Forget pre-wrapped, gas station ice cream. If you want to do ice cream right, then you need to go to the experts, the people whose days revolve around perfecting frozen treats. Whether you’re in the mood for gelato, custard, popsicles, shakes, or ice cream, these 11 spots will satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Caliche’s Frozen Custard (Alamogordo and Las Cruces)
For super creamy custard with a vast array of possible toppings, Caliche’s can’t be beat. This ice cream store is known for its green chile sundae. For information on locations.
2. Taos Cow (Arroyo Seco)
Taos Cow incorporates local ingredients like piñon nuts, and lavender from nearby farms, into their rBGH-free ice cream. This stuff is so good that even the sweet cream flavor – which is just frozen cream – tastes delicious. Taos Cow is located at 485 Hwy 150 in Arroyo Seco.
3. Yoli’s Paleteria (Roswell)
Yoli’s is known for homemade popsicles and ice creams. Flavors range from mango with chile, to pistachio, and coconut. This dessert destination is located at 510 W 2nd Street in Roswell.
4. I Scream Ice Cream (Albuquerque)
You’ll definitely be hollering to come back to this memorabilia and toy-packed wonderland. There are 32 flavors of ice cream available – all the typical flavors along with some less common ones like huckleberry and cinnamon. Choose from a selection of 33 toppings until your ice cream is decked out with syrup, nuts, and maybe even Fruity Pebbles! This ice cream store can be found at 2000 Carlisle Boulevard NE in Albuquerque.
5. Sumthins (Truth or Consequences)
This ice cream parlor has an old school vibe and dishes up delectable sundaes. It is located at 902 N Date Street in Truth or Consequences.
6. La Lecheria (Santa Fe)
For all natural, mostly organic ice cream, head to La Lecheria. You can order ice cream flights, which has to be the best tasting idea ever. In addition to the classic flavors, rotating seasonal offerings are available in creative combinations like bischochito donut. You’ll find this ice cream store at 1708 Lena Street in Santa Fe.
7. Yum Yum Yogurt (Carlsbad)
Think fro-yo can’t compete with ice cream? Yum Yum Yogurt may change your mind. Cartons with dividers are genius – no more messy flavor overlaps. This yogurt shop is located at 906 A W Pierce Street in Carlsbad.
8. Jezebel Soda Fountain and Deli (Madrid)
This soda fountain is tucked into the back of a store and gallery, making it a quaint spot to grab some ice cream While the menu here is extensive and includes shakes and sundaes, check out the homemade gelato flavors inspired by New Mexico and the local area. The turquoise (pictured) is a banana blueberry ice cream, while the Madrid mud is a sinfully rich combination of dark chocolate Nutella with brownie chunks. Jezebel is located at 2860 Highway 14 in Madrid.
9. Paleteria Michoacana de Paquime (Albuquerque)
If you’re craving Mexican-style frozen treats in Duke City, this is the place to go. For fresh fruit popsicles or homemade ice cream, run – don’t walk – to one of the two locations: 6500 Zuni Road SE or 6501 Central Avenue in Albuquerque.
10. Ken’s Ice Cream (Tucumcari)
Ken’s has a vintage feel so it makes sense that this ice cream joint and restaurant sticks to All-American classics. Ever had peanut butter and jelly as a milkshake? Well, you can at Ken’s! You’ll find this eatery at 1804 E Route 66 in Tucumcari.
11. Chill’N Handcrafted Organic Ice Cream (Albuquerque)
The ice cream here is frozen to order, using liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen produces ice cream with a texture that is smoother and creamier than usual. Both the peppermint chocolate and the almond amaretto flavors are always a good bet. This organic ice cream store is inside Green Jeans Farmery at 3600 Cutler Avenue NE, Suite 6, in Albuquerque.
There’s one place we haven’t included on this list, because we’ve already devoted an entire article to it. That’s how awesome this soda fountain pharmacy is – see for yourself.
While you’re dreaming about your next sugar high, check out some unique desserts available in New Mexico.
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