Top Summertime Desserts In Philadelphia

It could be the rising temperatures or just that you're not hiding under your baggy winter clothes anymore. Whatever the reason, many people will seek out refreshing desserts that are a bit lighter in the summer. From Philly-style water ice to fruit sorbet and fresh mint concoctions, these are your best bets for sweet treats this season.

Photo Gallery: Best Summer Drinks

Philly Flavors2004 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 232-7748

343 S. 13^th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 519-8982

www.facebook.com/Philly-Flavors

Nothing says summer in Philadelphia like refreshing water ice. Made with just the right amount of ice, water and fruit, it's a treat that few cities have been able to duplicate in quite the same way. Philly Flavors offers over 30 water ice flavors in addition to ice cream and other frozen desserts. Go for a simple fruit flavor like cherry, strawberry lemonade or mango. For something a little more creative, order the banana split water ice - vanilla water ice with banana, strawberries, walnuts, pineapple and chocolate syrup mixed in. Portions are huge, so order a small or pick something to share. Be on the lookout for the latest location opening soon on 19th Street at Chestnut.

Related: Top Cherry Dishes in Philadelphia

Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
6030 Torresdale Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19135
(215) 535-9405
www.chinkssteaks.comJoe's Steaks + Soda Shop (formerly Chink's) has been famous for cheesesteaks and homemade sodas, floats and milkshakes since 1949. The extra-thick shakes are made in a classic milkshake machine with standard flavors including vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, black and white and strawberry. In addition, Joe's offers a special milkshake flavor of the month and seasonal treats like the Orange Creamsicle milkshake. Priced at $4.50 (just like its other shakes), this summer favorite is made with milk, orange and vanilla syrups, Turkey Hill Vanilla Ice Cream and Turkey Hill Orange Sherbet. It is topped with whipped cream and is only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Jones Restaurant
700 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 223-5663
www.jones-restaurant.comEating at Jones is a bit like going back to "The Brady Bunch" house for dinner. This 70s-style restaurant mixes comfort food favorites like mac and cheese and "Thanksgiving Dinner" (roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy) along with dishes like Tandoori chicken kebabs and sesame seared tuna in a way that only Stephen Starr successfully can. Desserts include classics such as chocolate layer cake and apple pie, but it's the key lime pie that you'll want this summer. The eatery's Twisted Key Lime Pie is made with a lime shortbread and blackberry sauce for a fresh citrus treat at $7.

Alma de Cuba
1623 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-1799
www.almadecubarestaurant.comIf you can't manage a trip this summer, you can at least visit Philadelphia restaurants that make you feel like you're on vacation. Let Stephen Starr and executive chef and owner Douglas Rodriguez of Alma de Cuba transport you to a Latin culinary getaway. After dishes like king crab empanadas, rum-cured duck and shrimp ceviche, enjoy a light and refreshing dessert. The $7 sorbet features mango ginger lime, coconut milk and chocolate flavors.

Related: Top Spots For Rum In Philadelphia

Liberte Urban Lounge
Sofitel Hotel
120 S. 17^th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 569-8300
www.libertelounge.comThe casual yet chic Liberte Lounge, located in the Sofitel Hotel, recently debuted its De-Light menu. These new breakfast and dinner menus (offered in addition to the standard menu) have been developed exclusively by French nutrition and wellness experts to create fresh, well-balanced options that are low in calories without sacrificing flavor. In fact, it's easy to enjoy an appetizer, entrée and even dessert for under 550 calories. The newest desserts are light, fruity and refreshing -- perfect for summer. Try the homemade fruit sorbet at just 104 calories or a raspberry-mango sundae at 106 calories.

REX 1516
1516 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 319-1366
www.rex1516.comChef Justin Swain was appointed executive chef at REX 1516 in October of 2012. In addition to upholding the restaurant's tradition of Southern cuisine with a modern twist, he also took charge of the creation and execution of its dessert menus. This summer, he's taking the popular mint julep cocktail ($9) made with mint julep whiskey, mint, sugar and club soda and reimagining it to create a decadent, yet refreshing dessert. The completely gluten-free dish ($8) is made in-house and pairs a rich mint chocolate pot de crème with candied mint leaves alongside a pecan macaroon filled with whiskey cream frosting.

Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open. Examiner.com.