Ice cream is one of summer's most simple pleasures. These days there's an incredible variety of creameries all over the U.S. making innovative, satisfying flavors—many of which can be ordered online. From simple classics to over-the-top pints with plenty of mix-ins, these are our ten favorites.
Southern Pecan Pie Ice Cream
Honeymoon Ice Cream Cream steeped with whiskey barrel chips adds just a hint of smoke to this light, fluffy ice cream; the whole thing is blended with candied pecans and honey for an end result that’s sweet, crunchy, and far more delicate than you’d expect. Southern Pecan, 1 pint for $12 at Honeymoon Ice Cream
Mardi Gras Pie Ice Cream
New Orleans Ice Cream Company New Orleans Ice Cream Company has turned the Mardi Gras tradition of moon pies—the classic Southern cookie sandwiches filled with marshmallow—into an over-the-top frozen treat: Graham cookie pieces, chocolate chips, and marshmallow are all swirled into a marshmallow ice cream base flavored with a hint of honey. Mardi Gras Pie, $6 for a pint at New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Lemon Opal Basil Sorbetto
Dolcezza Gelato This DC-based ice cream maker crafts seasonal flavors using mostly local ingredients; our favorite is the bright, herbal lemon sorbet with clove-like opal basil. Lemon Opal Basil Sorbetto, 4 pints for $60 at _Dolcezza Gelato
Toffee Toasted Ice Cream
High Road High Road’s smooth almond ice cream has the dense sweetness of marzipan; toasted almonds and sweet toffee add a crunchy textural contrast. Toasted Almond Ice Cream, High Road
Maine Wild Blueberry Crisp
Gelato Fiasco Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick, Maine, makes this fruity, summery pint with vanilla ice cream, ripe Maine blueberries, and crunchy oat streusel. Maine Wild Blueberry Crisp Gelato, 6 pints for $60 at Gelato Fiasco
Mexican Chili Chocolate Ice Cream
Steve’s Ice Cream Chocolate, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper are in perfect balance in a rich, dark ice cream with a hint of heat from Brooklyn-based Steve’s Ice Cream. Mexican Chili Chocolate, 1 pint for $10 at Steve’s Ice Cream
Vanilla Cinnamon Ice Cream
Phin & Phebes Vietnamese cinnamon is a perfect compliment to rich vanilla in this luscious ice cream—a simple classic. Vanilla Cinnamon Ice Cream, 6 pints for $95 at Foody Direct
Nocciola Gelato
Capogiro Gelato Toasted hazelnut gelato is an Italian classic; this version is one of the best we’ve tried, with a smooth texture and a dense, nutty sweetness. Nocciola Piemontese Gelato, 6 pints for $60 at Capogiro Gelato
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