At Smorgasbord LA, we visited Happy Ice which specializes in authentic Philadelphia Water Ice.
Philadelphia Water Ice is a frozen treat made from water, sugar and some sort of flavoring – usually fruit. It is firmer than a slushie but softer than sorbet and smoother than granita. Unlike with a snow cone, the flavor is mixed in before freezing, instead of being poured over the shaved ice at the end.
Water ice goes by Italian ice everywhere else in the world, but in Philadelphia it is known as Water Ice. It has been known to have come to Philadelphia from Italian immigrants in the early 1920s.
We got the Rainbow Rocket which refreshing, flavorful cold and smooth! It had a mix of their flavors including Cherry Bomb; Blueberry Blast; Mango Madness; Pineapple Potion; Strawberry Lemon Lush; Watermelon Lush; Sour Apple Lush; and Lucky Lemon.
All flavors are dairy free, nut free, gluten free, vegan friendly.
You can find Happy Ice at their retail location at 7324 Melrose Avenue or at their food truck on the streets of LA.