Summer is officially here and with the rapidly rising temperatures in Houston, what better way to cool off than with a scoop of ice cream or a refreshing ice pop? We’ve rounded up some of Houston’s top spots for frozen treats, including several newcomers that have set up shop in town within the past year. Read on to find out where to calm your cravings for something cool and sweet.

Dolce Neve Gelato

This Austin import founded by siblings Marco and Francesca Silvestrini, and her fiancé Leopoldo Ferrarese, arrived in Houston in March 2017. Located in the same plaza as Morningstar Coffee, the bright neighborhood shop serves gelato prepared the traditional way, free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats. Flavors are divided into staples (available year-round), rotating, and seasonal, which are inspired by local chefs and ingredients. Try the just released seasonal peach sorbet or the crema Dolce Neve, a custard and lemon zest gelato that’s a favorite among customers.

Cloud10 Creamery

If you’re in for a little adventure, head to Cloud10 Creamery in Rice Village to sample some of pastry chef Chris Leung’s small-batch creations. You’ll find seasonal flavors such as sarsaparilla-anise ice cream, cilantro ice cream and peach curry sorbet, as well as classic flavors such as vanilla bean, spicy dark chocolate and peanut butter. Whatever you choose, you’ll be in for a treat. Look out for Cloud10’s second location opening in the Heights this summer.

Sweet Cup Gelato

The unique flavors at this Montrose shop are what keep us coming back for more. You’ll find gelato, sorbet and frozen yogurt prepared in house in a variety of traditional and Texas-inspired flavors, such as vanilla tres leches and Texas kulfi, a Texas take on the Indian dessert. The pomegranate rose sorbet is also a favorite. If you don’t live close by, pick up a pint of Sweet Cup at your local Whole Foods. A second location of the shop is also coming soon to Garden Oaks.

Fat Cat Creamery

What’s not to love about this Heights ice cream parlor? From its cute interior to its old-fashioned look to, well, the ice cream. The “cats” make small-batch ice cream using local ingredients. They serve five signature flavors including Mexican vanilla, milk chocolate stout, Waterloo strawberry buttermilk, Amaya coffee & cream and chai tea coconut, and a daily changing list of seasonal flavors. Also on the menu: push-pops, milkshakes, malts, old-fashioned sodas, sundaes and soft-serve.

Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream Co.

Founded in 2014, this East End creamery on wheels has a devoted local following. Owner Susan Sahwani-Garcia prepares ice creams free of preservatives, additives, artificial colorings, egg and gluten in seasonal flavors, such as farm fresh peach, strawberry pomegranate balsamic and dark chocolate raspberry. Also aboard: refreshing paletas and decadent creations such as their donut ice cream sandwich. Chocolate Wasted’s blue bus is typically at the Sunday East End Market, Urban Harvest’s City Hall Farmers Market (spring and fall) and 19th Street’s First Saturday Market. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook for other locations.

Hank’s Ice Cream Parlor

A Houston institution, this family run ice cream parlor founded by the late Hank Wiggins has been selling handmade, old-fashioned ice cream for 20 years. Located near NRG Stadium, the bright space is decorated with photos of famous Houston personalities. You can choose from 18 ice cream flavors on any given day. Popular choices include butter pecan, banana pudding, grape nut and blueberry cheesecake.

Honeychild’s Sweet Creams

Sold in single-serve or pint containers, Honeychild’s Sweet Creams frozen custards are prepared with high-quality ingredients in year-round flavors such as black chocolate and vanilla, plus a variety of locally inspired seasonal flavors. You can buy their creamy frozen treats at the Urban Harvest Eastside Farmers Market or at select locations around town, including Phoenicia and Antidote Coffee.

Gelazzi

It’s easy to spot Gelazzi on White Oak Dr in the Heights. Just look for the colorful “Greetings from Houston” mural on the side of the building. After you snap some shots (it’s hard to resist), head inside for a cold treat. If you can take the heat, enjoy your gelato and a game of bocce ball in the back patio.

Steel City Pops

This Alabama import made its way to the Houston Heights area in the summer of 2016. Made in small batches, Steel City Pop’s ice pops are prepared without artificial colors and flavors. Choose from their fruity pops in flavor such as lavender lemonade and cucumber lime or opt for the richer creamy pops in flavors such as avocado and chocolate chili. Then head over to their covered, air conditioned patio to enjoy your pop and maybe even play a game of table tennis with friends.