Chilled Sweet Treats to Tame the Soaring Temps

There are plenty of places to go and indulge in frozen sweet treats to cool down—whether you want ice cream, a frozen daiquiri, a fruit popsicle, or yummy acai bowl. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a frozen sweet treat and retreat from the heat.

Daiquiri Deck

There's arguably nothing better than an ice-cold frozen fruit daiquiri to escape the salt and sun after a day out on the beach! Luckily, there are Daiquiri Decks up and down our coastline (five, to be exact—spaning from Siesta Key and Lido Key to Anna Maria Island and Venice). No matter which one you end up at, you'll find the world-famous wall of daiquiri flavors behind the bar. The best part is, you can choose which type of cup you want to fill your frozen goodness in—from the Souvenir Cup to a Stainless Steel Tumbler, and more. Just a few fun cocktail flavors include the Electric Lemonade, Mighty Mango, and Dirty Banana, plus frozen classics like Frosé, Piña Colada, and Rum Runners. 

Dream Earth Bowls

The idea behind Dream Earth Bowls traveled from Honolulu, Hawaii to Sarasota, after founder Ashley Yamamoto envisioned the concept of a natural cafe specializing in superfoods (like acai bowls) that also contributes a portion of its earnings to help fight world hunger. Refreshing and health-forward specialties include the popular Dream Earth Acai Bowl, the Vanilla Chia Pudding Acai Bowl, the Ocean Bowl, featuring blue spirulina, Flower Power, featuring pitaya (dragon fruit), and freshly blended smoothies like Aloha Acai. For a caffeine pick-me-up, don't hesitate to order the Coffee Crunch Bowl, made up of coconut, cold brew, granola, peanut butter, honey, walnuts, and banana. 

Foxtail Coffee Co.

Image courtesy of City of North Port

If you need a burst of energy while you cool down, head on over to one of our Foxtail Coffee locations (one at University Town Center and one at Wellen Park). You'll find a wide range of coffee brews, an espresso bar, and Kelly's Ice Cream (so actually, you've got more than just iced coffee to stay cool at Foxtail!). Go for an afternoon affogato for something extra sweet and creamy. Or, try a Peach Lemonade Iced Tea Shaker, or a Root Beer Float along with a pastry. Plus, the coffee shop is amply sized so you can stay and relax in one of the many lounge chairs for a bit or grab your drink to-go while meandering at the nearby shops.

Great Heights Creamery

Image taken by Vanessa Caceres

As the folks at Great Heights Creamery say, you'll get passionately handcrafted ice cream when you visit this newly opened ice cream shop in the growing Rosemary District sector of downtown Saraosta. Great Heights uses milk and cream from Dakin Dairy Farms in nearby Myakka City, ensuring you'll get a fresh-tasting ice cream. Choose from unique flavors like Coffee & Donuts, Oatmeal Cookie, PB & J, and Somewhere in Tuscany—the latter of which features rosemary, a touch of sea salt, and olive oil.

Kilwins

If you're spending time at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota or Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch, there's nothing more summer than strolling and window shopping while enjoying an ice cream cone from Kilwins. The longtime family franchise may be known for its fudge and candy, but it's also famous for its ice cream—including flavors like Blueberry Waffle Cone, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Sea-Salt Caramel.

Orange Octopus

With its unique name and colorful shop, you know that Orange Octopus will make for a fun visit. Online reviewers praise the local shop for its homemade ice cream, artisan flavors, friendly staff, and quick service. Some flavor highlights include Orange (of course!), made with real Florida oranges, Super Man (sweet cream with swirls of blue, red, and yellow), and Gator Tracks (vanilla with crushed Reese's Peanut Butter cups and chocolate swirls). Or for something cool and sweet to sip on, choose a milkshake, malt, or float.  

Scoops Venice

Scoops Venice says on its website that it offers "ice cream in paradise," and we agree! This old-fashioned ice cream shop not only offers its fun ice cream concoctions but also has floats, milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, and gelato. Highlights include the Double Fudge Brownie Shake, the Scoops Ice Cream Sandwich, and Kids Sundaes with flavors like Dirt Cake and PB Chocolate. There are even cereal-infused ice cream bowls—yum!

Siesta Pops

Ready to make the kids jump for joy? Or harken back to your own childhood? You're never too old to enjoy an ice-cold popsicle in the middle of summer. Relish in the tasty, cool nostalgia at Siesta Pops with flavors made from clean ingredients or real fruit. Try the Mexican Chocolate, Creamsicle, Grape Ape, or Blue Lemonade to start. Siesta Pops also sells mini donuts and acai bowls. Beyond its retail location in Sarasota, you can also find Siesta Pops stands at some local farmers markets.

Summer Tap Juice Bar

As the name implies, you're on tap for a cool summer when visiting Summer Tap Juice Bar, located in the Historic Burns Court area of downtown Sarasota. The local juice bar with a cozy lounge inside specializes in cold-pressed juices and fresh fruit smoothies—including the Seasonal Star Fruit, Sunshine in the Bottle, Island Papaya, Tropical Paradise, and many others. Or, simmer down from the summer sun with an iced Izu Matcha tea, followed by a chilled shot of pure beet or carrot juice. 

3Natives Acai & Juicery

Image taken by Vanessa Caceres

3Natives says that it's spreading its positive and healthy vibes throughout Florida—with four locations alone just in Sarasota County. The Florida-grown company continues to expand with locations throughout the Sunshine State, with a menu featuring acai bowls, smoothies made with coconut water or almond milk, salads, wraps, and toasts. For an extra wellness boost, don't miss the lineup of cold-pressed juices and shots in the fridge to take with you, like the Twisted Ginger Shot (ginger, pineapple, and honey) and the Lean'n'Green (with kale, pineapple, pear, and lime).

Wow Wow Lemonade Stand

Wow Wow has roots traced to Maui, Hawaii, having started as a humble lemonade stand and now expanding to the mainland U.S. to offer hand-crafted lemonades, acai bowls, smoothies, cold brews, and healthy options while remaining environmentally conscious at its forefront. Take your pick from acai bowls like Cacao Energy and Cold Brew Crave, or try an Almond Berry Flatbread Sandwich or Island Berry Grain Bowl. Of course, it's hard to say no to its fresh-pressed lemonades, like Butterfly Mojito and Watermelon Basil. Who says you can't have both? The sun's out here in South Florida—treat yourself to a cool down.