National Sundae Day
National Sundae Day is a delightful celebration held on November 11 every year, where dessert lovers indulge in the sweet, layered treat known as the sundae. This special day honors the simple joy of creating and enjoying a sundae.
Drive foot traffic and social engagement on November 11 by promoting limited-time sundae specials, DIY sundae bars, and user-generated content campaigns tied to #NationalSundaeDay.
- Host a DIY sundae-making party or workshop to showcase premium toppings and sauces
- Feature gourmet sundae creations (salted caramel, coffee liqueur, etc.) to drive premium upsells
- Launch a #NationalSundaeDay social media contest encouraging customers to share their most creative sundae designs
- Partner with local ice cream parlors for exclusive November 11 specials and drive community foot traffic
The history of the ice cream sundae is as rich and layered as the dessert itself, with various towns in the United States claiming its invention.
The sundae’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when laws known as “Blue Laws” prohibited the sale of soda on Sundays.
To circumvent this restriction, ice cream parlors began serving ice cream with syrup instead, which did not violate these laws. This workaround led to creating the ice cream sundae, originally served only on Sundays.
The name “sundae” was adopted over time and is believed to be a clever twist to avoid any association with the Sabbath day and allow the dessert to be sold daily.
Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Ithaca, New York, are two of the most vocal claimants of the title “Birthplace of the Sundae.”
In Two Rivers, the story goes that in 1881, a soda fountain owner creatively topped ice cream with syrup when he couldn’t serve soda, creating the first sundae. Meanwhile, Ithaca’s claim dates back to 1892 when a pharmacy owner topped ice cream with cherry syrup and named it after the day it was created.
As these sundaes grew in popularity, they began to appear in various forms and with a range of toppings. This was an evolution from a simple dish of ice cream and syrup to include nuts, whipped cream, and cherries.
This dessert quickly became a staple of American culture, celebrated across the nation, especially on National Sundae Day, as a testament to its enduring appeal.
Scoop It Up!
Why not invite friends or family over and throw a sundae-making party? You can set up a DIY sundae bar with various ice creams, sauces like caramel and hot fudge, and loads of toppings from nuts to cherries. Let everyone mix and match their creations for a deliciously good time.
Go Gourmet
For those with a bold palate, explore gourmet sundae options. Think outside the classic vanilla and chocolate by offering options like salted caramel with cinnamon sugar almonds or a coffee sundae with a drizzle of liqueur. It’s all about unique flavors that tickle the taste buds.
Sweet Social Sharing
Celebrate by sharing your sundae creations on social media. Use hashtags like #NationalSundaeDay to connect with other ice cream enthusiasts. Share photos of your outrageous or beautiful sundae designs and inspire others with your flavor combinations.
Indulge Locally
Make it a date and visit your local ice cream parlor. Many shops might have special offers or unique sundae specials just for National Sundae Day. It’s a great way to support local businesses while enjoying a sweet treat.
Master the Craft
Interested in upping your sundae game? Consider attending or hosting a workshop to learn how to make the perfect sundae. From selecting the best ice cream to crafting signature sauces, it’s a delicious skill to have!