Whether hosting a party or enjoying time with friends, Rita’s Italian Ice offers a wide variety of cold menu items for people of all ages to enjoy.
According to Ritasice.com, Rita’s was founded in the summer of 1984 by former Philadelphia firefighter, Bob Tumolo, and is a nostalgic summer essential for many.
As well as water ice, Rita’s offers frozen custard, milkshakes, gelati blenders and an assortment of cookie sandwiches.
To start off, Rita’s original water ice, made by blending ice and freshly squeezed fruit juice, results in a refreshing and light frozen dessert.
Classic flavors such as mango, blue raspberry and cherry never disappoint. These fruit flavors pack a punch and are menu staples.
A fan favorite, mango, successfully replicates the sweetness and flavor of the real thing. Flavors such as lemon, lime and tangerine provide a citrusy taste, that is both sweet and tart, holding true to their names.
Other popular flavors include Swedish fish, cotton candy, Sour Patch Kids, Nerds Grape and Kool-Aid.
Carnival, peach ring, unicorn and Dr. Pepper are among the many uncommon flavors offered at select locations and times.
The Italian ice texture is more refined than a snow cone, but lighter than sorbet, contributing to the unique experience.
With the many options available, it can be difficult to decide on the flavor desired.
To combat this issue, Rita’s always offers samples of the different flavors for anyone interested to try.
Next up, the frozen custard is available in both classic and limited edition flavors, from chocolate and vanilla, to pumpkin cold brew and chocolate strawberry.
This menu item offers a different option than traditional ice cream.
The frozen custard is both light and creamy, similar to soft-serve ice cream, but much smoother in texture. Paired with a number of toppings such as sprinkles, candy or cookie bites or eaten by itself is a classic sweet treat.
Rita’s also includes menu items incorporating both desserts.
The gelati ties layers of italian ice and custard into a fan favorite dessert. In addition, the blendini is a variation of the gelati that fully blends the two components together.
Tangerine water ice and vanilla custard are a perfect pair for the blendini, and chocolate custard with a base of strawberry ice complement each other well in the gelati.
Everyone can customize their blendini or gelati to fit their favorite flavors of each dessert, offering an option for everyone.
Not only does Rita’s offer single serving refreshments, customers can also purchase take-home items such as pints and quarts of italian ice that are described as “freezer fillers” on their menu.
This feature allows on-the-go catering options for any special event. Pool parties come to mind as the perfect occasion for Rita’s.
If not in the mood for Italian ice, Rita’s cookie sandwiches are a great option.
With their hand-scooped custard in the middle, these freshly made desserts are perfect for children and adults alike.