National Ice Cream Sundae Day

July 8 is National Ice Cream Sundae Day. This holiday is a celebration of one of the most beloved frozen desserts—ice cream topped with syrup, sauces, fruits, sprinkles, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. On this day, dessert fans are encouraged to enjoy the classic combination of vanilla ice cream, chocolate or strawberry syrup, and a cherry on top.

History

The origin of the ice cream sundae is widely debated, but its popularity in the U.S. is undisputed. One popular story traces it to 1881 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where a pharmacy began serving ice cream with syrup instead of soda, which was traditionally used in ice cream floats. Because the treat was initially sold only on Sundays, it came to be known as a “sundae.”

Another version tells of moral objections to soda consumption on Sundays in Illinois during the 1890s. In response, local confectioners created a new dessert—ice cream topped with syrup, without the soda. Some called it “Soda No Soda.”

Several American cities have laid claim to the invention of the sundae, including Ann Arbor (Michigan), Ithaca (New York), Norfolk (Virginia), and Washington, D.C. No matter the true origin, the sundae became a nostalgic staple of 20th-century America, especially when served in tulip-shaped glasses. Over the decades, countless variations of the sundae have emerged.

Interesting Facts

• In 1906, the owner of C.C. Brown’s ice cream shop in Los Angeles began pouring hot chocolate sauce over ice cream, helping inspire the modern hot fudge sundae.
• In 2006, the city council of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, formally challenged Ithaca, New York’s claim to being the birthplace of the sundae.
• In 2019, Sugar Factory in New York City unveiled a massive ice cream statue called Candy Kong.

How to Take Part

Host your own ice cream sundae party with friends or family. Create a sundae bar with different flavors of ice cream, toppings, and sauces. For a homemade twist, try making your own fudge sauce using heavy cream, cocoa powder, vanilla, chocolate, brown sugar, and corn syrup. You can also give your sundae a grown-up twist by adding coffee or mint liqueur over coffee or chocolate ice cream.

When is National Ice Cream Sundae Day in 2025?

National Ice Cream Sundae Day is associated with the anticipation of happiness and joy. It is observed on July 8 each year.

Observations