Make these frozen treats and enjoy cool sipping and the taste of Florida while being green!

Enjoying cool drinks and good times at Speak’s Clam Bar, Sarasota, FL.

When you think of Florida, you might picture sunny beaches and refreshing drinks. But did you know that the Sunshine State is also a hub for frozen treats? From ice cream to milkshakes to boozy concoctions, Florida offers a diverse range of frozen delights that are perfect for beating the heat.

Florida has a rich history when it comes to frozen treats. In the 1920s, ice cream parlors were a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. One of the most famous ice cream shops of the time was Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach, which opened in 1956 and is still in business today. With its classic decor and over-the-top sundaes, Jaxson’s is a beloved Florida institution.

But Florida’s frozen treat scene has evolved beyond traditional ice cream parlors. Today, you can find unique frozen treats that incorporate local flavors and ingredients. For example, the key lime pie ice cream at Key West Ice Cream Factory is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike (by locals…we mean everyone). And at Sweet Pete’s in Jacksonville, you can try boozy ice cream flavors like Guinness chocolate and whiskey pecan — it is amazing!

Obligatory mile 0 photo in Key West.

If you’re feeling adventurous and saving pennies for the upcoming Florida insurance rate hikes, try making your own frozen treats at home with the Ninja Milkshake Maker. This one-touch blender comes with two large-capacity containers, perfect for creating milkshakes, smoothies, and frozen drinks. Plus, its sleek design looks great in any kitchen.

Oh yeah, you need this ice cream maker from Ninja, $195. We’re not sure how we lived without it!

To get you started, here’s a recipe Green Palms and Good Times enjoys for a boozy milkshake that’s perfect for a summer evening:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla ice cream (if you don’t have home made, I prefer Blue Bell’s Vanilla Bean)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 oz. rum
• 1 oz. Kahlúa
• Whipped cream (optional…but, not really)

Instructions: Add the ice cream, milk, rum, and Kahlúa to the Ninja Milkshake Maker container. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!

When you’re making frozen treats at home, consider using local and sustainable ingredients. Florida is known for its citrus, so why not try a refreshing grapefruit sorbet or orange sherbet? And if you’re looking to cut down on waste, try using reusable straws and cups instead of disposable ones.

These silicon reusable straws help prevent wildlife harm and are more comfortable than metal or paper straws, $7, Amazon.

So next time you’re in Florida, be sure to try some of the state’s unique frozen treats. And if you can’t make it to the Sunshine State, create your own frozen concoctions at home with the Ninja Milkshake Maker — it’s running full time in my coastal kitchen.

Cheers to staying cool and satisfying your sweet tooth!