fun fish-shaped mochi waffle cone ($6.25).
Details: 2095 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-268-7711, snowtimeaz.com.
This soft-serve spot is known for its creamy milk ice cream that’s finished with a drizzle of pure honey from a family-owned kosher certified honey farm. The original namesake is topped with a 100% natural honeycomb chip ($6). The dreamy Dear Caramel is doused with Ghirardelli caramel syrup and French sea salt ($5.40), and the Yuzu Affogato is topped with yuzu peel and corn flakes ($6). The menu also includes a dozen honey milkshake combos ($5.50-$6.25).
Details: 2196 E Williams Field Road, Gilbert. 480-781-4990. honeymee.com.
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