If there’s one thing every Baton Rouge resident can agree on, it’s that Louisiana summers are no joke. Stepping outside for even a few minutes can feel overwhelming when temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity makes it feel even hotter. Whether you’re an LSU student walking to class, spending a weekend with friends or simply looking for an excuse to get out of the house, finding something cold has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Luckily, Baton Rouge has no shortage of refreshing options. From aesthetic mocktails and creamy frozen custard to classic Louisiana snoballs and nostalgic root beer floats, there are countless ways to cool down around the city. Even better, many of these places offer delicious snacks to create the perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
Here are some of the best spots in Baton Rouge to beat the heat this summer.
Mocktails: The Drink Trend Taking Over Baton Rouge
Mocktails have quickly become one of the biggest food trends, and Baton Rouge has fully embraced them. These alcohol-free beverages are just as exciting and creative as traditional cocktails while being accessible to everyone.
At The Gregory, located inside The Watermark Hotel downtown, visitors can find elevated mocktails that feel sophisticated without being overly complicated. The menu often features fresh ingredients like cucumber, green tea, lavender, citrus and sparkling water.
Mocktail combinations to try:
- Strawberry basil lemonade
- Peach mango fizz
- Lavender lemonade
- Watermelon mint cooler
- Tropical pineapple refresher
The Gregory also makes every drink feel photo-worthy with beautiful garnishes, fresh fruit and elegant glassware.
Perfect snack pairings:
- Truffle fries
- Flatbreads
- Shareable appetizers
Another fun option is BR.cade on Government Street. The arcade atmosphere makes it a unique outing because you can sip a mocktail while playing vintage games with friends. Its colorful beverages add to the nostalgic experience.
Best snack pairings:
- Loaded fries
- Mozzarella sticks
- Popcorn
Bring the Trend Home: Make Your Own Mocktails
Part of the fun of mocktails is that you don’t have to leave your house to enjoy them. Gather a few ingredients, invite some friends over and create your own custom recipes. Building a mocktail bar has become a fun summer activity because everyone can mix and match flavors to create a drink that’s uniquely their own.
(More recipes are available in our summer edition, Bengal’s Best, of The Mag!)
Tiger Berry Fizz
- Lemonade
- Strawberry purée
- Sparkling water
- Fresh mint
- Frozen strawberries
Louisiana Sunset
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Splash of grenadine
- Fresh orange slices
Purple Paradise
- Lavender syrup
- Lemon juice
- Club soda
- Blueberries
For an extra Baton Rouge summer touch, freeze fruit ahead of time and use it instead of ice cubes. It keeps the drinks cold while adding even more flavor.
Louisiana’s Summer Staple: The Snoball
No Baton Rouge summer is complete without a snoball. While people outside Louisiana may compare them to snow cones, locals know there is a huge difference. Louisiana snoballs use ultra-fine shaved ice that creates a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Popular flavors include Tiger’s Blood, Wedding Cake, Blue Coconut, Strawberry Cheesecake, Bahama Mama and Cotton Candy. Many locations also allow you to add condensed cream, ice cream centers or candy toppings to customize your dessert. A snoball isn’t just something you eat—it’s a Baton Rouge summer tradition.
Best snack pairings:
- Chips
- Pretzel bites
- Popcorn
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: A New Baton Rouge Favorite
If you’ve never had Italian ice before, imagine the perfect combination of a snow cone and sorbet. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, located on Highland Road near LSU, has quickly become a student favorite. Its signature Jelati layers Italian ice with soft-serve ice cream to create a dessert that’s both refreshing and creamy.
Popular flavors include Mango, Cotton Candy, Oreo Mud Pie and Sea Salted Caramel Truffle. With more than 40 flavor options available, everyone can create a combination they love.
Best snack pairings:
- Pretzel bites
- Kettle chips
- Cookies
Frozen Lemonades Are Having a Moment
Frozen lemonades have become one of the easiest ways to survive the Louisiana heat. Unlike traditional lemonade, frozen lemonade has a slushy consistency that instantly cools you down.
Popular flavor additions include Strawberry, Peach, Mango, Raspberry and Watermelon. Many local cafés throughout Baton Rouge offer customizable versions with fresh fruit and sparkling additions.
Snack pairings:
- Kettle chips
- Trail mix
- Hot dogs
Frostop: A Baton Rouge Classic
Sometimes the best places are the ones that have stood the test of time. Frostop, a Baton Rouge staple since the 1950s, is famous for its root beer served in frozen glass mugs. Walking inside almost feels like stepping back in time. Its root beer floats have become a local tradition and are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a nostalgic summer experience.
Best snack pairings:
- Onion rings
- French fries
- Cheese sticks
Create Your Own Baton Rouge Summer Bucket List
One of the best ways to explore Baton Rouge is to create your own Frozen Favorites Challenge. Grab some friends, put together a playlist and spend an afternoon trying different places around the city.
Rank each stop based on:
- Most refreshing
- Best presentation
- Most unique flavor
- Best value
- Best photo opportunity
By the end of summer, you’ll have your own list of Baton Rouge favorites.
Baton Rouge summers may be hot, but they also create the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy life’s little treats. Whether you’re sipping a colorful mocktail downtown, sharing fries after an arcade game, enjoying frozen custard after class or grabbing a snoball with friends, there is something special about finding ways to cool off together.
After all, surviving a Baton Rouge summer isn’t about hiding from the heat. It’s about embracing it one frozen sip, sweet treat and salty snack at a time.
