🍦Ice Cream is a Presidential Tradition

Ice Cream Is A Presidential Tradition

🍦Ice Cream is a Presidential Tradition

At La Pera’s Sweet Shop, we love celebrating the sweet things that make America special — family, freedom, and of course, ice cream. But did you know that ice cream has been a presidential favorite for centuries? From George Washington’s hand churned desserts to Ronald Reagan’s official “National Ice Cream Month,” every era of American history has had a Commander in Chief with a soft spot for a scoop.

George Washington – The Founding Father of Ice Cream

America’s first president was also its first known ice cream enthusiast. Records show Washington spent over $200 on ice cream in the summer of 1790 — an enormous sum at the time. His estate at Mount Vernon even had special “ice cream pots” and a dedicated freezer for entertaining guests.

Washington’s favorite flavors aren’t documented, but he often enjoyed fruit based varieties served in rich cream.

Thomas Jefferson – The First Ice Cream Recipe in America

Thomas Jefferson was so enamored with ice cream during his time in France that he brought back one of the first written ice cream recipes to America — a vanilla custard style dessert still preserved in the Library of Congress.

Jefferson served ice cream regularly at the White House.

Abraham Lincoln – A Taste of Unity

At Lincoln’s second inaugural ball in 1865, guests enjoyed a dessert table featuring strawberry ice cream, considered an extravagant delicacy. In the years that followed, serving ice cream at White House receptions became a symbol of hospitality and celebration — a small comfort during a divided time in American history.

🍫 Dwight D. Eisenhower – The Ice Cream General

During his presidency in the 1950s, Eisenhower reportedly enjoyed butter pecan and frequently served ice cream at White House gatherings. As a symbol of postwar optimism, ice cream was more than dessert — it represented a return to comfort, joy, and normalcy.

🍓 Ronald Reagan – The President Who Made It Official

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July “National Ice Cream Month” and the third Sunday of July “National Ice Cream Day.”

In his proclamation, Reagan called ice cream a “fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90% of the people in the United States.” His favorite flavor? Chocolate.

❤️ A Sweet Reflection of America

From the Founding Fathers to today, ice cream has remained a symbol of joy, comfort, and unity. It’s there at celebrations, family gatherings, and even moments of national pride. Every scoop reminds us of the simple pleasures that make America sweet.

At La Pera’s Sweet Shop, we’re proud to carry on that tradition while crafting homemade ice cream that connects generations, just like the presidents before us.

Because whether you’re leading a nation or leading your family into our shop, we all share one truth: Freedom tastes better with ice cream. 

📅 La Pera’s Sweet Shop – Opening this fall in Lynn Haven!

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