By The Virtual Tourist

It's summer time and there's no better way to cool off than to indulge in some sweet, velvety ice cream. Whether you fancy old-fashioned vanilla, an exotic gelato or a fruity sorbet, desserts in any frozen form are sure to leave your mouth grinning and your heart singing! With this in mind the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of the "10 Best Ice Cream Shops in the World."

1. SCOOPS, LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

Scoops is perhaps Los Angeles' best-kept secret. Unlike other popular creameries, this hole-in-the-wall establishment attracts theme park-length crowds, with unbeatable prices and rotating exotic flavors. With surprising options like: foie gras and onion, Thai iced tea and strawberry Riesling; you'll find yourself waiting in line every day, just to see what's on the menu next!

2. GIUSEPPE RICCI, MADRID, SPAIN

Love at first lick? Locals boast that Giuseppe Ricci serves the best gelato in Madrid, and the growing lines are a testament to this belief. You will undoubtedly experience instant gratification once you dive into this luscious, creamy dream. Don't leave without trying After 8, a refreshing blend of mint and chocolate.

3. THE ORIGINAL CHINATOWN ICE CREAM FACTORY, NEW YORK, N.Y.

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory puts an Asian flare on an American staple. Over the years this establishment has evolved from a sweet treat into an iconic representation of the Big Apple's melting pot of culture. OCICF recently introduced its newest flavor, Zen Butter, a delectable blend of toasted sesame seeds and peanut butter.

4. GROM, TORINO, ITALY

Grom takes high quality to a new level. Made from only the freshest ingredients, Grom's desserts use cacao and coffee from Venezuela, fruit grown from their own farm, and Lurisian mountain water for its sorbets. Grom's commitment to premium products has helped propel this franchise into a widely recognized international chain.

5. LEOPOLD'S ICE CREAM, SAVANNAH, GA.

Founded in 1919, Leopold's Ice Cream has been a mainstay in Savannah for many years. This classic, yet modern shop prides itself in continuing to serve original recipes from the early 1900s. You can indulge in signature flavors like Tutti Frutti and Butter Pecan, or try a scrumptious new treat like Bananas Foster or Thin Mints and Cream. No matter what flavor you choose, your taste buds will thank you!

6. FENOCCHIO'S, NICE, FRANCE

Experience gelato at its finest. Fenocchio's has served happy faces for many generations, and continues the tradition in this family-owned business. With more than 94 flavors, 35 of which are sorbet, Fenocchio's has perfected the art of Italian flavored ice cream with Tomato & Basil, Rosemary and Thyme. For a less traditional treat, try the Cactus, Violet or Beer sorbets!

7. MOLLY MOON'S ICE CREAM, SEATTLE, WASH.

You'll run around the neighborhood looking for Molly's mobile ice cream truck once you get a taste of this mound of melted heaven. Molly Moon's Ice Cream uses locally grown, organic ingredients to create popular and unique flavors like Mandarin Chocolate Sorbet or Rosemary Meyer Lemon. Check out Molly's Twitter page for the latest scoop on seasonal flavors, and coordinates so you can stalk that truck!

8. JENI'S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS, COLUMBUS, OHIO

Featured on the show "Best Thing I Ever Ate," Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams lives up to its motto, "less sweet, more flavorful." With an enticing assortment of mouth-watering flavors, Jeni's pleases the tongue with seasonal sensations like Backyard Mint and Corn Syrup Custard with Whiskey & Pecans.

9. IS FRA SKARO, SKARO, DENMARK

Healthy ice cream. This concept sounds counterintuitive, but at Is Fra Skaro, you can enjoy the goods without the guilt. Situated on a remote island off the coast of Denmark, this shop is not your average creamery. Instead of sugar, Is Fra Skaro utilizes the island's local birch trees as a natural sweetener.

10. LULA'S SWEET APOTHECARY, NEW YORK, N.Y.

Even the pickiest of palates can experience silky satisfaction at Lula's Sweet Apothecary. Lula's innovative creations are vegan friendly, nondairy, and gluten free. Lula's has mastered the use of coconut and cashew milk, and created cone after cone of heavenly bliss.

 

© VirtualTourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

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