The most refreshing ice cream from the Costa del Sol
The most refreshing ice cream from the Costa del Sol
· 5 min. read
In the world of ice cream, traditional recipes continue to triumph, such as vanilla or chocolate, which are amongst the best-selling flavours in the world. But other more innovative proposals are also gladly accepted every year. Fun examples of refreshing, novel ice creams include “Oreo biscuit”, “strawberry chewing gum” or “matcha tea” ice creams. Even in haute cuisine, the ice-cream texture is applied to foie gras, mustard, avocado or goat’s cheese.
The fact of the matter is that ice creams from the Costa del Sol do just the trick to combat the high summer temperatures. They are also a great childhood memory, passed down from generation to generation and, of course, a holiday classic.
The origin of delicious ice cream
Ice cream has its origins in China between 3,000 and 4,000 BC. They mixed a paste of rice milk with other toppings such as fruit, honey, and spices, with bits of snow, and then kept it cold. Moving forward in the timeline of history, there is evidence that the Persians, Macedonians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs, inter alia, also had refreshing ice cream products.
But Marco Polo is credited with bringing them to Europe on his return from one of his many journeys to the East. The Asian recipes for the primitive gelato quickly spread amongst the Italian wealthy classes and became very popular. French cooks then added the sophistication of their know-how in the art of confectionery and the Italians continued to improve it and created a whole technology for its production. From Europe it made the leap to the American colonies where, years later, they knew how to market it like no one else.
Today, it is a highly appreciated, internationally recognised pleasure for the palate. And, of course, ice cream is also an element associated with the Costa del Sol, with enjoyment, walks by the sea or a cool dessert after lunch or dinner.
The first ice cream parlour on the Costa del Sol
The first official ice cream parlour in the world was opened by a Sicilian in 1686 in Paris. It was called Café Procope and even King Louis XIV himself went there. In Malaga we had to wait another two centuries to find the first permanent ice cream parlour, specifically in 1890, but there were street stalls before that. At the head of this first business was Severiano Mira. This Valencian ice-cream and nougat maker created a saga of master craftsmen, Casa Mira, which has survived to the present day.
Casa Mira’s ice creams are very popular in the capital of the Costa del Sol and can still be tasted, for example, in the main street, Calle Larios. Amongst its elaborate flavours the one called “Málaga” with raisins and Pedro Ximenez wine.
Essential ice cream parlours on the Costa del Sol
Here we show you some of the cult places to have a refreshing ice cream on the Costa del Sol. It is said that there is a type of ice cream for everyone. We hope you’ll find yours in the south.
In Nueva Andalucia in Marbella, specifically in Calle Califa, we find a great brand of delicious “Italian gelato“. Let’s not forget that Italy is one of the great gelato countries. It has all the classics on its menu, such as pistachio, dark chocolate or strawberry, but it also has such suggestive flavours such as American grape, grapefruit, or persimmon.
This is one of the oldest ice cream parlours in Marbella and it is in a prime location, right on the seafront promenade. It has a long history of good, sweet products from the Valencia area on the east coast of Spain. It has a good terrace and an incredible nougat ice cream.
Full of Argentinean-style cakes and sweets, this is a very popular café in the centre of Marbella. They offer a wide variety of ice creams, especially fruit ice creams. their portions are generous and they allow you to try a little bit of some flavours if you‘re not sure.
This is an Italian franchise to be found in a large part of the Costa del Sol. They are present, for example, in Marbella, Fuengirola or Estepona. Their creations are handmade and very creamy. In their display case there is a section for sugar-free or dairy-free ice creams (made with rice milk) which is very successful.
Refreshing ice creams and more…
At Christie’s Costa del Sol Blog we like to talk to you about anything to do with the relaxed, sophisticated lifestyle of the Costa del Sol. We have done other posts about products that can be tasted here in the south such as tapas, wines, or we have pointed out some luxury restaurants, to continue to delve into the local gastronomy. Our “Lifestyle” section in the Blog contains many useful tips to live a luxury experience.
We are always at your disposal for any aspect related to luxury properties in Marbella and surroundings. Whether you are looking to live, holiday or invest in Mediterranean villas and apartments in the sun.
