D.C.’s Delicious Frozen Treats for Summer

Summer is upon us! That means sunny skies, long days and frozen treats when the thermostat inevitably hits triple digits. Or if you’re like me, you have a frozen treat every day regardless of temperature because, well, it’s summer! Luckily, the District has some of the best ice cream and gelato around, thanks to local farms and caring vendors. Check out my top five picks:

Thomas Sweet

Technically a regional chocolates and pastries chain based out of New Jersey, Thomas Sweet has become a D.C. staple and favorite amongst ice cream aficionados. The shop’s aesthetic is “classic ice cream parlor from your childhood,” with flavor combinations ready to transport you to the summers of your youth. Classic cones like Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cup astound the tastebuds at T. Sweets, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone with Butterbrickle or Lemon Custard! 3214 P St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007; (202) 337-0616; thomassweet.com

Pitango

Move over ice cream and say hello to gelato! Pitango’s authentic gelatos and sorbets are all about using the finest local ingredients to whip up a delicious frozen treat inspired by founder Noah Dan’s childhood in Italy. If you’re like me and hate waiting in line, take advantage of Pitango’s online ordering system and pick up a couple pints of Rhubarb Sorbet or Milk Chocolate Gelato. 1841 Columbia Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; (202) 615-2419; 413 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004; (202) 885-9607; pitangogelato.com 

Moorenko’s

 Moorenko has been Washington, D.C.’s go-to for decadent ultra-premium ice cream pints since 2002. They believe the secret to not just good ice cream, but great ice cream comes down to three crucial elements; milk fat, egg yolk and overrun (that is, how much air ends up in the ice cream at the end of the churning process). Their thoughtful devotion to the craft of making ice cream is why Moorenko’s frozen treats are some of the highest quality in all of Washington, D.C. 8030 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20910; (301) 565-7804; moorenkos.com/ 

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

This regional chain based out of Maine has made headlines up and down the East Coast for their premium ingredients and adventurous flavors. Now, their president-approved ice cream (look up “Obamas + MDIIC”) is taking D.C. by storm with flavors like Maple Walnut, Spicy Chai Latte and Pralines & Cream. Check out their online ordering system for a quicker and safer way to enjoy one of their delicious frozen treats! 3110 Mount Pleasant Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20010; (240) 804-7038; mdiic.com/ 

Ice Cream Jubilee

Ice Cream Jubilee founder Victoria Lai started her frozen treat journey in 2009 when making craft ice cream in her apartment. She took a break from her corporate career to follow her passion for whipping up creative and colorful ice cream combinations, eventually being voted People’s Choice for Best Ice Cream at the D.C. Scoop competition in 2013. Since then, Ice Cream Jubilee has risen to legendary status among Washingtonians for their original flavors like Banana Bourbon Caramel and Strawberry White Chocolate – yum! 301 Water St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003; (202) 863-0727 and 1407 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; (202) 299-9042; icecreamjubilee.com/