News Summary
As summer heats up in Orange County, discover a wide array of unique chilled treats to beat the summer heat. From Affogato to Booza, indulge in exciting desserts like Bingsoo, Gelato, and Vegan Ice Cream at various local spots. This guide highlights the best cold desserts beyond traditional ice cream, perfect for locals and visitors looking to cool off this summer.
Orange County is set to embrace the warm summer season with a plethora of unique chilled treats that will help residents and visitors alike beat the heat. With temperatures varying from a breezy 78 degrees to scorching highs of 95 degrees, there has never been a better time to explore the delicious, cool desserts offered throughout the area. This summer guide showcases a variety of exquisite cold treats that go beyond traditional ice cream, providing a wonderful array of choices to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Among the standout selections is Affogato, an Italian dessert featuring a scoop of ice cream or gelato drenched in hot espresso, available at Dripp in Fullerton. For those looking for a refreshing and fun twist, the Bingsoo or Patbingsu, a Korean-inspired shaved ice dessert topped with red beans and rice cakes, can be found at Sul and Beans locations in Buena Park and Irvine.
Another captivating option is Booza, a stretchy and unique ice cream made with mastic, found at Filo Dessert Co. in Orange. For a taste of Vietnam, the Chè Thái, a tropical fruit cocktail dessert, can be experienced at Thạch Chè Hiển Khánh in Westminster. Dog owners can also partake in the summer fun with Dogelato, a canine-friendly ice cream option available at Lucky Dog Gelato in San Clemente.
Those seeking a creamier experience can indulge in Gelato at Gelato Paradiso in Laguna Beach, which offers a richer and denser alternative to traditional ice cream. Meanwhile, the classic Ice Cream Float, specifically the Orange Creamsicle version, is on the menu at Truly Pizza in Dana Point, combining ice cream with carbonated beverages for a bubbly treat. For fans of classic frozen confections, Italian Ice is also available at Joe’s Italian Ice in Anaheim, offering a variety of flavorful options.
If a unique flavor profile is what you’re after, Matcha Mont Blanc, a delightful Japanese soft serve treat topped with green chestnut paste, is being served at Matcha Ren in Costa Mesa. Ice cream enthusiasts looking for a southern twist should check out Southern-style Ice Cream, featuring scratch-made varieties with mix-ins available at Blue Scoop Creamery, with locations in Brea and Yorba Linda.
For those adhering to a vegan diet, Vegan Ice Cream can be sampled at Stella Jean’s with locations in Costa Mesa, showcasing a range of unique flavors that cater to plant-based lifestyles.
This curated list intentionally highlights several inland dessert spots, allowing visitors to discover sweet options away from the heavily-trafficked beach areas, ensuring a more pleasant shopping experience. Each location provides specific addresses, making it easily navigable for those looking to indulge in Orange County’s best chilled desserts this summer.
As the warm weather rolls in, Orange County stands out as a premier destination for unique and delectable cold treats. From Italian and Korean desserts to Southern-style ice cream and vegan options, locals and tourists have ample opportunities to explore the rich variety of cool delicacies that will surely make this summer a sweet success.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Best Ice Creams and Frozen Treats
- Wikipedia: Ice Cream
- Whittier Daily News: Ice Cream Truck News
- Google Search: Ice Cream Trends 2025
- Record Online: Local Ice Cream Spots
- Google Scholar: Ice Cream Varieties
- 943 Lite FM: Chick-fil-A Orange County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Cream
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
