As if you need an excuse to enjoy ice cream. But, just in case you're looking for one — National Ice Cream Day this Sun., Jul. 16, is it. Ice cream is pretty worship worthy, and here's how to celebrate National Ice Cream Day like a true ice-cream connoisseur. Former President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month, and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day, in 1984, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.
In his proclamation, which was likely meant to boost the dairy industry, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." Um, yeah, I think this is probably the one recommendation from President Reagan I can get behind.
The love for ice cream has a long and storied history, with Alexander the Great enjoying snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar, and Marco Polo triumphantly returning to Italy from the Far East with a recipe that closely resembled what is now called sherbet, the IDFA noted.
If you want to throw your first love — ice cream — a fabulous party, here are some fun, and delicious, ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.
Get Gilmore Girls Ice Cream & Host A GG Marathon
Yes, this is a real thing! Ample Hills Creamery created a Gilmore Girls flavor of ice cream last year, and it's a must try for any GG fan who also loves ice cream. If you didn't know about this, you're going to want to grab a few pints of the ice cream called: They Scoop Gilmores, Don't They?
This coffee (I mean, obviously) "chocolate-pudding ice cream (because Emily is trying after all) but oy, with the snickerdoodles already — topped with pink [Pop Tart] sprinkles" is the perfect snack to accompany you and your besties during a weekend marathon of your favorite Gilmore Girls episodes.
Host An Ice-Cream Social
Redefine Sunday Funday with an ice-cream social, which is basically a party where everyone brings their favorite ice cream, and you provide cones, toppings, and an atmosphere of general merriment, because, ice cream!
Pinterest has some great ideas for throwing your own epic ice-cream social, which is pretty much the perfect way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, or any day for that matter. If you really want to get serious about your ice cream social, you can grab an ice-cream parlor mixing set, and a fly ice-cream flag for your pad so everyone knows where the ice cream social is happening.
Make Your Own Vegan Ice Cream
National Ice Cream Day is for vegans, too. If you like to mess around in the kitchen like a mad scientist, try making your own Avocado Mint Chocolate Chip Cooke Dough Ice Cream with this easy to follow recipe from Hampton Creek. All you need is avocados, lime juice, bananas, agave nectar, chopped mint, vanilla extract, and Just Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip.
Why should dairy lovers have all of the fun? If this doesn't sound like your jam, Pinterest offers dozens of other vegan ice cream ideas. Because, you deserve to be happy, too.
Visit An Old-Fashioned Soda Shop
In the Midwest, where I'm from, we call carbonated beverages "pop" because soda is a drink that includes ice cream, and if you order soda in the midwest you're either going to get plain soda water, or pop with ice cream. An ice-cream soda is a delicious drink that usually includes a beverage like root beer and a scoop of ice cream. This phenomenon began in 1874 when soda shops began popping up across the country, IDFA reported.
Many pharmacies and lunch counters served ice cream sodas on the regular, which is the perfect way to pass the time while waiting for your prescriptions (remember the Luncheonette on Parenthood?). And, in the '50s the soda shop was the perfect Saturday night date spot. Zagat rated old-timey soda shops around the country, and the good news is that there's probably one near you.
Sample Some Mochi Ice Cream
Mochidoki, a fresh and modern approach to a Japanese inspired dessert, has been having pop-up parlors around New York City all summer. The last Mochidoki Pop-Up Parlor is on, you guessed it, National Ice Cream Day. Sadly people love ice cream so much that this pop-up event is sold out. But, don't worry, you can order Mochi Ice Cream online.
This little bite if heaven is a spoonful of ice cream wrapped in a delicate layer of soft and chewy mochi rice dough. Every bite combines ice cream with the chewiness of mochi for a unique hand-held dessert experience, according to an email sent to Bustle. Using all-natural ingredients to satisfy every adventurous sweet tooth with unique flavor and texture combinations, this gluten-free dessert comes in over 12 flavors. Um, can anyone say yum?
Make The Free Ice-Cream Rounds
The best things in life are free, and on National Ice Cream Day that includes ice cream. This Sunday, July 16, many places are offering free, and buy-one-get-one-free ice cream deals so you can easily eat your way through National Ice Cream Day for mere pennies.
Get An Ice Cream Sandwich Doughnut
While B Sweet Dessert Bar in Los Angeles has been getting all of the love for its amazing ice-cream stuffed doughnuts, you can get similar desserts around the country. Simple Ice Cream Sandwiches in Reno Tahoe, Nev., let's you pick a doughnut, your favorite ice cream, and serves you up a tasty ice-cream sandwich doughnut.
Vincent Van Doughnut in St. Louis also serves its signature Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches Tuesday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or until they sell out, according to the Riverfront Times. Afters Ice Cream, with locations in California, serves the Milky Bun, a warm doughnut bursting with your choice of ice cream and toppings, according to the OC Weekly. And, Snow Dragon Shavery & Yogurt in Chicago also sells Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches. If you want to find a place hocking the marriage of doughnuts and ice cream near you, just ask Siri — she knows everything.
Or, you can make your own ice-cream stuffed doughnuts at home. Simplemost posted a recipe that is — you guessed it — super simple. All you need is biscuit dough, your favorite ice cream, and frying oil. However you choose to celebrate National Ice Day, it's sure to be delicious. Because, how could it not be?
