NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As the weather heats up, the Big Easy has the cool down. The traditional sno-ball has a whole new twist these days. Sno-ball stands have reimagined the way these New Orleans treats are prepared.
Stepping up the classic blend of syrup and ice with additions like soft-serve and fruit makes for an unforgettable taste.
With summer right around the corner, here are some unique sno-ball flavors to try:
Cheesecake Stuffed Sno-ball — SNO-LA
8108 Hampon St., New Orleans
Having been the self-proclaimed “originator” of the stuffed sno-ball, SNO-LA serves its guests a rollercoaster of a treat. Tastebuds dance as the syruped ice meets the melt in your mouth cheesecake. A variety of cheesecake flavors like strawberry and Oreo allows guests room for endless possibilities in crafting their sno-ball. Guests can finish off the frozen treat with condensed milk, fruit and candy.
Designer Sno-ball — Sweet Thangs
1700 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans
A sno-ball “designed” to look and taste like perfection. For guests, accompanying the syruped ice of their choice is an assortment of sweet treats. Sno-balls served in a special cup or even fruit like pineapple allows guests to pile on gummies and lollipops, top with shortcakes, layer with fresh fruit, sweeten with whip cream and even finish off with sprinkles. Even viral TikTok food critic Keith Lee traveled to New Orleans to leave a review.
The Droopy Sno-ball — Droopy’s Snowballs
1133 Hickory Ave., Harahan
Droopy’s has gained traction for its quirky name but leaves sno-ball lovers with a peculiar taste. The Droopy Sno-ball is a fan favorite and looks to perfectly capture the essence of New Orleans in a cup. For guests, the intrigue comes from the mystery of the flavor, as the recipe for the syrup is a family secret. The beauty of this treat is that it leaves people wondering exactly what they’re munching on. Some say the sweet blue cream oozes a playful, cotton candy like taste with a hint of vanilla.
Specialty Syrup Sno-ball — Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
Hansen’s has been serving up “snow” in New Orleans for over 80 years. However, its eccentric menu provides a fresh experience for sno-ball lovers. While there are many staples, such as “SnoBliz” and “Rootbeer,” new additions enter the fold. Unlike the traditional landscape of a sno-ball stand with a standard list of flavors, Hansen’s offers “fancy” sno-balls like Anise, Ginger Cayenne and Hibiscus.
Ice Cream Sno-ball — Ro-Bear’s Snowballs & Soft Serve
6869 Jefferson Highway, Harahan
Ro-Bear’s has been a hot topic for many years. This frozen dessert shop is beloved by the city for its ice cream just as much as its sno-ball flavors. The classic treat shakes things up when both of these items intertwine. The blend of the rich syrup, ice with a soft consistency and delectable soft serve leaves New Orleanians with a blizzard-like sensation in their cup.
Vegan Sno-ball — Nectar + Ice
3304 Green Acres Road, Unit B, Metairie
Nectar and Ice is a dessert shop that features sno-balls. The caveat to a slew of sno-ball flavors on the menu is the syrup base. It’s made in-house for vegans who are looking for healthier options. In fact, most items on the menu are dairy and gluten free. The dessert shop offers vegan syrups, along with toppings such as vegan condensed milk and whipped cream.
Puppy Sno-ball — Pelican’s SnoBalls
1890 Florida St., Mandeville
While this isn’t something you’ll want to eat, this is the perfect treat for your fido. This is a call for all dog parents who are looking to cool off their little one for the summer. The Pup Cup features low sodium chicken stock on ice accompanied by a milk bone.
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