Here’s the Scoop: Must Try Ice Cream for Shavuot

April 27, 2026 | Shabbat and Holidays

By Amy Goldberg

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot celebrates Moses receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai after the Jews were freed  from slavery in Egypt. Traditionally, we eat dairy to symbolize  Israel, the “land flowing of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). One way that many Jews celebrate is by enjoying ice cream, the best dairy of them all!

Baltimore  is known for its vast options of ice cream shops, creameries, and dairies.  I was excited to take my family on an outing to visit some of our favorite local ice cream shops to try their seasonal flavors. Here’s the ice cream you should try this Shavuot:

Roasted Strawberry at Taharka Brothers

This local ice cream and social change-based business, is featured as a store front in R. House (Remington)  and in several other locations around the city. Taharka Bros is well known for their honey graham ice cream flavor. It is sweet and smooth with a trail of sandy graham cracker. However, their roasted strawberry flavor is my family’s favorite as its not too sweet with chunks of real roasted strawberries in every bite.  Taharka also offers vegan and dairy free flavors, in addition to delivery options. They also offer nine certified kosher flavors: vanilla (both dairy and non-dairy variants), caramel crunch, cookie dough, cookies and coffee, key lime, mint chocolate chip and honey graham.

Maryland Mud at The Charmery

Owned by a Jewish family, the Charmery has several locations around Baltimore  including Towson, Hampden and Columbia.  The menu includes many year-round local flavors that are a hit with my family, including Maryland Mud, which is dark chocolate with chocolate cookies and Old Bay Caramel. Its’ a little bit sweet and a little bit savory. Their summer seasonal hit is Lemon Stick, a lemon base with light peppermint throughout.  The Charmery also offers dairy and vegan options.

Black Cherry and Chocolate Peanut Butter at Prigal Family Creamery

Another family favorite is Prigal Family Creamery in Glen Arm, MD  Belevdere Square. Prigal is a traditional creamery that offers handmade ice cream that can be made into delicious shakes, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches. They are known for their heavy-handed scoops that leave you very satisfied.  My family’s favorite flavors are black cherry and chocolate peanut butter.  If you’re up for a windydrive through the countryside where you can watch the cows graze as you eat your ice cream, a trip to Prigal Family Creamery is for you!

Cake Batter Vodka Martini at Tipsy Scoop

Add a fun, grown-up twist to your Shavuot celebrations with Tipsy Scoop Barlour, now open in Federal Hill. This spot serves up creative spiked sundaes, boozy flights, scoops and ice cream sandwiches that bring a little extra flavor to the holiday. Coming with kids or skipping the alcohol? They’ve got plenty of non-alcoholic flavors so everyone can join in the fun.

Kosher Ice Cream Options

Baltimore has plenty of sweet Kosher spots worth checking out. Head over to Cold Stone Creamery at Woodholme Shopping Center and try one of their signature creations, including non-dairy options, made with almond milk.

Rita’s, with locations in Valley Village Shopping Center in Owings Mills, Reisterstown Road in Pikesville and Quarry Lake, is perfect for a refreshing combo of Italian ice and frozen custard. Go all in and mix them together.

Make a stop at Sprinkles Ice Cream, located next to Mama Leah’s Pizza on Reisterstown Road, grab a slice, then treat yourself to a scoop. And Milk & Honey Bistro is now serving ice cream and soft serve, so you’ve got even more ways to cool off and enjoy.

Some more fan favorites from our past and current Connectors:

• Jupiter’s Ice Cream in Mt. Washington
• The Cow in Reisterstown
• Hoffman’s in Westminster & Firehouse Creamery in Eldersburg
• Ellicott City Diner, Strawberry cheesecake & Oreo Shake
• Friendly’s in Perry Hall
• Tropicool Italian Ice in Pikesville/Mt.Washington and Bmore Licks in Patterson Park, Baltimore City

However near or far you are, Baltimore has some very delicious ice cream options so you can enjoy your Shavuot with a cold, sweet, tasty treat.  Have a happy and sweet Shavuot!