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, frozen drinks and treats become necessary to beat the summer heat in the Coastal Bend.
Smoothies from Coco Cabana
Known for its Brazilian-style acai bowls, Coco Cabana has become a staple of healthy frozen treats, including an extensive smoothie menu. You can choose from sweet, nutty and protein-rich options to embrace the island vibes.
Order: Take your classic strawberry banana smoothie up a notch with The Islander, which adds agave and a milk of your choice to make it extra sweet and creamy.
Located: 3809 Airline Rd, Suite C
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
“Nice Cream” from D’Lites
One of the newer local 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 Patty Millan Waldrop, the healthy alternative ice cream shop features daily specials, rotating flavors and a market shelf with tasty snacks.
Order: You can enjoy any flavor of the day at home with a 16 oz. take-home container.
Located: 6202 Dunbarton Oak Dr. Suite 500
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
Rolled Ice Cream from Rock and Rollin’
Cream and a chilled metal tabletop: that’s all you need for rolled ice cream, and no one does it better than Rock and Rollin’. With a diverse menu of chocolaty, fruity and nutty options–and nearly endless toppings and drizzles–you can’t go wrong.
Order: For a slightly unconventional option, try To Taro. The taro base offers an earthy flavor, while the red bean mix adds subtle sweetness. You can include any toppings or drizzles for extra flavor.
Located: 2033 Airline Rd, Suite G5
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 Blue Hawaii, complete with coconut rum, vodka, sweet and sour and pineapple juice shaken together, then served in a tiki glass with pineapple, lime and cherry garnishes.
Located: 212 Beach St, Port Aransas
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 with dozens of fruity flavors.
Located: 5021 Kostoryz Rd and 2701 Morgan Ave #200
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. Housed 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 house-made warm waffle is topped with ice cream and toppings of choice, and finished with a cherry on top.
Located: 2806 Santa Fe St
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in the May 2023 print issue and has been updated, amended and re-published.
