As the mercury in the thermometer climbs higher and higher, it might be tempting to hibernate indoors. Don't let the summer doldrums take hold. Beat the heat with some smooth, cold ice cream. Regular scoops can be fun, but nothing beats the joy of a swirling cone of soft serve. These seven ice cream parlors have the best soft serve in Austin.

1. Sweet Ritual

Sweet Ritual knows that ice cream is for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions. Their scrumptious vegan/dairy-free creations come in all kinds of creative flavors, and they'll fool even the most devout ice cream lover. Their soft serve treats are as whimsical as they are sweet. For an extra kick, throw some edible glitter on top! Sweet Ritual is located at 4631 Airport Blvd, suite 125. You can also find them inside Yummi Joy at 409 W 2nd St.

2. Sandy's Hamburgers

For a taste of sweet nostalgia, stop by Sandy's Hamburgers. This modest burger stand has stood for decades, and their juicy burgers taste just like childhood. As you crunch into the sweet sugar cone and slurp up the last bit of melted soft serve, you'll be transported back to a simpler time. Visit Sandy's Hamburgers at 603 Barton Springs Rd.

To learn more about this iconic Austin eatery, read our feature article here.

3. Cow Tipping Creamery

Once you try Cow Tipping Creamery's decadent creations, there's no going back to boring regular ice cream. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a "Death By Chocolate" treat. This dessert comes stacked like a parfait and is coated in triple fudge brownie chunks, cocoa cookie crumbs, and brown sugar hot fudge. Cow Tipping Creamery also welcomes your own creative concoctions. Order your ice cream with any combination of sauces and toppings your heart desires. Spoil yourself at 4715 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 103.

4. Daruma Ramen

You might be surprised that decadent soft serve lives at a Japanese ramen restaurant, but Austin is weird like that. Not only does Daruma Ramen whip up soothing bowls of fresh noodles and pork broth, they also make some of the kookiest smooth ice cream around. The flavor changes monthly, but past concoctions have tasted like sesame, plum and shisho, and sea urchin. Your adventurous taste buds will thank you. Head over to 612 E 6th St. to taste for yourself.

5. Mr. Natural

Mr. Natural crafts healthy and fresh vegetarian meals daily, and their ice cream is no exception. Sometimes we all need a cheat day, but you won't feel guilty about eating this ice cream. This vegan soft serve is blissfully refreshing, and it can be topped with whatever your heart desires. Visit Mr. Natural at 1901 E. Cesar Chavez St. or 2414-A S. Lamar Blvd.

6. Jim-Jim's Water Ice

It isn't summer without a trip to Jim-Jim's. This beloved snow cone stand also sells soft serve, and it's delicious beyond words. Visit Jim-Jim's Water Ice at 615-A. East 6th St.

7. Burger Bar

This popular downtown lunch spot is so much more than just a burger stand. When the weather heats up, Burger Bar swirls together some classic soft serve. Get a cone filled with chocolate, vanilla, or both! You can really have it all at Burger Bar on 110 E 2nd St.

What's your favorite summertime treat? If you're still trying to satisfy your sweet tooth, this unique little ice cream parlor should do the trick.