Inventive ice cream flavors are popping up everywhere (how about a scoop of almond-charcoal soft serve?). But while our choices keep getting more and more over-the-top, we're not always craving crazy novelty in our ice cream. We'd rather go for full-on indulgence, with just enough of unexpectedness to get us excited. Read on for five deliciously-strange summer flavors perfect for Houston’s rising temperatures.
Fat Cat
The small-batch ice creams at Fat Cat are made with local ingredients and come in flavors from coffee and cream to boozy Waterloo strawberry buttermilk made with strawberry jam, buttermilk ice cream, and a hit of gin. But it’s the Texas Honeycomb flavor, featuring honeycomb candy dust swirled into vanilla ice cream and puffed honeycomb candy pieces, that has us running back for more. ($3.50 for one scoop; $1 for each additional scoop)
1901 N Shepherd Dr.; 713- 869-1080
Hank's Ice Cream Parlor
You never know who you might run into at Hank's Ice Cream Parlor near NRG Park. The classic ice cream shop, serving the good stuff since 1985, is a favorite of hometown singing sensation, Beyoncé (who favors the banana pudding ice cream). Also on the menu is the can't-miss Caribbean Candy. Shredded coconut, pecan, and gooey caramel all come together for one delicious bite. Stop by the ATM on your way — it's cash only. ($4.50 for one small scoop; $5.50 for one large scoop)
9291 S. Main St.; 713-665-5103
The Chocolate Bar
The Chocolate Bar, a candy shop and ice cream parlor rolled in one at two inside-the-loop locations, is making us renew our childhood love affair with candy bars; their Candylicious Junkyard is made with seven different confectionery treats, including Snickers, Baby Ruth, Twix, Nestle Crunch, and whatever else the kitchen feels like throwing in by batch. ($3.25 for one scoop on up to $5.25 for four).
1835 West Alabama; 713-520-8599
2521 University Blvd; 713-520-8888
Cloud10
Cloud10’s craveable house-made flavors include the year-round Nutella-marshmallow and the seasonal goat cheese with milk chocolate, but it's pastry chef Chris Leung's elderflower and apricot that we can't get out of our heads right now. Elderflower-infused ice cream meets creamy apricot for a frosty delight that makes us wish it was summer all year long. ($3.50 for one scoop on up to $8 for four).
5216 Morningside Dr.; 713-434-6129
Dolce Neve/ Coltivare
Dolce Neve’s gelato shop slings a lengthy roster of must-try flavors (salted caramel… pecan and honey… don't get us started). Among them is a genius collaboration with Heights Italian restaurant Coltivare: Mexican marigold, along with blackberries, cherry based aperitif, and black peppercorns, makes for a quadruple threat worth every calorie. But get yours now. It rolls off the menu at both Dolce Neve and Coltivare at the end of the month. (Dolce Neve: $4.50 for two scoops; Coltivare: $5 for a dessert portion)
721 N Main St.; 832-767-2183
3320 White Oak Dr.; 713-637-4095
The elderflower with apricot ice cream at Cloud10 is the perfect summer treat.
