July 20th: National Ice Cream Soda Day

July is National Ice Cream Month and is peppered with specific individual holidays, such the previously covered, "National Strawberry Sundae Day." The week of July 20th is especially busy, with no fewer than five holidays, beginning today.

To say I am indifferent to ice cream sundaes would be an overstatement. I like the most iconic rendition, the root beer float, but my more often than not I want to enjoy my ice cream in a non-liquid vehicle, such as a waffle cone or cup (with or without toppings). 

If you like a dish that allows you to slurp, sip, and spoon your ice cream simultaneously and you haven't tried anything but a root beer float, I heartily suggest sampling a "Brown Cow"; alcoholic versions abound, but I prefer the old-school recipe with just vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and coke.

There is also the under-appreciated "Boston Cooler," made with ginger ale and vanilla ice cream.  Somewhat puzzling is the fact that many recipes call for this drink to be made with Vernor's Ginger Ale, the pride of Michigan, rather than some Massachusetts- or New England-based soda.

Regardless, cheers!