National Ice Cweam Day

A group of people enjoying colorful and delectable ice cream cones in a vibrant park on a sunny day, dressed in summery outfits, surrounded by playful balloons.. — National ice cweam day illustration

Hey there, ice cream enthusiasts! Get your spoons and taste buds ready because National Ice Cream Day is here to satisfy all your frozen dessert cravings. Whether you prefer a classic scoop of vanilla or enjoy extravagant flavors like unicorn tears or bacon-infused ice cream, this sweet holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in frozen delights. Let's dive into the chilly history of this beloved national day!

When is Ice Cweam Day?

It's national ice cweam day on the 15th July.

A Brief History of National Ice Cream Day

Did you know that National Ice Cream Day has its roots in the United States? In 1984, the late President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. But the story doesn't end there. Alongside this delicious decree, President Reagan also designated July as National Ice Cream Month. Can you imagine a more heavenly combination? It's like a cone topped with sprinkles and whipped cream!

People have been enjoying frozen treats since ancient times, but it was the development of modern ice cream as we know it that set the stage for this glorious national day. From the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream maker in the 18th century to the industrial production of ice cream in the early 20th century, this frozen dessert quickly became a favorite treat for people of all ages.

Nowadays, ice cream brings people together in so many ways. From family trips to the local ice cream parlor to cozy movie nights with pints of our favorite flavors, it's an iconic symbol of joy, comfort, and deliciousness. National Ice Cream Day celebrates the pure happiness that comes with indulging in a scoop (or two, or three) of this frozen delight.

History behind the term 'Ice Cweam'

1672

The First Mention

The term 'ice cweam' makes its very first appearance in English literature in a cookbook called "The Modern World System" published in 1672. The book included a recipe for a frozen dessert made from cream, sugar, and various flavorings. At this time, the term 'cweam' was used to refer to a thickened or curdled version of 'cream', which is believed to have influenced the spelling of 'ice cream' we know today.

1744

The First Recorded Recipe

In 1744, a recipe for making 'ice-creams' appeared in a cookbook called "The Art of Cookery" by Hannah Glasse. This marked the first recorded recipe for making ice cream in English history. The recipe described a simple mixture of cream, sugar, and flavorings that was frozen by placing the ingredients in a pewter pot surrounded by ice. This recipe laid the foundation for the wide variety of ice cream flavors we enjoy today.

1780

Improved Freezing Techniques

In the late 18th century, the process of making ice cream underwent significant improvements. The introduction of specialized ice cream molds and the development of more efficient freezing techniques allowed for the creation of smoother and creamier ice cream textures. Rather than relying solely on ice and salt, early ice cream makers started using ice cream churns or machines to achieve a more consistent freeze.

1843

Commercial Ice Cream Production

The year 1843 marked a significant milestone in ice cream history with the introduction of the hand-cranked ice cream machine by Nancy Johnson. Her invention made it easier and more efficient to produce large quantities of ice cream, paving the way for commercial ice cream production. With the ability to mass-produce ice cream, it became more readily available to the broader population, not just the privileged few.

1904

The Ice Cream Cone Invention

In 1904, during the St. Louis World's Fair, an ice cream vendor named Ernest Hamwi had a groundbreaking idea. When a nearby waffle vendor ran out of dishes, Hamwi rolled up one of his waffles into a cone shape and placed a scoop of ice cream on top. This ingenious combination of waffles and ice cream gave birth to the beloved ice cream cone, forever changing the way we enjoy ice cream treats.

1984

The Creation of National Ice Cream Day

On July 9, 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month, with the third Sunday of the month designated as National Ice Cream Day. This proclamation aimed to celebrate the joy and importance of ice cream in American culture. To this day, people across the United States eagerly participate in festivities, enjoying sweet frozen treats and honoring the delectable history of ice cream.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most popular flavor of ice cream in the United States is vanilla? It might sound plain, but it's actually the perfect canvas for toppings and mix-ins! So don't judge a scoop by its simplicity, because vanilla is a classic for a reason.