Adult Snow Cones

Grown-up snow cones are the new rage this summer at Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Raya’s Chef de Cuisine Marissa Gerlach serves frozen childhood desserts for adults with tasty ingredients such as tequila, rum, pisco, blood orange and coconut water. Her inspiration came from visits to the Orange County Fair as a kid where snow cones are a must. “I loved being able to pick a color and watch the ice slowly turn into a blast of flavor,” says Chef Gerlach.  “And holding the cone was a way to cool off in the summer heat.” The refreshing adult snow cones can make an afternoon in the sun even better at 180blũ, the resort’s oceanfront lounge.

The new menu features a trio of snow cones: blood orange tequila margarita with Herradura silver, Grand Marnier, blood orange and black salt; a coconut rum cool off with Malibu coconut rum, coconut water, coconut milk and sweeten toasted coconut; and chicha morada with pisco, pineapple, clove, cinnamon and sweet purple corn. 180blũ also serves hand-crafted drinks and RAYA inspired appetizers such as smoked swordfish tacos, crispy achiote pork wings and queso fundido.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is at 1 Ritz Carlton Drive in Dana Point. 949.240.2000.