HEAT WAVE! Best Summer Treats to Beat the Heat

Basil & Sweet Potato Gelato, il Laboratorio del Gelato
Photo: Tina Wong, The Wandering Eater

New Yorkers - brace yourself. It's officially summer and we are in for a heat wave! Nothing tastes better than ice cream or a smoothie on a hot summer's day so we've narrowed it down to a few favorite cold, refreshing treats to make you say "ahhhh" during this spicy summer solstice. Speedos and bikinis optional. Joleen Zanuzoski, Editor 

il Laboratorio del Gelato, Basil, Sweet Potato and Black Sesame Gelato $4.25 - $6.75
188 Ludlow Street nr. East Houston St. 
You will never run out of flavors to sample at "The Lab" because on any given day there are 48 gelati and sorbet to taste from a list of 200. When the weather gets too hot to handle, lick your lunch and order some of their savory options. Favorites? Basil with sweet potato is one of the tastiest combinations I have tried to date, and a single scoop of the black sesame gelato is truly a treat sent from the heavens.

Ten Ren, Red Bean Taiwanese Shaved Ice $5
75 Mott Street nr. Canal St. 
Yes, I agree. The last place I want to be on a sweltering day is Chinatown, for obvious reasons. However, this Asian sweet treat may be worth the trip. Ten Ren serves the best Taiwanese shaved ice outside of Flushing. Yes, the syrup is a little on the sweeter side but the sugar laced slush will give you an extra kick to power through the heat.

I Love Watermelon Smoothie
Photo: Haute Living

Juice Generation, I Love Watermelon Smoothie $6.97
Several locations throughout Manhattan

If you're trying to keep your sweets in check, go with this fruity beverage located at the eight locations of Juice Generation around Manhattan. Fresh watermelon juice is combined with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and you have the option to add in protein (soy or whey) and other healthy goodies for a little extra boost. If you get hungry, try some of their nutritious, low-cal snacks found in the cooler.

Kelvin Natural Slush Ice Cube, Arnold Palmer Slush $3.50-$4.50
Little Red Square Park, Bleecker Street & Sixth Ave. 
The slushy truck that is synonymous with ice-cold sugary (but all-natural!) goodness has a permanent parking spot in the West Village with it's new Ice Cube. The Arnold Palmer (1/2 tea, 1/2 citrus slush) is truly a must try, and the spicy ginger is pretty spectacular as well. Feeling saucy? Mix in mint, basil, white peach, raspberry, strawberry or mango to your slush to make it your own cool-down creation. The Ice Cube is open 7 days a week, 12pm to 9pm. 

Donatella's Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

Donatella, Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich $7
184 Eighth Avenue nr. 19th St. 
We're not saying you will feel more inclined to throw on your bikini after devouring two of these sweet creations, but you're surely going to feel a cool breeze of delicious take over your taste buds. The soft, moist cakes are filled with vanilla gelato and topped with a hint of strawberry rhubarb jam. Perfection.

La Newyorkina, Pineapple Mint popsicle $4
The Highline at West 22nd Street
Translated to "the girl from New York," these artisanal Mexican ice pops are the perfect treat while strolling the Highline or perusing the Hester Street Fair on the weekends. Flavors are constantly changing and supremely unique. Tamarind coconut, anyone?

popbar's Blood Orange popSorbetto

popbar, Blood Orange popSorbetto
5 Carmine Street nr. Sixth Avenue
Delicious, refreshing and made with 100% real fruit? Sold! This bar o' popsicle is filled with every flavor your taste buds desire - gelato bars, sorbet bars, yogurt bars, frozen hot chocolate, and more. Basically all they need is an actual bar and a liquor license and they're a one-stop shop. Feeling adventurous? Dip your pop in chocolate or add "poppings" like shredded coconut or pistachios.