Hello Foodie Friends,

Ice cream is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, and that is why I’m happy to celebrate with you in July the National Ice Cream Month: A Celebration of Sweetness and Joy!

The earliest known ice cream recipes were created in China in 7th century AD. These recipes used a mixture of milk, rice, and snow. Over time, ice cream spread to other parts of the world, and different cultures developed their own unique flavors and recipes.

In the United States, ice cream became popular in the 18th century. The first ice cream parlor in America opened in 1776, and by the 19th century, ice cream was a common treat. Today, ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in the world, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages.

National Ice Cream Day is celebrated the 3rd Sunday of July and was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, and it has been a beloved holiday ever since. This is also a month to raise awareness of the dairy industry. Dairy farmers work hard to produce the milk that is used to make ice cream, and National Ice Cream Month is a great way to thank them for their efforts.

Here are some important facts about Ice Cream:

• The average American consumes about 23 gallons of ice cream per year.
• The most popular ice cream flavor in the United States is vanilla.
• National Ice Cream Month is a great month to give back to the community. Many ice cream companies donate a portion of their proceeds from National Ice Cream Day to charities.

To celebrate one of the most loved desserts in the world, I share with you the 5 most popular ice cream flavors in the United States and their drinks perfect pairings:

Vanilla: is the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States, and it has been for many years. The rich and creamy flavor of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the bold and robust flavor of coffee. The light and refreshing flavor of sparkling wine pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Champagne is also a classic pairing for vanilla ice cream, and for good reason. The delicate bubbles of the champagne cut through the sweetness of the ice cream, and the two flavors complement each other perfectly. And finally, tawny port is a sweet wine that is made from grapes that have been aged in oak barrels. The oak aging gives the wine a complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate: is another classic ice cream flavor that is very popular in the United States. It is a rich and creamy flavor that is perfect for chocolate lovers. A cup of hot coffee is the perfect way to offset the sweetness of the ice cream, and the two flavors complement each other beautifully. The bold and robust flavor of coffee cuts through the richness of the chocolate ice cream, making for a more balanced and satisfying dessert. A rich, dark red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon can be a great pairing for chocolate ice cream. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the ice cream, and the fruity notes of the wine complement the chocolate flavor. A dark chocolate liqueur, such as Godiva or Kahlua, can be a delicious way to pair with chocolate ice cream. The liqueur adds a richness and depth of flavor to the ice cream, and the sweetness of the liqueur balances out the bitterness of the chocolate.

Strawberry: is a refreshing and fruity flavor that is popular in the summer. The light and refreshing flavor of sparkling rosé pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart flavor of strawberry ice cream. The bubbles in the wine help to cut through the richness of the ice cream, and the fruity notes of the wine complement the strawberry flavor. A strawberry daiquiri is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is made with strawberry puree, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup. The sweet and tart flavors of the daiquiri complement the sweet and tart flavors of the strawberry ice cream, and the rum adds a touch of complexity to the dessert. Champagne is also a classic pairing for strawberry ice cream. The delicate bubbles of the champagne cut through the sweetness of the ice cream, and the fruity notes of the champagne complement the strawberry flavor.

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream: is a delicious combination of chocolate cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream. A milkshake is the classic pairing for cookies and cream ice cream. The creamy sweetness of the milkshake complements the cookies and cream flavor of the ice cream, and the milkshake is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. The rich and creamy flavor of cookies and cream ice cream pairs perfectly with the bold and robust flavor of coffee. A cup of hot coffee is the perfect way to offset the sweetness of the ice cream, and the two flavors complement each other beautifully. A dark beer, such as a stout or porter, can be a delicious pairing for cookies and cream ice cream. The roasted malt flavors in the beer complement the cookies and cream flavor of the ice cream, and the carbonation in the beer helps to cut through the richness of the ice cream.

Mint chocolate chip: is refreshing and minty, while the chocolate chip waffles provide a warm and crispy texture. The two flavors combine to create a dessert that is both cool and comforting. The coffee’s bitterness helps to balance out the sweetness of the ice cream, and the mint flavor in both the ice cream and the coffee creates a refreshing and invigorating effect. Sparkling water. The bubbles in the sparkling water help to cut through the richness of the ice cream, and the light flavor of the water doesn’t overpower the ice cream’s flavor. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you could try pairing mint chocolate chip ice cream with a mojito or a mint julep. The mint in the cocktail will help to bring out the mint flavor in the ice cream, and the alcohol will give the dessert a bit of a kick.

So, what are you waiting for? Go out and enjoy some delicious ice cream today! Whether you prefer your ice cream in a cone, a bowl, or a sundae, there’s sure to be a drink perfect pairing out there that you’ll love. Indulge your sweet tooth and celebrate National Ice Cream Month in style!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise