Looking to cool off? This Cape Coral ice cream shop has more than 60 flavors

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — As Southwest Florida temperatures continue to climb, one local ice cream shop is giving people another reason to cool off.

At Sidecar Treats in Cape Coral, owner Chris Cohen is welcoming customers all summer long with more than 60 ice cream flavors, boozy milkshakes, acai bowls and plenty of sweet treats.

"During season, this place is filled with tourists," Cohen said. "During the off-season, it is quieter, but we have some amazing regulars. My favorite thing about this place is that I've seen kids grow up."

From classic favorites to creative flavors like Banana Cream Pie and Chocolate Mint to crazy flavors like dirty turtle and gator tracks, there's something for every sweet tooth. Adults can also enjoy one of the shop's signature boozy milkshakes, including the Amaretto Joy, made with amaretto, coconut, black cherry ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream, or the Creamy Colada, featuring white rum, coconut ice cream, orange pineapple ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry.

The menu extends well beyond ice cream. Sidecar Treats now serves house-made acai bowls, along with sundaes, malts and other frozen desserts.

"We have so many more offerings than an ice cream store," Cohen said. "There's a lot more going on, and we can accommodate a diverse range of people. We cater to people who are seniors to those who are 2 years old."

For Cohen, ice cream is about more than satisfying a craving. He said it's something that brings people back to some of life's happiest moments.

"Ice cream makes me think of my grandma or special occasions," Cohen said. "People associate ice cream with memories, and it brings them back in a positive way."

The shop's colorful atmosphere helps create those memories, too. Every wall is covered with artwork from local artists, featuring sea creatures enjoying ice cream. Cohen said he wanted the space to reflect his personality while creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

"It reflects me in a way," Cohen said. "I just wanted to make it a fun environment for everybody with a laid-back, casual vibe."

As summer business slows, Cohen hopes the community will continue supporting local shops one scoop at a time.