Best Frozen Treats to Endure the Test of Sanity That Is Summer in Austin

Being an Austin native, I am not legally allowed to complain about heat — though it for sure helps that I know not to do something foolish like "go outdoors" unless there is a body of water nearby. 

That said, obviously the best solution to surviving the summer is to eat ice cream as often as possible. (Side note: I know that some would argue that summer is almost over, since it officially ends on September 21. To those people I say: LOL #Texas.) Here are my favorite frozen treats I've had this summer.

Please note: My shitty photos in no way reflect how delicious these creations are.

1) Vegan Ice Cream Sundae at VOX Table 

Vegan (!) sundae from Vox Table

Vegan (!) sundae from Vox Table

I went to VOX Table during a marathon evening described in my last round-up (five-course dessert tasting at VOX followed by at five-course dinner at Eden East. Honestly I consider it one of the greatest achievements that I did not explode from happiness). Anyway, we met dessert chef Annabelle, who was terribly nice and specializes in creating food for special diets. This vegan sundae she created with coconut milk ice cream, almond brittle, and CHICKPEA MERINGUE was a friggin' piece of art (trust me on the meringue — it's delicious!).

Fromage Blanc from Vox Table

Fromage Blanc from Vox Table

She also created probably one of my favorite desserts of the summer, the Fromage Blanc. Like, I am down with cheese, but I generally don't like it anywhere near my desserts (and don't even get me started on people who would rather have a cheese course than dessert), but this concoction with cinnamon shortbread and maple pecans was fantastic. All the flavors tied together beautifully. Also try the Jen at Barb's cocktail with peach, ginger, and oolong tea. Okay, I'm done now.

Jen at Barb's at Vox Table

Jen at Barb's at Vox Table

2) Frozen Irish Coffee at Oasthouse 

Frozen Irish Coffee at Oasthouse

Frozen Irish Coffee at Oasthouse

Best. Idea. Ever. Made with cold brew, cinnamon syrup, coconut and condensed milk, and, oh yeah, whiskey, I pretty much wake up craving this on Sunday mornings (read: every morning). While you are there for brunch, feel free to try their delicious chicken and waffles. 

 

3) Tiramisu with Espresso Fudge at Prohibition Creamery

Prohibition creamery

Prohibition creamery

Booze + ice cream = genius, right? Well, to be honest, the first time I went to Prohibition Creamery, expectations were high and I left a little underwhelmed (I sampled Bourbon and Chocolate Whiskey that time). However, the second time, I got the Tiramisu ice cream with espresso fudge. (My server, Benton — who suggested that I mention him if I wrote an article — advised me that there was already espresso fudge in the ice cream, and was I sure I wanted to add more? Benton. Extra chocolate? And you must ask if I am sure?) This experience was life-changing and I have now started mixing bourbon into my hot fudge at home in a sad recreation of Prohibition Creamery's excellence.

Also, their drinks during happy hour are $6 and what is not to love about that???

 

4) Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet at Launderette

This was brought out to me to finish my birthday dinner at Launderette and totally made my night. It was light, tart, summery and everything a sorbet hopes to be when it grows up.

Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet from Launderette

Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet from Launderette

 

5) Chocolate Root Beer Float at Trace 

I DO NOT HAVE A PICTURE OF THE CHOCOLATE ROOT BEER FLOAT AND IT IS A TRAVESTY. However, here are some other pictures of tasty cookies from Trace.

I DO NOT HAVE A PICTURE OF THE CHOCOLATE ROOT BEER FLOAT AND IT IS A TRAVESTY. However, here are some other pictures of tasty cookies from Trace.

Lunch on the Fly at Trace is my favorite thing. Free valet parking, two delish courses, AND a box of cookies to go for only $12? Seriously, if someone wants to try it, I will go any day.

During their Ferris Bueller's Day Off anniversary party, which was so incredible I can't even begin to describe it here, we got to try some of the items from their normal menu too, which included the deconstructed Chocolate Root Beer Float. Chef Angel (who is both crazy talented and super nice) explained that she created the dish for her sister, who loves root beer floats. Chef Angel she does not, but loves chocolate (same, Chef Angel. Same.), so the tinkered with a recipe they could enjoy together and ta-da, magic. To be honest, I'm not sure how "frozen" this is (I remember it being cold? But this was also after several Mangoliciouses from the Wet Bar — and I am sure THOSE are frozen!), but it was so good I am listing it anyway. 

I do, however, have a great picture of the Mangolicious.

I do, however, have a great picture of the Mangolicious.

 

6) Salted Caramel Sundae at Cantine

Peach Empanadas, Salted Caramel Sundae, Lemon Semifreddo

Peach Empanadas, Salted Caramel Sundae, Lemon Semifreddo

My parents are die-hard Asti fans, so we're already pretty well aware of the capabilities of Emmett and Lisa Fox. The house-made vanilla bean soft-serve here is really something special. 

 

7) Passionfruit Gelato at Gelateria Venezia

To be fair, I do automatically love any place where I can practice my Italian with actual Italians. However, the gelato here is also pretty legit. The tart passionfruit, which was topped with rich, fudgy chocolate, was my favorite, although the chocolate coconut was also a strong contender. Plus, you can get their gelato in those adorable little donuts!

 

8) Frozen Bee's Knees at King Bee

I've already written about my love for this dive bar several times (proof 1, proof 2), so if you haven't been to King Bee to try their Frozen Bee's Knees at this point, there's really nothing I can do to help you. And that's fine. More of it for me. This perfectly sweet/tart/COLD concoction is topped with a flower, which I love, because I am very fancy. 

 

9) Torta Barozzi at Juliet Ristorante

Watermelon Mule from Juliet

Watermelon Mule from Juliet

Two things stood out to me about our dinner here. The first was the Watermelon Mule, which was cooling, refreshing, and perfect (and I don't even like watermelon!). Drink a copper mug of this on their breezy patio immediately. The second was the hazelnut stracciatella gelato (which I'm pretty sure may contain crack) that came with the Torta Barozzi. 

Being a food writer is really hard, guys.

Being a food writer is really hard, guys.

 

10) Frosé at anywhere that serves Frosé

In case you were not aware: I am a white girl. This was made for us. If there is a place in Austin that serves frosé (which I thought was spelled frozé, but whatever), please alert me immediately, but for now my favorite incarnation is a strawberry version made by my friend Rafiq (who is also a white girl, even if he tries to deny it). It can also be made with other summer fruits (helloooooo peaches).