In this high desert town, you have to know how to cool down. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the coolest treats around. These treats are all equally delicious – so this list is in no particular order. Try one, or try them all! We won’t judge.
Indulge in Ice Cream Sandwiches at Rude Boy Cookies
Rude Boy Cookies is a favorite with local families and college students who flock to their distinctive storefronts for the ever-changing menu of cookies. For those who want to step it up a notch – order an ice cream sandwich. Simply choose your base from any of the unique cookie creations, then pick which flavor of New Mexico’s own Creamland ice cream to smash between the two crunchy cookies.
Photo Credit: Rude Boy Cookies
Pick your Paleta at Pop Fizz
Inspired by Mexican paleterias, Pop Fizz has added an American soda fountain twist. A paleta (pronounced pah-lay-tuh) is the Mexican version of a popsicle. Pop Fizz’s paletas are made with all-natural flavors, and absolutely no artificial colors or flavoring. Find Pop Fizz at events around Albuquerque, including the Rail Yards Market, to try flavors like Matcha Mint, Vegan Cookies and Cream, Spicy Pickle or Cucumber Chile Lime– just to name a few. They also have a mobile paleta truck that you can find at various pop-up events throughout the year.
Get a Picture-Perfect Treat at Neko Neko at Sawmill Market
Located in Sawmill Market, Neko Neko, Japanese for Cat Cat, serves Taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake, filled with soft-serve ice cream and topped with sweet treats. Not only are they the definition of a tasty cool treat, they also are totally worthy of an Instagram post.
Get Fancy with Frosé at Ibiza Rooftop Lounge
Frozen wine? Yes please. Cool treats aren’t just for kids! Enjoy this cocktail while taking in the sights and sounds of Downtown Albuquerque from a comfortably cool rooftop bar - Ibiza located at Hotel Andaluz. This adult version of a slushie uses Charles & Charles Rosé and is sure to delight your taste buds.
Experience a Unique Regional Treat at Papa Felipe’s
Papa Felipe’s has been satisfying cravings with their mouthwatering chile offerings for more than 40 years. Typically, you will be served a warm sopaipilla with honey at the end of your meal. However, for days that are just as hot as the green chile on your enchilada, you may want to opt for Papa Felipe’s Fried Ice Cream to round out your meal. This unique, regional treat combines the sweet coolness of ice cream with a crunchy, deep-fried shell.
Shake it Up at Blake’s Lotaburger
Since the 1950s Blake’s Lotaburger has been a popular spot for locals to grab a quick bite and a refreshing milkshake. In addition to classic milkshake flavors, ask about their featured seasonal flavor. Past flavors have included: Biscochito (the official cookie of New Mexico), Pumpkin Pie (which contained an entire slice of pumpkin pie from a local bakery in every shake), Green Chile Lime and more.
Check out how their pumpkin pie shake comes to life:
Get Extra Cool at Nitro Fog Creamery
Located inside a re-purposed storage container plaza known as Green Jeans Farmery, Nitro Fog is combining science with ice cream and the result is nothing short of delicious. Pick your ‘recipe’ – ranging from Java Chip to Chimayo Mango Sorbet to Almond Amaretto. Your ice cream will be prepared in front of you using liquid nitrogen, making this treat literally the coolest on our list.
Create Your Own at Olo Dessert Studio
Albuquerque’s own Olo Dessert Studio has an array of desserts, but is best known for its frozen yogurt. The topping bar is filled with numerous sweet delights sure to please everyone. Many of its flavors are named after towns around New Mexico: Carlsbad Chocolate, White Sands Vanilla and Corrales Salted Caramel. Olo also serves up delicious gelato and sorbet. What are you waiting for? Take your taste buds on a tour around the Land of Enchantment.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Sip on a Slush at The Sweet Cup
The Sweet Cup serves tasty fruit and espresso slushes that are sure to cool you off on a hot day. Choose from refreshing flavors like Blueberry Lychee, Passion Fruit Raspberry or Dirty Chai. If you're looking for something unique, you can build your own slush and choose from a list of flavors. Don't forget to add some boba or jellies!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Find the Unexpected with Van Rixel Bros. Gelato & Sorbet
Q: What do you get when you mix inventive flavors with award-winning Italian Style Gelato? A: Van Rixel Bros. This local shop packs surprises into every pint of their hand-made treats. Get adventurous with flavors like Smoked Sea Salt & Honey Caramel, Mayan Spiced Chocolate Sorbet or Lavender & Lemon Chiffon. You can find this delectable gelato at the Chocolate Cartel in Northeast Albuquerque.
