From Persia to St. Louis: A Scoop Through the History of Ice Cream
Few things spark cravings like a frozen dessert. Ice cream has become a beloved sweet treat worldwide, whether it's creamy vanilla ice cream, refreshing sorbet or sherbet, or indulgent gelato. But have you ever wondered how this iconic dessert traveled from ancient empires to modern ice cream parlors? Let's journey through ice cream's history—from Persia and China to Europe, including Italy and France, and eventually America.
Ancient Origins: Persia, China & Rome
The origins of ice cream can be traced back thousands of years. In ancient Persia, people chilled grape juice over snow from nearby mountains to create early frozen treats. Around 200 BCE in China, a mixture of milk and rice was frozen using snow and saltpeter—a rudimentary precursor to ice cream.
Meanwhile, Emperor Nero is said to have enjoyed snow flavored with honey and fruit in Rome, though historians caution that this anecdote may be more legend than fact. Still, it reflects how long people have loved cooling off with something sweet.
Italian Influence & French Refinement
Fast-forward to the 16th century, when Catherine de Medici of Italy married into the French royal family. While there's no direct proof she introduced ice cream to France, her entourage did bring with them a love of fine food, and Italy's frozen desserts were likely among them.
In Naples, the Spanish-trained confectioner Antonio Latini recorded a recipe for a milk-based sorbet in the 1690s—one of the first to resemble modern ice cream. Around the same time, ice houses allowed European elites to store snow and ice year-round, making frozen confections more accessible.
The French soon refined these treats with creamy custards, creating more decadent desserts that evolved into the gelato and ice cream we know today.
A New World Favorite: Jefferson, Washington & American Innovation
Ice cream in America begins with the Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson, enamored with the dessert during his time in France, brought a recipe for vanilla ice cream back to Philadelphia, where he famously served it at presidential dinners. George Washington was also a fan—records show he spent over $200 on ice cream in the summer of 1790!
The real breakthrough came in the mid-19th century when Jacob Fussell, a milk dealer from Baltimore, Maryland, launched the first commercial ice cream production facility. His success helped transform ice cream from an elite indulgence into an American staple.
The Ice Cream Cone: A St. Louis Legacy
No ice cream-making tale is complete without the ice cream cone—and here's where St. Louis makes its mark. At the 1904 World's Fair, an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes and teamed up with a waffle vendor to roll cones on the spot. While multiple vendors claimed credit, the World's Fair clearly helped popularize the cone in America and beyond. An actual hometown hero moment for St. Louis!
Sundaes, Soda Fountains & the Rise of Ice Cream Shops
In the early 20th century, ice cream parlors and soda fountains popped up in cities like New York and Philadelphia, making frozen desserts more accessible. The ice cream sundae was born—possibly as a workaround for Sunday "blue laws" that banned soda sales.
Ice cream sodas, sundaes, and other frozen treats became symbols of American joy and comfort, especially during Prohibition, when soda shops offered a fun (non-alcoholic) alternative.
Ice Cream Goes Global: WWII & Modern Innovations
During World War II, the U.S. military shipped ice cream to soldiers to lift morale. The Navy even commissioned a floating ice cream barge! After the war, advances in refrigeration, churn technology, and mass production helped fuel the modern ice cream industry.
Ice cream recipes continue to evolve from Philadelphia-style ice cream (eggless and silky) to artisan batches made with rich custards and local ingredients while honoring their centuries-old roots.
A Scoop of Legacy in Every Cone
At Clementine's Ice Cream in St. Louis, we honor this legacy in every batch we craft. Whether you indulge in French-inspired sorbet, Italian-style gelato, or a classic ice cream sundae, you're tasting centuries of history, culture, and creativity.
And while we didn't invent the ice cream cone, we're proud to be based in the city that made it famous.
So next time you step into an ice cream shop, remember: your scoop connects you to emperors, explorers, inventors, and a lot of joy.