National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day

Happy children enjoying soft serve ice cream on a sunny day at the beach, wearing colorful swimsuits, beach scene with palm trees.. — National soft serve ice cream day illustration

Hey there ice cream lovers! Get ready to celebrate National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day, the coolest day of the year! Whether you're a fan of this frosty treat or you're just looking for an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, this day is the perfect opportunity to scream for ice cream.

When is Soft Serve Ice Cream Day?

It's national soft serve ice cream day on the 19th August.

The Cool Origins of Soft Serve Ice Cream

Soft serve ice cream may seem like a modern invention, but its history goes way back. Believe it or not, this frozen delight dates all the way back to the 1930s! A clever fellow by the name of Tom Carvel, a Greek immigrant living in Hartsdale, New York, stumbled upon the idea when his ice cream truck experienced a flat tire. With all the regular ice cream melting away, Carvel had to think fast. He decided to sell the slightly melted, but still creamy and delicious, ice cream to passersby. And thus, soft serve ice cream was born.

The Rise of Soft Serve to World Domination

Once the secret of Carvel's accidental ice cream discovery got out, people went wild for it! Soft serve ice cream quickly spread across the United States and became a beloved summer treat. Its smooth, creamy texture and ability to be easily pumped out of a machine made it a hit in ice cream parlors, amusement parks, and even roadside stands. In fact, there's nothing quite as satisfying as watching the soft serve machine twirl that perfect swirl of ice cream into a cone or cup.

How to Celebrate National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day

Now that you know a little about the history of soft serve ice cream, it's time to celebrate! Here are a few ideas to make the most of this delectable day:

Visit your favorite ice cream shop and treat yourself to a cone or sundae topped with your favorite flavors and toppings.
Throw a soft serve ice cream party and invite your loved ones to join in on the sweetness. Have a variety of flavors, toppings, and cones available to create the ultimate soft serve experience.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own soft serve ice cream at home. You can find countless recipes online that will guide you through the process.
Give back by donating to a local charity that provides ice cream treats to those in need. Share the joy of soft serve with others who may not have the means to indulge.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world record for the largest soft serve ice cream cone ever made was set in the Guinness World Records in 2011? It measured a whopping 9 feet, 4 inches tall! That's a whole lot of creamy goodness!

History behind the term 'Soft Serve Ice Cream'

1919

Creation of the iconic term

The term 'soft serve ice cream' was first coined in 1919. Official credit for the term's creation goes to Tom Carvel, the founder of Carvel Ice Cream. Carvel's original intention was to advertise his ice cream's smooth, soft texture compared to traditional hard ice cream.

1934

Patent for soft serve machine

In 1934, John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex McCullough filed a patent for a special machine designed to create the smooth and creamy texture of soft serve ice cream. This machine was the precursor to the modern soft serve ice cream machines used today.

1938

Carvel's first soft serve machine

Tom Carvel encountered a mechanical failure in his ice cream truck while driving through Hartsdale, New York, in 1938. This incident led him to sell the softened ice cream directly from the truck as 'soft-serve'. The positive response from customers encouraged Carvel to further develop the concept.

1940

Carvel introduces soft serve to the public

In 1940, Tom Carvel opened his first permanent store in Hartsdale, New York. This store served as the birthplace of soft serve ice cream. Carvel's innovative method of dispensing soft serve from his patented machine attracted widespread attention, and the popularity of soft serve began to spread.

1950

Expansion of soft serve popularity

The 1950s saw an explosion in the popularity of soft serve ice cream. Numerous ice cream stands, drive-ins, and restaurants began offering soft serve as a novel and refreshing alternative to traditional hard ice cream. Soft serve machines became a staple in the foodservice industry, resulting in a significant cultural impact.

1970

Soft serve becomes a global phenomenon

By the 1970s, soft serve ice cream had become a global phenomenon. Major fast food chains like McDonald's and Dairy Queen started offering soft serve as part of their menus. Soft serve machines appeared in countries around the world, cementing its reputation as a beloved frozen treat enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.