First of all, happy belated Cinco de Mayo to all the people who celebrate it, especially Mexican-Americans! You know who you are!
Even though many Oklahomans with Latinx origins are preparing for the day we’re all rounded up, branded like steers, and shipped off to a third-world prison where their paperwork will be lost in the flotsam, at least we’ll have a sweet parting gift to keep us distracted – Braum’s Mexican Ice Cream!
The DEI ice cream movement – or should we call it I.C.E. Cream? – has finally made its way to Oklahoma, with Braum’s offering exemplary Mexican-like flavors that will appeal to anyone trimming a hedge, cleaning someone else’s house, or rounding up innocent people during a nighttime raid.
Even though there are plenty of authentic Mexican ice cream shops around town— I'd recommend this one — I thought it would be a fun public service to give the tastes of appropriation a try and, with my better scoop in tow, sample the various flavors.
Here's my flavor recommendations in descending order, from "ho-hum" to "muy caliente!"
6. Fresas con Crema – Translated as “strawberries and cream,” this sweet blend of nature’s candy and (apparently) condensed milk is a rich, lush treat that stands well on its own.
And while I’m sure Fresas con Crema is somebody’s favorite, with so many other flavors in the lineup, it just feels a little too vanilla—or, more accurately, a little too strawberry—for me.
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5. Tarta de Fresa y Crema – Much like Fresas con Crema, this flavor starts out pretty pedestrian—but the addition of chocolate-covered cake pieces gives the strawberries-and-cream base some much-needed gravitas. The jumbo chunks offer a satisfying chew (and, dare I say, a bit of roughage), making this one go down surprisingly smooth.
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4. Piñon – Don’t toss this in your chiminea! One of the more esoteric flavors on the list, this one stars the piñon—roasted pine nuts, natch—more commonly found in trail mix or bulk bins at your local health food store.
But at Braum’s, they’re reimagined as ice cream, with a mildly nutty aftertaste that’s mellowed by an ultra-smooth texture—closer to frozen custard than anything else in the case.
All in all… I liked it!
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3. Chongos Zamoranos – Arguably the dirtiest, sleaziest-sounding name for a frozen treat, this ample concoction is actually one of the sweetest, most delicious desserts on the menu.
To Braum’s credit, they keep it simple: just milk, sugar, and cinnamon. The result? A smooth, subtly spiced treat that might even be (whisper it) the healthiest option in the freezer—at least healthier than the last one.. Hopefully.
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2. Sopapilla Cheesecake – Of all the dairy-based desserts out there, cheesecake-flavored ice cream is my personal favorite—and this one doesn’t disappoint. Packed with diced sopapilla pieces and a swirl of caramel ribbon, it’s sweet, rich, and unapologetically filling.
It’s a true big-boy favorite, with the creamy cheesecake base melting into the sopapilla batter to create a decadent frozen meal that could easily be served at one of our finer local restaurants… but let’s keep that between us.
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1. Mango con Chamoy – This one’s my absolute favorite—both in flavor and cultural authenticity. It’s the only sherbet in the bunch, with juicy mango amped up by a ribbon of spicy, savory chamoy—a tangy blend made from pickled fruits and dried chiles.
Sure, you could justify it with some semi-health logic, but honestly, this flavor’s complexity isn’t for everyone. It’s bold, it’s brash, and frankly, it’s best left to us Mexicans and our extended brood.
Vaya con Dios!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
