On a swelteringly unbearable August afternoon in 1899, a New York City street vendor slapped a slab of vanilla ice cream between two graham wafers, handed it to a sweaty passerby, and unknowingly birthed a dessert legend. That gritty, urban moment sparked the ice cream sandwich—a treat so nostalgic it feels like summer itself is hugging you. National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, celebrated every August 2, is your excuse to dive into this handheld bliss before summer slips away. Here’s a lineup of seven mouthwatering variations—boozy and non-boozy alike—that’ll make your taste buds dance and your heart ache for one last beach day.

Why Ice Cream Sandwiches Are Summer’s MVP

Ice cream sandwiches are more than dessert; they’re a vibe. The contrast of creamy, cold ice cream against a chewy or crisp exterior hits every pleasure center in your brain. They’re portable, shareable, and endlessly customizable, making them the ultimate summer treat. From backyard barbecues to late-night cravings, these sandwiches deliver joy in every bite. Let’s explore seven variations that elevate this classic to new heights.

1. Classic Vanilla-Chocolate: The Nostalgic King

The OG ice cream sandwich—vanilla ice cream hugged by two chocolate wafers—is still the gold standard. Its simplicity is its strength: soft, slightly sticky wafers that cling to your fingers and a creamy center that melts just enough to feel indulgent. According to a 2025 survey, vanilla-chocolate remains the top flavor combo for 62% of Americans. Make your own by softening store-bought vanilla ice cream and sandwiching it between thin chocolate wafers. Freeze for an hour, and you’re back to chasing the ice cream truck.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a modern twist.
Why It Works: The balance of sweet cream and bittersweet cocoa is timeless.

2. Salted Caramel Brickle Bliss

Caramel and toffee are a match made in dessert heaven, and this variation takes it up a notch. Picture two buttery chocolate cookies cradling caramel brickle ice cream, with crunchy toffee bits and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Helen S. Fletcher, a pastry expert, swears by this combo for its “deeply chocolate and buttery” cookies that stay firm even when frozen. It’s a textural masterpiece that screams summer indulgence.

Make It: Use homemade or store-bought caramel ice cream and add crushed toffee bits.
Why It Works: The salty-sweet contrast keeps you coming back for more.

3. Boozy Piña Colada Sorbet Sandwich

For adults who want a tropical escape, this boozy variation is your ticket. Swap traditional ice cream for a piña colada sorbet spiked with rum, nestled between salted rye cookies. The pineapple’s tang and rum’s warmth make every bite feel like a beachside cocktail. Brit + Co calls it a “perfect treat for a hot afternoon.” Non-boozy? Sub the rum with coconut extract for a kid-friendly version.

Pro Tip: Roll the edges in toasted coconut for extra flair.
Why It Works: It’s a vacation in dessert form, boozy or not.

4. Black and White Cookie Sandwich

New Yorkers, this one’s for you. Take the iconic black and white cookie—half chocolate, half vanilla icing—and sandwich it with malted vanilla ice cream sprinkled with chocolate Rice Krispies. Ample Hills Creamery and Baked in NYC perfected this combo, calling it a “culinary symbol of the city.” It’s a textural rollercoaster: chewy cookie, creamy ice cream, and a satisfying crunch.

Make It: Buy black and white cookies or bake your own with a soft sugar cookie recipe.
Why It Works: It’s a love letter to NYC’s dessert culture.

5. Lemon-Blueberry Bliss

For a lighter, fruit-forward option, try lemon ice cream ribboned with blueberry compote between chewy blondie cookies. The lemon’s tartness cuts through the ice cream’s richness, while the blueberry adds a burst of summer sweetness. Epicurious raves about this combo for its “chewy, lemony perfection.” It’s like a lemonade stand and a berry patch got married.

Pro Tip: Zest extra lemon into the ice cream for a brighter flavor.
Why It Works: It’s refreshing yet indulgent, perfect for hot days.

6. Boozy Prune-Armagnac Elegance

Don’t knock prunes until you try this sophisticated treat. Prune-Armagnac ice cream, with its rich, fruity depth, sits between two chocolate chip cookies. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for elegance. Epicurious notes that this French-inspired combo is “dreamy” and perfect for grown-up palates. For a non-boozy version, swap Armagnac for a splash of grape juice.

Make It: Soak prunes in warm Armagnac (or juice) before blending into ice cream.
Why It Works: It’s bold, unexpected, and utterly refined.

7. Cookies and Cream Dream

Cookies and cream fans, this one’s your jam. Sandwich creamy cookies-and-cream ice cream between two chocolate wafer cookies for a meta dessert experience. Epicurious suggests adding crushed chocolate wafers for extra crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults devour with equal enthusiasm.

Pro Tip: Mix in crushed Oreos for a double-dose of cookie goodness.
Why It Works: It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.

The Art of Making Your Own Ice Cream Sandwiches

Creating ice cream sandwiches at home is easier than you think, and it’s a fun way to celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. Start with your favorite cookies—soft ones like chocolate chip or chewy sugar cookies work best. Soften your ice cream slightly, spread it evenly on one cookie, and top with another. Freeze for at least an hour to set. Serious Eats offers a foolproof recipe for classic vanilla sandwiches, complete with homemade wafers.

Storage Tip: Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
Mix-in Ideas: Try crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even bacon bits for a savory twist.

Boozy vs. Non-Boozy: Something for Everyone

Boozy ice cream sandwiches are having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. A splash of liquor—like rum, bourbon, or even Champagne—adds depth and keeps the ice cream from freezing too hard. But non-boozy options are just as exciting, especially for kids or those skipping alcohol. Sub in fruit juices, flavored syrups, or extracts to mimic the complexity without the buzz. Both versions let you play with flavors in a way that feels personal and creative.

Pairing Ice Cream Sandwiches with Summer Vibes

These treats aren’t just for eating—they’re for savoring with the right setting. Picture a sunset picnic with the classic vanilla-chocolate sandwich, or a boozy piña colada version by the pool. Food Network suggests turning ice cream sandwiches into a dessert bar with toppings like hot fudge or caramel. Pair them with a chilled rosé for adults or a frosty lemonade for kids to amplify the summer magic.

Setting Ideas: Beach bonfire, rooftop party, or a cozy backyard movie night.
Topping Bar: Offer whipped cream, sprinkles, and fruit compotes for customization.

A Brief History of Ice Cream Sandwich Day

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, celebrated on August 2, started gaining traction in the early 2000s as food holidays exploded on social media. The dessert itself dates back to 1899, when those New York street vendors made history. Today, it’s a nationwide party, with hashtags like #IceCreamSandwichDay trending on TikTok and Instagram. Food influencers share DIY recipes, and local shops roll out limited-edition flavors to mark the occasion.

Why These Variations Matter

Each of these seven variations tells a story. The classic vanilla-chocolate is your childhood summer; the boozy prune-Armagnac is a nod to refined tastes. They’re not just desserts—they’re memories, experiments, and little acts of joy. As summer winds down, these ice cream sandwiches remind us to slow down, lick the melting edges, and savor the season. Wirecutter’s 2025 taste test found that the best sandwiches balance flavor, texture, and nostalgia—something these recipes nail.

Before Summer Melts Away

August 2 is more than a date; it’s a call to celebrate life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re biting into a boozy piña colada sandwich or sharing a cookies-and-cream dream with your kids, these treats are a love letter to summer. So, grab some cookies, scoop some ice cream, and try one (or all) of these variations. What’s your favorite way to enjoy an ice cream sandwich? Drop it in the comments on social media and keep the summer vibes alive.