Water Ice Is a Classic Philadelphia Tradition

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the most unique places in the United States. This place has a distinct food culture too, with delicacies like Philly Cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches being known around the country.

When it comes to desserts in Philly, however, there is one item that clearly reigns king: the water ice.

How It’s Made

Frozen treats can be found all around the world, but if you know or meet a Philadelphia native, they are sure to love water ice more than anything else. So, what makes it so special?

The key to water ice is a mix of three simple ingredients: water, sugar, and a flavoring that can be derived from fruit, fruit juices, or other drinks.

The Perfect Refreshment

The water, sugar, and flavoring are combined and frozen while being constantly stirred in order to form a perfectly smooth frozen treat with a pleasant consistency that is thicker than a slushie and thinner than a sorbet.

The beauty of water ice is also that you can enjoy it with whatever flavors you like. Are you a big fan of citrus fruits? Maybe a lemon-lime water ice will be perfect for you. If you like coffee, you can also find them made with this caffeine-packed beverage!

One thing is for sure: if you ever have the opportunity to try this famous Philadelphia beverage, give it a shot!