A Sip of Nostalgia: How Rita’s Is Reimagining the Shirley Temple This Summer
Rita’s Italian Ice is freezing a retro favorite. Guests can get the new Shirley Temple Italian Ice starting July 20, featuring sweet cherry, bright citrus, and shimmering sparkles.
The classic Shirley Temple has always been more than just a sweet drink. It offers a delicious sip of nostalgia. This summer, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept is turning this classic into a frozen masterwork.
Starting July 20, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is officially debuting its new limited-time Shirley Temple Italian Ice at participating locations. Inspired by the famous mocktail, this refreshing new treat blends sweet cherry and bright citrus flavors into an icy, smooth dessert. To complete the experience, each serving is topped with shimmering Shirley Sparkle, offering all the fun of a traditional Shirley Temple without any of the bubbles.
One Iconic Flavor, Three Ways to Enjoy
If you want to experience the Shirley Temple Italian Ice beyond a simple scoop, Rita’s has created three signature limited-time menu combinations to let you customize your treat:
- Shirley Temple Ice Gelati: Decadent layers of creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard and Shirley Temple Italian Ice, finished with shimmering Shirley Sparkle.
- The Shirley Temple Ice Blender: A refreshing, smooth, and icy frozen beverage that blends the Shirley Temple Italian Ice into a drinkable format, topped with Shirley Sparkle.
- Shirley Temple Misto Shake: A summer fusion of creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard blended directly with the Shirley Temple Italian Ice.
Behind the Shirley Temple Italian Ice Flavor Launch
The team at Rita’s is highly focused on capturing nostalgia and translating it into unique, cold treats for guests of all ages. As Carmela Hughley, SVP of marketing onsights and innovation at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, shares:
“At Rita’s, we’re always looking for new ways to turn today’s biggest flavor trends into unforgettable frozen treats, said Carmela Hughley, SVP of Marketing Insights and Innovation at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “The Shirley Temple has captured everyone’s attention while remaining a timeless favorite, and we were excited to reimagine its iconic sweet cherry-citrus flavor as an Italian Ice that’s perfect for making new summer memories.”
This exciting debut is just the first drop in what Rita’s promises will be its biggest summer celebration yet, with even more nostalgic announcements and limited-time events coming later this month.
New to Rita’s Italian Ice? Here is What You Need to Know
If you have never visited a Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard before, you are in for a unique treat experience. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1984, Rita’s has grown into the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and signature treats.
Here is a quick guide to what makes them a neighborhood staple:
- Real Italian Ice: Unlike snow cones or shaved ice, Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site using real fruit. It features a uniquely smooth, velvety texture and is scooped from a rotating daily selection of over 80 creative flavors.
- Award-Winning Frozen Custard: Richer and creamier than traditional soft-serve ice cream, Rita’s Frozen Custard is incredibly smooth and serves as the perfect pairing for their tart and sweet Italian Ice flavors.
- The Famous Gelati: This is the ultimate Rita’s experience—a beautiful layered dessert featuring alternating scoops of Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard.
Orlando area theme park fans can even find Rita’s Italian Ice at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando. A few additional Rita’s Italian Ice locations can be found in the Orlando area.
Get a Free Treat on Your First Visit
If you want to make your first visit even sweeter, download the Rita’s Ice App on your smartphone. New loyalty members receive a free small Ice, Custard, or Gelati reward just for signing up and completing their first purchase. You will also earn points toward free rewards on every future visit, plus exclusive app offers and a special birthday treat. Offers may not be valid at theme park locations.
Additional Food News
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!
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