PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Franklin Fountain is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and the Wawa Welcome America celebrations with a series of limited-edition desserts and beverages inspired by Philadelphia’s Revolutionary history, including a commemorative sundae priced at $17.76.
The Old City ice cream parlor, located at 116 Market St., has introduced the Torch of Liberty Sundae, Liberty Bell Ice Cream Bars and a non-alcoholic Fish House Punch Fizz as special offerings tied to the Semiquincentennial festivities and Independence Day weekend.
The centerpiece of the promotion is the Torch of Liberty Sundae, a layered dessert featuring lemon-lime sorbet, vanilla bean ice cream, mango sorbet, raspberry compote and whipped cream served in a collectible green torch-shaped cup. The shop said only 250 full-size versions of the sundae, priced at $17.76, will be produced this summer. A smaller $13 version without the collectible cup is also available.
The Franklin Fountain’s latest releases tap into Philadelphia’s historic identity as the birthplace of the United States and are designed to coincide with an expected influx of visitors for July Fourth celebrations and America 250 events.
The shop has also introduced the Fish House Punch Fizz, a non-alcoholic beverage inspired by Philadelphia Fish House Punch, one of the city’s oldest and most famous cocktails. The drink combines black peach tea, lemon and spices intended to evoke the flavors of rum and peach brandy, and can be served either still or sparkling.
Philadelphia Fish House Punch traces its origins to the Schuylkill Fishing Company of Pennsylvania, founded in 1732. The social club’s punch became a staple of Philadelphia’s early civic culture, with historical accounts noting that Benjamin Franklin was a member and George Washington was a guest.
In another nod to local history, The Franklin Fountain partnered with neighboring Shane Confectionery to produce Liberty Bell Ice Cream Bars. The desserts feature Tanzania single-origin chocolate ice cream with a cherry center, coated in dark chocolate and molded in the shape of the Liberty Bell using an antique mold.
The companies said the chocolate used in the bars is sourced through Uncommon Cacao, which works to ensure fair compensation for cacao farmers.
Looking beyond Independence Day, The Franklin Fountain plans to introduce another limited offering on Bastille Day, July 14. The “Creme de Lafayette” ice cream, named after the Marquis de Lafayette, will feature French-style ice cream swirled with cooked raspberries and blueberries.
All of the America 250-themed offerings are available while supplies last at The Franklin Fountain in Old City.
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