12 Must-Try International Ice Cream Flavors

Ice cream is a global treat, and each country has its own unique twist on this frozen delight. From exotic spices to refreshing fruit flavors, international ice creams offer an exciting journey for your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for the rich sweetness of gelato, the floral notes of Thai coconut, or the earthy flavors of matcha, there’s something from around the world to suit every palate.

These 12 must-try international ice cream flavors are perfect for adventurous dessert lovers who want to expand their frozen horizons. Let’s dive into the first five flavors that are sure to impress!

1. Thai Coconut Ice Cream

This Thai coconut ice cream is a creamy, refreshing treat with a hint of coconut flavor, often served with a sprinkle of peanuts for added crunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then pour into an ice cream maker.
3. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Stir in shredded coconut in the last few minutes of churning.
5. Freeze for 4 hours before serving.

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2. Japanese Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

This Japanese matcha green tea ice cream features the earthy flavor of matcha paired with a creamy base, offering a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp matcha powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let the mixture cool before pouring it into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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3. Italian Gelato

Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream, known for its dense and creamy texture. It’s made with more milk and less air, resulting in a rich, flavorful treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until it starts to steam.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
5. Cool the mixture, then pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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4. Indian Kulfi

Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that’s denser and creamier than regular ice cream. It’s made with a mix of milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom and saffron.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp saffron (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
2. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Pour into kulfi molds or small cups and freeze for 4-6 hours.
4. To serve, dip the molds in warm water for easy removal.

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5. Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream

This Mexican chocolate ice cream has a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of cinnamon and chili, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 4 hours before serving.

6. Turkish Dondurma

Turkish dondurma is a chewy, stretchy ice cream made with the unique ingredient salep, a flour made from orchids. It’s dense, creamy, and often served with a playful twist, as it’s traditionally served on a cone and “played with” by street vendors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp salep powder (available in specialty stores)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, and sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in the salep powder and vanilla extract, and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
3. Let the mixture cool, then pour it into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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7. French Lavender Honey Ice Cream

French lavender honey ice cream combines fragrant lavender with sweet honey, offering a creamy, floral twist on a classic ice cream flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream and milk in a saucepan until it begins to steam. Add lavender and steep for about 10 minutes.
2. Strain out the lavender and return the cream mixture to the saucepan. Stir in honey and vanilla extract.
3. Let the mixture cool completely.
4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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8. Brazilian Acai Ice Cream

Acai berry ice cream is made from the antioxidant-rich acai berries, creating a sweet, tangy, and creamy dessert popular in Brazil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen acai puree
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend acai puree, coconut milk, and honey in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Optionally, add frozen mixed berries and churn until well mixed.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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9. Italian Tiramisu Gelato

This Italian tiramisu gelato combines the flavors of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa, creating a delicious frozen dessert that tastes like the classic tiramisu.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup coffee (cooled)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in mascarpone cheese and coffee until smooth.
3. Let the mixture cool completely, then pour into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then sprinkle cocoa powder on top before freezing.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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10. Israeli Malabi Ice Cream

Malabi is a popular Middle Eastern dessert, often made with milk, sugar, and rose water. This version is turned into a refreshing ice cream, offering floral notes and a creamy base.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream, whisking in sugar and cornstarch.
2. Cook the mixture until it thickens, then stir in rose water.
3. Let the mixture cool completely, then pour into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.

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11. Greek Yogurt and Honey Ice Cream

Greek yogurt and honey ice cream is a tangy, creamy treat with a natural sweetness from honey, offering a lighter yet satisfying frozen dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
4. Serve and garnish with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

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12. Turkish Pomegranate Ice Cream

This refreshing Turkish pomegranate ice cream combines the tartness of pomegranate with the creaminess of yogurt, creating a light and fruity dessert perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, pomegranate juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
4. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds before serving.