Ice cream has no rules. It's summer! It's hot! Young and old line-up for local ice cream, gelato, sherbet and sorbet. Big scoops, cones, sundaes, shakes, malts and sandwiches – some adorned, dipped or dripping with chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, nuts and maraschino cherries. Culinary trends come and go, but these frozen delights never go out of fashion. When July temperatures rise, celebrate National Ice Cream Month with Sacramento’s best!
My Sacramento – Elizabeth McCleary Devine Gelateria
1221 – 19th Street, Sacramento
916/446-0600
Originally from Monterey, Elizabeth McCleary always loved creating desserts. She moved to Sacramento after college and quickly became the ‘dessert bringer’ at work and social gatherings. In 2009, friend Vince Gee nudged her towards gelato and in August 2011 Devine Gelateria opened to rave reviews.
I love Sacramento because of the warm weather, wealth of outdoor activities and so many positive lifestyle opportunities. Everything you could possibly want is at your fingertips. We’re so lucky; there’s no place like California.
After studying at Italy’s Carpiginani Gelato University, I combined my love for baking with crafting the most exquisite gelatos and sorbettos. We make more than 20 summertime flavors. The big sellers are Caramel Sea Salt, Espresso Chip, S’mores, and fruity flavors. We get to be very creative because there’s so much local fruit. The farm-to-fork movement ties wonderfully to our gelatos and sorbettos which are made fresh daily entirely from scratch. When people come into Devine it’s a happy thing. They’re getting something really yummy. I want them to know how much I care and what goes into this labor of love. This exquisite, outstanding sweet treat is so much more than just a scoop of ice cream.
Gunther’s Ice Cream
2801 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento
916/457-6646
At Sacramento’s oldest parlor, lines are out the door. Generations of disciples reminisce about the good old days. Gunther’s Ice Cream library of flavors exceeds 300. Daily menu features 45 ice creams and eight fruit freezes. Black Raspberry Marble, Oreo Cookie, Fudge Brownie and Swiss Orange Chip are favorites. In June, Bittersweet Chocolate Chip is #1. Get your selfie with Jugglin’ Joe, Gunther’s landmark neon sign.
Vic’s Ice Cream
3199 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento
916/448-0892
Generations of neighborhood kids have served-up Vic's scoops, cones, and sundaes. Vanilla and mint chip ice cream top the favorites list. Summertime specials include boysenberry and pineapple sherbets, fresh banana and peach milkshakes. Cool off with an old-fashioned ice cream soda, a hand-stirred frappe with chocolate, almonds and malt or ice cream sandwich crafted with Freeport Bakery cookies dipped in Guittard chocolate.
Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
1801 L Street, Sacramento
916/ 706-1738
Ice cream is available year-round, but summer months feature a menu of five ice cream sandwiches and ice cream pints. Check Ginger Elizabeth's Instagram and website for upcoming flavors and special 2nd Saturday ice cream sundaes. Works of art, Parisian Macrons filled with house-made ganaches, buttercreams, caramels and jam gift wrap ice cream sandwiches. New summer flavors include Matcha & Strawberries and Coffee & Whiskey.
Conscious Creamery
2150 Bell Ave. Suite 105, Sacramento
916/ 407-1175
Vegans and non-vegans rejoice over this craft gelato – no dairy or animal products used. You’ll find Conscious Creamery scoops and bars available at local markets and cafes and pop-ups. No soy, people, it’s made from their own cashew cream. Fresh Roasted Strawberry, Lavender Lemonade and Blueberry Baby are on the summer menu. Spice up your life with Mango Chili Lime sorbetto bars!
Leatherby’s Family Creamery
2333 Arden Way, Sacramento
916/920-8382
Five generations of Leatherbys behind this family-friendly tradition. No small portions here, colossal sundaes dripping with homemade chocolate and caramel sauce. More than 30 flavors plus monthly specials include Alan’s Black & Tan, Lemon Oreo and Cookie Monster. The most popular flavors are still vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and chocolate chip mint.
PS - Dreaming about the Best Ice Cream Sandwiches? Read on...
Originally published in Visit Sacramento Summer 2018
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