5 Sweet Treats to Beat the Summer Heat on I-Drive

Thursday, June 1, 2023
Summer is here, and the Florida heat calls for one thing - indulging in deliciously refreshing sweet treats! International Drive is home to a vibrant culinary scene that offers plenty of unique, drool-worthy desserts that are sure to cool you down during Orlando’s hot summer days.
 
Whether you're craving creamy ice cream, fruity Italian ice, or innovative frozen delights, I-Drive has you covered. During your trip to I-Drive this summer, be sure to add a stop to these five must-try sweet treats destinations that will help you beat the heat!
 

1.  A refreshing treat from Rita's Italian Ice!

At Rita's Italian Ice, “Ice Custard Happiness” is a way of life, and Rita's Italian Ice is a beloved establishment on I-Drive that is known for providing its guests with a cool, smooth, delightfully happy treat experience. Their famous Italian ice is made fresh daily at each of their locations, and with a rotating selection of over 95 mouthwatering flavors, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect sweet treat to keep you cool during the summer months in Orlando! Take your taste buds on a trip to the tropics with refreshing flavors like mango, watermelon, and lemon - or opt for one of their other icey options like frozen custard, or their very own gelati, a splendid combination of Italian ice and creamy custard, for the perfect summer treat.
 
When it comes to beating the heat - a refreshing treat served with a side of happiness at Rita’s is guaranteed to do the trick!
 

2. A good ole fashioned ice cream stop at Cold Stone Creamery!

Cold Stone Creamery is an iconic ice cream parlor that is sure to satisfy any ice cream lover's cravings, and their location on I-Drive has been serving up the finest, freshest Ice Cream Creations, Cakes, Shakes, and Smoothies for over 30 years! Once you’ve indulged in a scoop of hand-crafted ice cream, made fresh at Cold Stone Creamery, you’re sure to taste the difference! Churned with only the highest quality ingredients to create the tastiest ice cream creations daily, all that's left to do is add your choice of candy, cakes, fruits, or nuts to be mixed in to-order on a frozen granite stone, and dig in!
 
Whether you order one of their signature creations, create your very own concoction to satisfy your sweet tooth, or opt to enjoy another sweet treat like their cakes, ice cream sandwiches, or smoothies - it’s the perfect spot to elevate your next ice cream stop on I-Drive.
 

3. I scream. You scream. We all scream for Ginther’s Swirls Ice Cream!

Ginther’s Swirls Ice Cream has been a local-favorite spot for twistee treats since opening its doors on I-Drive in 2014!
 
Not sure if you’re in the mood for Italian ice, soft serve, or hand-scooped ice cream? Don't worry! Ginther’s has it all!
 
All of their ice cream products are made from real milk and cream, and their Italian ice is made with real fruit, bursting with flavor for a true summer delight. Select your favorite ice cream or Italian ice flavors and then choose between waffle cones, sugar cones, or a cup for a frozen treat that will have you beating the heat in no time.
 
On their menu, you’ll find a large variety of options, from fat-free, sugar-free vanilla soft serve, milkshakes, and malts to dips, flavor bursts and all of the toppings you could dream up to take your tasty treat to the next level.
 
Don’t want to have to worry about your ice cream melting over your cone? Order up one of their famous Twirls that features a shake made from your favorite flavors mixed with chunks of candy and toppings, keep it classic with a sundae or banana split, refresh with a smoothie, or sip on a float for the ultimate nostalgia.
 
Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it at Ginther’s, and with a beautiful outdoor patio with covered seating, a cool indoor seating area, and a drive-thru option, whatever the occasion, Ginther’s is a great spot for a refreshing sweet treat on I-Drive.
 

4. Shake things up at JoJo's ShakeBAR

If you’re looking for a unique and totally picture-worthy sweet treat, JoJo's ShakeBAR is a must-visit. JoJo’s is a next-generation restaurant and bar at Pointe Orlando, and is a go-to spot for hangouts, first dates, and family affairs that is grounded in the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s from the diner-inspired menu to the arcade games and decor and the convenient walk-up window.
 
There’s something for everyone at JoJo’s, whether you’re ordering up one of their impressive signature-handcrafted shakes with outrageous flavors and toppers for the ultimate sugar rush, opting for a classic shake, a float, or want to keep your sweet treat on the lighter side with one of their many different flavored milk bars (including boozy bar options for the adults) - you’re sure to find a refreshing treat that will tantalize all your taste buds at JoJo's. Be warned though, their menu of American diner classics with a twist will be hard to avoid, so you may want to plan to have a meal here before your sweet treat. Learn more about this new delicious dining spot on I-Drive here
 

5. For the boozy bunch - The Hampton Social

Summer sipping meets elegance and fresh frozen delights at The Hampton Social, a totally instagrammable coastal-inspired eatery that lets guests imbibe all the summer feels. From their variety of coastal signature cocktails that will transport your taste buds to a breezy beach to their delicious zero-proof drinks, you’re sure to find the perfect summer sips. But during your trip this summer, their frozen rosé is a must-try for the ultimate refresh!
 
 
Visiting this June? If you didn’t already know, June is National Rosé Month - and there’s no better place to celebrate than The Hampton Social. This month they’re unveiling their very own exclusive private label, H Rosé, an all-new AI Rosé expert chat bot, and three brand new Rosé infused cocktails: The Rosépolitan, Rosé Royale, and Rosé Sangria!
 
And save the date for June 10th from 3 to 6 pm to celebrate National Rosé Day with Rosé all day at their Pink Power Hour(s)! Complete with live music, rosé inspired decor, photo ops, and half-off all their rosé-inspired cocktails, including their new private label Rosé, H Rosé, new Rosé infused Specialty Cocktails, Signature Frosé, Sparkling Rosé, and Non-alcoholic Sparkling Rosé. It’s sure to be an afternoon of rosé-filled fun!
 
During your trip to I-Drive this summer, find your seat on the expansive outdoor patio, sip on a signature cocktail, and imbibe all the Orlando summer feels at The Hampton Social.
 
International Drive is a treasure trove of delightful sweet treats to help you beat the summer heat. From Rita's Italian Ice and Cold Stone Creamery to Ginther's Swirls Ice Cream, JoJo's ShakeBAR, and The Hampton Social, there is no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings. So, the next time you find yourself exploring I-Drive, make sure to indulge in these refreshing and mouthwatering delights.
 
For more vacation inspiration and information on the countless attractions, dining options, and entertainment along International Drive, visit InternationalDriveOrlando.com. Your summer adventure awaits!
 
6/1/2023