There’s nothing like a cool, frosty treat to give you respite from sweaty Miami summers (and most other seasons here for that matter) and to make you feel like a kid again – the bright colors and the cold, yummy goodness dripping down your fingers as you lick down to the crunchy cone. Take a break to treat yourself at one of these top five ice cream and popsicle spots in Miami.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
A paleta is a popsicle and Morelia’s are definitely not the push-pop or plastic snip-top kind from your childhood. These are gourmet Mexican paletas made with fresh ingredients into 16 flavors like pistachio, mango, Belgian chocolate, banana filled with Nutella, and many more. Dip and top your paleta with signature toppings like s’mores, marshmallow fluff torched and Nutella drizzle. So many choices mean you never have to have the same paleta twice. Morelia is even selling Do-It-Yourself Paleta Kits for a fun family activity from home! Choose a four or eight-pack kit, which comes with your choice of paleta flavors and different dippings and toppings.
Several locations: Coral Gables, Wynwood, Aventura Mall, Surfside, Hollywood; Coming soon: Aventura Commons, Coconut Grove, Doral, Lincoln Road. paletasmorelia.com
Nabati
Saving the planet while eating ice cream turns a guilty pleasure into guilt-free pleasure. Nabati’s homemade, 100% plant-based ice cream is made from scratch using only organic ingredients like cashews and coconuts, and superfoods. Their creamy, delicious ice creams come in intriguing mix of flavors like Golden Scoop (ginger, tumeric, coconut, and cinnamon) and Shnickers (rich chocolate with peanuts and caramel); traditional flavors like brownie and strawberry; and even vanilla mango almond and cookie dough laced with CBD. Milkshakes, smoothies and bowls on the menu will guarantee you stay cool all summer long and feel good about doing it.
Pickup and delivery only; order by calling (305) 456-2114; 317 NW 25th Street, Miami; nabatiicecream.com
Chug’s Cuban Diner
Ice cream is not the first thing that comes to mind at a Cuban eatery, but at Chug’s their homemade ice cream is part of the charm. Executive Pastry Chef Devin Braddock melds local, seasonal and classic ingredients to whip up one-of-a-kind flavors like the Snacc Attack, made with Captain Crunch cereal, toffee, and chocolate pretzels; Coconut Hazelnut Praline, Strawberry Malt, Jojo Black Tea & Duck Fat, and Creme Fraiche Stracciatella. Chug’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. so grab a croqueta, Cuban sandwich, or abuela’s plate any time and take some of that ice cream to go.
Takeout and limited outdoor seating; 3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; (786) 534-8722; chugsdiner.com
Ladyfingrs Popsicles
Ladyfingrs’ colorful, outdoor push carts and festive popsicles will draw you in as you stroll through Miami’s Design District or Aventura Mall. There’s a surprise in every bite of these natural, handmade gelato pops filled with the freshest local fruits (Coconut Water and Fruits – a summer favorite) and other unique treats – like an entire Oreo or an edible purple orchid petal in the Lychee Rose Water. Order them by the box with an assortment of flavors for local delivery or you can even order ahead for curbside pickup of single pops at the Design District cart. Get creative and snap a pic before you enjoy them because they look as good as they taste.
Design District (152 NE 41st Street): push cart located right next to the Prada Store; Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Boulevard): push cart located at the new wing of the mall, 1st floor, outside area by the Sling Tower and restaurants. Order online or by calling (305) 970-9252; ladyfingrs.com
Bianco Gelato
In Italy, gelato is a tradition, and you can get a taste of it right here in Miami. Bianco Gelato’s old-fashioned gelato is made in small batches locally for authentic, handcrafted flavors. They have several vegan and low-sugar options made with stevia and other organic, Kosher-certified ingredients, and steer clear of GMO’s, artificial ingredients and chemicals. Vegan popsicles can also be found on the menu with refreshing flavors like pineapple and mint, lemon and mango, perfect for a hot day. Stop by one of their three locations (open daily 1 to 9 p.m. for takeout) or order delivery of pre-packaged pops and small cups of ice cream a day in advance.
Locations in Bal Harbour Shops (9700 Collins Avenue), Coconut Grove (3137 Commodore Plaza), The Citadel foodhall (8300 NE 2nd Avenue); call or text (305) 458-4455 to order delivery biancogelato.com
By Estefania Garcia, Contributing Writer