Ice cream, cocktails, Italian ice, margaritas … the list goes on. The one thing all of these have in common is the fact that come summertime, these frozen drinks and treats become necessary to beat the summer heat.
“Nice Cream” from D’Lites
One of the newer ice cream spots in town, D’Lites Ice Cream focuses on low-carb, low-fat creamy goodness with just 50 calories per serving. Owned by local Patty Millan Waldrop, the healthy alternative ice cream shop has daily specials, rotating flavors, 16 oz. take-home containers and a market shelf with tasty snacks. 6202 Dunbarton Oak Dr. Suite 500
Italian Ice from Tasty Wavez
There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than the delight of homemade Italian ice. As the name suggests, that’s what Tasty Waves Italian Ice is providing the Coastal Bend, offering a variety of flavors ranging from pina colada to cherry.
Order: Level up by ordering the PickleDilly — Italian ice with Kool-Aid, chamoy and pickles.
Located: 4902 Greenwood Dr Suite C
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Margaritas from La Playa Mexican Grille
Boasting an impressive selection of 70-plus tequilas, there’s no better place to get a margarita on a warm summer evening than this Port A restaurant. The exclusive La Playa Signature Margarita, made with the premium La Playa Maestro Dobell Clear Reposado, is a top choice.
Order: If frozen margaritas are more your speed, choose from mango, strawberry, melon, raspberry, peach, sangria or pineapple.
Location: 222 Beach Ave, Port Aransas
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Cocktails from Lelo’s Island Bar
The saying “toes in the sand and a cocktail in the hand” perfectly encapsulates the vibe at Lelo’s Island Bar. Okay, there isn’t actually sand on-site, but we promise you’ll slip into island time the moment you enter the local tiki bar.
Order: A fan-favorite summertime sip is the Mermaid Water, complete with spiced and coconut rums shaken with pineapple and lime juice, and then topped with a splash of blue curacao, all served inside a conch shell glass.
Located: 212 Beach St, Port Aransas
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Waffle Sundaes from Sebastian’s Scoop Shop
The culinary minds behind Sugarbakers and Fork & Vines have expanded their reach into the pizza and ice cream world. House next door in a charming vintage stand-alone building on the corner of Santa Fe and Bessar Park is Mia Mia’s Pizza and Sebastian’s Scoop Shop.
Order: Feast on specialty wood-fired pizzas and a waffle sundae as the grand finale. A housemade warm waffle is topped with ice cream, and toppings of choice and finished with a cherry on top.
Located: 2806 Santa Fe St
Fruity Treats from La Palatera
Besides its classic fruit cup offerings with chili, lime and salt, La Palatera has a wide variety of frozen drinks and treats perfect for sipping on in this South Texas heat.
Order: The fruity freezes are a fan-favorite, made with 100% real fruit blended with ice. Think of a cross between a slushy and a smoothie. If you’re in the mood for something more akin to ice cream, you can’t go wrong with their selection of paletas, creamy popsicles with dozens of fruity flavors.
Located: 5021 Kostoryz Rd and 2701 Morgan Ave #200
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in the May 2023 print issue and has been updated, amended and re-published.
