Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer, and with that comes rising temperatures that can seem stifling when buzzing around the bustling city. It may be tempting to escape to a beach retreat in hopes of avoiding the heat, but if that’s not an option, you can still bask in the sun without melting away. New York City offers an abundant variety of fun, refreshing treats, so while you’re running between dance practice and soccer games, make sure you stop by one of these places to cool down during the warm summer months.
1. Melt Bakery’s Ice Cream Sandwiches
The first of its kind, Melt Bakery is an ice-cream sandwich shop located on the Lower-East Side, as well as at a new location on the Highline. It offers six current flavors, including the Lovelet, which gives customers a cool alternative to a slice of rich red velvet cake by substituting classic ingredients for Cream Cheese Ice Cream sandwiched between Red Velvet Meltcakes. There’s no excuse for not trying this gem out, as it offewith the opportunity to create custom flavors for special ordersrs in-store buying options, cart rentals for events, and delivery . meltbakery.com
2. People’s Pops Ice Pops and Shave Ices
Similar in innovativeness, but lighter in fare is People’s Pops located in four New York locations spanning Brooklyn, East Village, the Highline, and Chelsea Market, with appearances at Brooklyn flea and farmer’s markets as well. The goal of People’s Pops is to showcase local, seasonal fruit, therefore their handmade frozen pops and ices provide customers with a healthy and natural sweet treat. Looking for a fun activity while enjoying your cool treat? Hire People’s Pops for an event, or read their cookbook to learn how to whip up some pops of your own! peoplespops.com
3. Francois Payard’s Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches
Much to our delight, summertime seems to bring out the creativity in pastry chefs. This summer, Master Pâtissier Francois Payard’s Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches are back to offer New Yorkers a special seasonal delicacy. Available in several yummy flavors, including Pistachio Raspberry, Coconut Mango, Passion Fruit Cheesecake, and Salted Caramel, these sandwiches feature marbled ice cream and sorbet between handmade macaron shells. For only $5 you can pick one up at all New York City Francois Payard Bakery and FP Patisserie locations. payard.com
4. Dessert Club, ChikaLicious’ Cookie Éclair Cones and Éclair Cone Ice Cream Sandwiches
Combining two dessert favorites is Dessert Club, ChikaLicious, located on the Lower East Side. If you’re torn between a pastry and a refreshing scoop of ice cream, or just want to try a creative spin on a classic summer treat, stop by this shop to try a scoop of ice cream atop a handheld cookie éclair, or place the ice cream in between two halves of an éclair cone for just $7.50 each. dessertclubnyc.com
5. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop’s Ice Cream Sandwich Donuts
With so many ways to create an ice cream sandwich, it’s shaping up to be our favorite treat of the summer. At Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Brooklyn, we can finally get away with having ice cream for breakfast by enveloping our favorite flavor between two donut halves. Peter Pan’s donuts are already known to be some of the best around, so why not take advantage of this mouth-watering spin on the classic sweet? peterpan-donuts.com
6. Popbar’s popGelato, popSorbetto, and YogurtPops
If you’re still looking for that creamy ice cream taste, but prefer the no mess eating of a popsicle, try one of Popbar’s pops. Offered in a variety of flavors, including a make-your-own option, popGelato, popSorbetto, and YogurtPops each provide you with either gelato, sorbet, or yogurt frozen on a stick. This unique dessert located in the West Village is a must-try with its dual function as a refreshing treat and mini Italian escape. pop-bar.com
7. Blossom duJour’s Smoothies
A healthier option that could serve as a light lunch or snack, rather than a sweet dessert, is a smoothie from the 100% Vegan Blossom duJour. This eatery offers food options for every craving, but their smoothies hit the spot while walking around the city on a warm summer day. Whether you’re a fan of green smoothies, like the Green Giant, or sweeter, fruity smoothies, like the Strawberry Banana Burst, there’s sure to be an option for you at one of their three Manhattan locations. blossomdujour.com
8. Culture: An American Yogurt Company’s Frozen Yogurt
Lighter than ice cream, but more filling than an ice is frozen yogurt, which has been the latest craze in the past few years. Though there’s no dearth in frozen yogurt options, Culture offers an original experience to customers. They make sure to provide a dynamic menu to new and returning customers by tweeting their daily menu each morning and offering unique seasonal toppings made with fresh ingredients, such as Strawberry Balsamic. Next time you’re craving something in between a watery ice or creamy ice cream, head to one of Culture’s locations in Manhattan or Brooklyn to concoct your own delicious treat. cultureny.com
9. Aroma Espresso Bar’s Frozen Hot Chocolate and Coffee
Sometimes we need a pick-me-up during the day to keep us rolling, but a hot cup of coffee does not sound appealing in the high degree weather. Luckily, Aroma Espresso Bar, located in four Manhattan locations, provides an answer to this conflict with its Ice Chocolate and Ice Aroma drinks. Each is served with a piece of chocolate on the side, and while the Ice Chocolate is simply a fun drink to enjoy, the Ice Aroma contains coffee to put a little pep in your step. aroma.us
10. Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream
One can never go wrong with ice cream on a hot summer day, and Emack & Bolio’s provides this with a constantly changing, one-of-a-kind menu and fun ways to make your ice cream stand out from the pack. Choose from unique cone options, such as marshmellow Rice Krispie dipped cones, or try out an Ice Cream Pizza. If you’re looking to take a healthier route, you can order one of the smoothies, or go for yogurt instead. Still not completely sold? Try some of their homemade chocolate and fudge, or micro-brewed soda, you’re bound to find something in this fun small-chain ice cream shop. emackandbolios.com
Although the heat can make for some uncomfortable moments this summer, make sure you take the time to cool down when necessary. With all the fun treats offered throughout New York, you’ll be glad to have this excuse to take a sweet break.
