Coffee and ice cream lovers will undoubtedly be thrilled to find that there is a day that combines the best of both worlds. The US observes September 6 as National Coffee Ice Cream Day every year. Even yet, this isn't that well-liked ice cream flavour. Vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, and strawberry are frequently the flavours in the highest demand. However, it is also growing in acceptance and is already adored by many. This day revels this fine mix that has been sweeping the globe since at least 1919 and spotlights a distinct flavour of coffee ice cream, that is frequently overlooked.
When coffee met the ice cream
Coffee has existed since ancient times. According to popular belief, it was an element of Middle Eastern civilization. It was first used as a beverage between the 7th and the 9th centuries. Only in the 1600s was coffee first introduced in Europe. It is fascinating to know that often people in Venice would create their coffee shops after bringing coffee back from their travels. Even so, it wasn't until the British made coffee a staple in their pantry that the coffee craze took off in the second half of the 17th century. Later, French added to its popularity as a beverage. And now, we all know about its fame.
The genesis of ice cream-like desserts has been around since the first century AD. Apparently, there was a Roman chief who would send runners up to the higher altitude in the mountains to fetch snow. The snow would get toppings like honey, almonds, and fruit to make a chilled sweetmeat. Even ice cream's connection to China dates back to about 3000 BC. It was around the 18th and 19th centuries when fruit ice creams became a favoured delicacy in Britain and America. That is the closest version of modern ice cream. In 1869, the first coffee ice cream was made as a parfait with coffee ice cream. It also emerged in a recipe from a 1919 cookbook. The mention was about a particular type of ice cream dubbed Egg Coffee. It had crushed ice, cream, and coffee syrup. Since then, there was no looking back for coffee ice cream.
Coffee ice cream, Image Credit: Unsplash
We can enjoy a caffeinated dessert on National Coffee Ice Cream Day. It is far more exciting for coffee aficionados, especially if they like ice cream too.
How to celebrate this day
In the US, on this day, ice cream outlets and eateries run special deals, offers and discounts on this flavour. Various creations are created around coffee ice cream. If you aren't able to make it to the US, don't fret. Host a party and bond with your buddies over a delicious coffee ice cream treat. You can also prepare this frozen dessert at home and invite friends, home and brag about your culinary skills.