The History of Italian ice dates back to the days of ancient Rome when Emperors sent runners to the highest mountains to retrieve snow to mix with fresh fruits to make an enjoyable frozen treat. For generations, the Romans and then the Italians enjoyed flavored ice. They ate it alone or mixed it with ice cream to make Gelati, a combination of Italian ice and soft ice cream. When Italians immigrated to the United States in the early part of the 20th Century, they brought their recipes for these ices with them. In the Italian neighborhoods along the east coast, Italian ice has long been a summertime passion with small walk-up windows serving lemon and cherry Italian ices.