---
title: "The Drink of the Summer Just Got Frozen: Rita's Debuts Shirley Temple Ice"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/4bf7142a-017f-465b-8b8e-593d8d327d62
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260715_the_drink_of_the_summer_just_got_frozen_ritas_debuts_shirley_temple_ice.html
category: "Snacks & dessert"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Snacks & dessert"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-07-15T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:43:28.865Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# The Drink of the Summer Just Got Frozen: Rita's Debuts Shirley Temple Ice

**TL;DR:** Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard debuts a new limited-time Shirley Temple Italian Ice flavor, inspired by the classic drink. The flavor will be available in various forms, including Italian Ice, Gelati, Blender, and Misto Shake.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-07-15. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260715_the_drink_of_the_summer_just_got_frozen_ritas_debuts_shirley_temple_ice.html).*

## Story

The Shirley Temple has always been more than just a drink—it's a sip of nostalgia. Now, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is freezing the beloved classic with the debut of its new limited-time Shirley Temple Italian Ice. Inspired by the iconic drink, this new flavor blends sweet cherry and bright citrus into a refreshingly cool treat, topped with shimmering Shirley Sparkle for all the fun of a Shirley Temple - without the bubbles. Available for a limited time beginning July 20 at participating Rita's locations.

In addition to enjoying the new Italian Ice on its own, fans can experience the flavor across Rita's signature menu with three limited-time offerings:

- **Shirley Temple Ice Gelati** – Layers of Vanilla Frozen Custard and Shirley Temple Italian Ice, finished with Shirley Sparkle.

- **Shirley Temple Ice Blender** – A refreshing frozen beverage blending Shirley Temple Italian Ice into a smooth, icy drink and topped with Shirley Sparkle.

- **Shirley Temple Misto® Shake** – Creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard blended with Shirley Temple Italian Ice for the ultimate summer treat.

"At Rita's, we're always looking for new ways to turn today's biggest flavor trends into unforgettable frozen treats, said Carmela Hughley, SVP of Marketing Insights and Innovation at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. "The Shirley Temple has captured everyone's attention while remaining a timeless favorite, and we were excited to reimagine its iconic sweet cherry-citrus flavor as an Italian Ice that's perfect for making new summer memories."

The launch of Shirley Temple Ice marks a summer program for Rita's. Additional updates are anticipated later this month.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- menu pricing (topic)
- limited time offer (topic)
- summer promotion (topic)
- new product launch (topic)
- Rita's (company)
- Carmela Hughley (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260715_the_drink_of_the_summer_just_got_frozen_ritas_debuts_shirley_temple_ice.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/4bf7142a-017f-465b-8b8e-593d8d327d62).