How to Sample Ice Cream at Lick Honest Ice Cream

Sampling ice cream isn’t just about tasting flavors—it’s an experience rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection. At Lick Honest Ice Cream, where every scoop is made with intention, the act of sampling transforms from a casual gesture into a meaningful ritual. Unlike mass-produced frozen desserts, Lick’s ice cream is crafted in small batches using real, recognizable ingredients: organic cream, locally sourced fruits, and natural sweeteners. The result? A sensory journey that rewards patience, awareness, and a willingness to explore.

For first-time visitors, the sampling process may seem simple—just ask for a taste, right? But there’s an art to it. Knowing how to sample ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Cream enhances your experience, deepens your appreciation for the brand’s philosophy, and helps you make confident, satisfying choices. Whether you’re a flavor enthusiast, a foodie documenting your journey, or someone seeking a mindful dessert moment, understanding the nuances of sampling ensures you get the most from every spoonful.

This guide is designed to walk you through the complete process—from walking into the shop to leaving with a perfect flavor in mind. We’ll break down the practical steps, share insider best practices, highlight the tools and resources that elevate your experience, present real-world examples, and answer common questions. By the end, you won’t just know how to sample—you’ll know how to savor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Cream follows a deliberate sequence designed to honor the product and the customer. Each step builds on the last, creating a rhythm that mirrors the brand’s commitment to honesty and quality.

1. Arrive with an Open Mind

Before you even step through the door, set the tone for your visit. Leave behind preconceived notions about what “good” ice cream should taste like. Lick doesn’t follow trends—they follow ingredients. That means you might encounter flavors like Black Sesame Honey, Blueberry Lavender, or Spiced Chai that challenge your expectations. Come ready to be surprised.

Arriving with curiosity, not certainty, allows you to fully engage with the experience. If you’re unsure where to start, consider jotting down a few flavor categories you enjoy—dairy-forward, fruit-based, nutty, spiced, or earthy—and use them as loose guideposts.

2. Observe the Display Before You Ask

Lick’s ice cream cases are arranged thoughtfully. The flavors are grouped by ingredient profile, not alphabetically. You’ll find citrus and berry flavors clustered together, chocolate and caramel varieties side by side, and seasonal or limited-edition offerings highlighted at the front. Take a moment to scan the display without rushing.

Look for visual cues: Is the texture smooth and glossy? Are there visible chunks of real fruit, nuts, or cookie pieces? Notice the color—natural hues from beet juice, matcha, or turmeric indicate minimal artificial coloring. These details signal quality and authenticity.

3. Greet the Team with Intent

The staff at Lick are trained as flavor ambassadors, not just servers. They know the origin of every ingredient, the story behind each batch, and the subtle differences between rotations. When you approach the counter, make eye contact and smile. A simple, “Hi, I’d love to sample a few flavors—can you help me choose?” opens the door to a more personalized experience.

Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure what I like—I’m open to suggestions.” This invites the team to guide you rather than assume your preferences. Their knowledge is one of your greatest resources.

4. Request Small, Clean Samples

At Lick, sampling is done with purpose. Always ask for “small samples” or “taster spoons.” Most locations use small, reusable metal or compostable spoons—never the same spoon twice. This prevents flavor cross-contamination and preserves the integrity of each taste.

Typically, you can sample 3–5 flavors per visit. If you’re unsure how many to try, say, “I’d like to try three flavors—maybe one creamy, one fruity, and one unique?” This gives the team a framework to build your tasting flight.

Pro tip: Ask if the flavor you’re sampling has been in the freezer for less than 24 hours. Freshly churned ice cream has a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile than ice cream that’s been sitting for days.

5. Sample in the Right Order

The sequence in which you taste matters. Start with lighter, brighter flavors before moving to richer, heavier ones. A common progression is:

• Fruit-based (e.g., Strawberry Rhubarb)
• Herbal or floral (e.g., Lavender Honey)
• Dairy-forward (e.g., Vanilla Bean)
• Nutty or toasty (e.g., Brown Butter Pecan)
• Chocolate or caramel (e.g., Dark Chocolate Sea Salt)

This order prevents stronger flavors from overpowering subtler ones. If you sample chocolate first, your palate will be numbed, and you’ll miss the delicate notes of a honey-laced lavender or a bright citrus sorbet.

6. Engage Your Senses

Sampling isn’t just about taste—it’s a multisensory experience. Follow this sequence for each sample:

1. Look: Observe the texture. Is it creamy? Grainy? Are there visible inclusions?
2. Smell: Bring the spoon close to your nose. What do you detect? Vanilla bean specks? Toasted almonds? Fresh mint?
3. Taste: Let the ice cream melt slowly on your tongue. Don’t bite or chew—allow it to dissolve. Notice the initial flavor, the middle notes, and the finish.
4. Feel: Is it smooth? Does it cling to the spoon? Does it leave a clean aftertaste or a lingering sweetness?

These steps help you identify complexity. For example, a “simple” vanilla might reveal layers of bourbon barrel aging or Tahitian vanilla bean oils if sampled mindfully.

7. Take Notes (Optional but Powerful)

While not required, jotting down your impressions helps you remember what you liked—and why. Keep a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app. Record:

• Flavor name
• Texture (creamy, icy, dense)
• Primary and secondary flavors
• Aftertaste (clean, lingering, bitter, sweet)
• Overall impression (e.g., “Refreshing but not sweet,” “Rich with a hint of smoke”)

This practice turns a casual visit into a personal flavor journal. Over time, you’ll notice patterns—perhaps you consistently prefer flavors with a touch of acidity or earthy undertones.

8. Ask for Pairing Suggestions

Once you’ve narrowed down your favorites, ask the team for pairing ideas. Lick often pairs flavors with complementary toppings or sauces:

• Black Sesame Honey + toasted coconut flakes
• Blueberry Lavender + a drizzle of local honey
• Spiced Chai + a sprinkle of crushed cardamom

These pairings are designed to enhance—not mask—the flavor. Trying them on-site gives you insight into how the brand intends the ice cream to be enjoyed.

9. Decide with Confidence

After sampling, you may still feel torn. That’s okay. Ask: “Which one do you think would taste best tomorrow?” or “Which one do you keep coming back to?” The staff’s personal favorites often reflect the most balanced, crowd-pleasing options.

Remember: There’s no wrong choice. Lick’s flavors are crafted to be enjoyed, not judged. Trust your palate, not the crowd.

10. Enjoy Mindfully

Once you’ve chosen your flavor, take your ice cream somewhere quiet. Sit with it. Let it soften slightly. Savor each bite slowly. Notice how the flavor evolves as it warms. This is the final, most important step—connecting with the experience you’ve cultivated.

Best Practices

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Cream isn’t just about what you taste—it’s about how you engage with the process. These best practices ensure you maximize enjoyment, respect the craft, and leave with a clear understanding of your preferences.

Limit Your Samples to 3–5

While it may be tempting to try every flavor, over-sampling dulls your palate and diminishes the impact of each taste. Five samples is the sweet spot. It gives you enough variety to compare without overwhelming your senses.

If you’re visiting with friends, consider splitting samples. One person tries the fruit flavors, another the nut-based ones, and you combine notes afterward. This collective tasting approach often reveals nuances you’d miss alone.

Never Sample with a Full Stomach

Sampling after a heavy meal can mute your ability to detect subtle flavors. Aim to visit Lick on an empty stomach—or at least 2–3 hours after eating. A light snack like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts beforehand can help stabilize your blood sugar without dulling your taste buds.

Avoid Strong Flavors Beforehand

Don’t consume coffee, mint gum, or spicy foods immediately before sampling. These can interfere with your ability to detect the nuanced notes in Lick’s ice cream. Even a strong toothpaste can linger and alter your perception.

Ask About Seasonality

Lick rotates flavors based on ingredient availability and season. In spring, expect floral and berry notes. Summer brings bright citrus and stone fruits. Fall introduces spiced, earthy flavors like pumpkin or maple. Winter highlights rich, decadent options like dark chocolate or bourbon caramel.

Always ask, “Is this flavor seasonal?” If it is, you’re tasting something rare. If it’s a core flavor, it’s been perfected over time. Both are valuable—but for different reasons.

Respect the Process

Don’t ask to sample a flavor that’s sold out. The team may have just finished churning a new batch and are waiting for it to harden. Asking for something unavailable disrupts their workflow and shows a lack of awareness.

Similarly, don’t touch the ice cream with your hands or utensils. Always use the provided spoons. This maintains hygiene and ensures the next guest gets the same pristine experience.

Be Honest About Preferences

If you don’t like a flavor, say so—but do so kindly. “I’m not drawn to this one” is better than “This is gross.” The team values feedback and uses it to refine offerings. Your honest reaction helps them improve.

Bring a Friend

Sampling is more enjoyable—and informative—with company. Two palates catch more than one. You might both try the same flavor and come away with completely different impressions. Share your thoughts. Debate. Laugh. That’s part of the experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Weekday afternoons or early evenings are ideal. The staff have more time to engage with you, the lines are shorter, and the ice cream is at peak texture (not softened by foot traffic). You’ll get a more personalized experience and fewer distractions.

Don’t Rush

Sampling is not a race. Allow at least 20–30 minutes for a full tasting. Rushing leads to superficial impressions. The best flavors reveal themselves slowly.

Tools and Resources

While Lick provides everything you need on-site, a few external tools and resources can elevate your sampling experience from enjoyable to exceptional.

Flavor Journal Templates

Keeping a record of your tastings helps you build a personal flavor profile. Download or print a simple ice cream tasting sheet with categories for:

• Flavor Name
• Base (Dairy, Coconut, Almond, etc.)
• Texture Rating (1–5)
• Flavor Notes (Primary, Secondary, Finish)
• Pairing Suggestion
• Would I Buy? (Yes/No/Maybe)
• Overall Score (1–10)

Many food bloggers and enthusiasts use Google Sheets or Notion templates to track their ice cream journeys. You can find free downloadable templates by searching “ice cream tasting journal template” online.

Ingredient Transparency Guides

Lick proudly lists all ingredients on their website and in-store. Familiarize yourself with what “honest” means: no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Learn to recognize real ingredients:

• Vanilla bean specks ≠ vanillin
• Real fruit purée ≠ high-fructose corn syrup
• Sea salt ≠ iodized table salt

Resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Food Scores or the True Food Network’s “Clean 15” list can help you understand why certain ingredients matter.

Flavor Pairing Apps

Apps like FlavorPairing or FoodPairing use data to suggest ingredient combinations based on shared aromatic compounds. While not always applicable to Lick’s artisanal approach, they can spark inspiration. For example, if you love Black Sesame Honey, the app might suggest pairing it with fig or yuzu—both of which Lick has used in limited editions.

Lick’s Online Menu and Seasonal Calendar

Before visiting, check Lick’s official website. They often post upcoming flavor rotations, ingredient spotlights, and behind-the-scenes videos. This helps you anticipate what’s coming and plan your visit around new releases.

Follow their social media channels (Instagram, TikTok) for real-time updates on flavor drops and pop-up events. Many limited-edition flavors are announced there first.

Local Honey and Spice Shops

If you fall in love with a honey-based or spice-forward flavor, seek out local producers. Lick often sources from small farms and artisans. Visiting those same suppliers lets you taste the raw ingredients that inspired the ice cream.

For example, if you adore their Lavender Honey, find a local apiary that sells raw lavender honey. Taste it on its own, then compare it to the ice cream. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

Ice Cream Tasting Kits (DIY)

For the dedicated enthusiast, create a home tasting kit:

• Small spoons (metal or compostable)
• Water and unsalted crackers (to cleanse the palate between samples)
• A notebook and pen
• A timer (to track how long each flavor takes to melt)

Buy a few pints of Lick’s core flavors online (they ship nationally), and host your own tasting at home. Invite friends. Make it a ritual.

Real Examples

Let’s walk through three real sampling experiences at Lick Honest Ice Cream locations—each unique, each revealing something new about the process.

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor in Austin

Emma, 28, visited Lick in Austin on a warm Tuesday afternoon. She’d never tried artisanal ice cream before. She asked for “whatever’s popular.” The team offered her three samples: Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Brown Butter Pecan.

She tasted them in order. The vanilla was creamy but not cloying—she noticed the specks of real vanilla bean. The strawberry rhubarb had a bright tartness she didn’t expect. The brown butter pecan had a deep, nutty richness with a hint of caramel.

She didn’t love the pecan—it was too heavy. But she loved the rhubarb. She asked, “Can I get this with a sprinkle of sea salt?” The team added a pinch. Emma said, “It tastes like summer in a spoon.” She left with a pint and a new appreciation for balanced sweetness.

Example 2: The Flavor Enthusiast in Portland

Ravi, 35, is an ice cream collector. He visits Lick every time he’s in Portland. He always asks for the seasonal flavor and one core flavor he hasn’t tried. On this visit, he sampled Spiced Chai and Black Sesame Honey.

He noted the chai had layers: cardamom first, then ginger, then a quiet clove finish. The black sesame was earthy, slightly bitter, with a honey sweetness that lingered. He paired the black sesame with toasted coconut flakes and declared it “the most interesting thing I’ve tasted this year.”

He took photos, wrote a detailed journal entry, and shared it on his food blog. Two weeks later, Lick posted his review on their Instagram—unprompted. He became a recurring voice in their community.

Example 3: The Family Visit in Los Angeles

The Chen family—parents and two kids—visited Lick after a hike. The kids wanted chocolate. The parents wanted something “not too sweet.” The team suggested Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Blueberry Lavender.

The kids tried the chocolate first. “It’s not sugary,” one said. “It’s like real chocolate.” The parents tried the lavender. “It’s like a garden,” said the mother. “I can smell it.”

The team offered them a sample of Honeycomb Crunch—a crunchy, honey-sweet topping. They added it to the chocolate. The kids were delighted. The parents took the lavender. They left with two pints and a story they still tell.

These examples show that sampling isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s deeply human.

FAQs

Can I sample more than five flavors in one visit?

While you can ask, most locations limit samples to 3–5 per person to ensure everyone has a fair chance and the ice cream stays at optimal quality. If you’re visiting with a group, split the samples among friends to try more varieties collectively.

Are samples free?

Yes. Lick offers complimentary tastings as part of their commitment to transparency and customer experience. There’s no charge for small spoon samples.

What if I don’t like any of the samples?

That’s okay. Not every flavor will resonate with everyone. If none appeal, ask if there’s a flavor you haven’t tried yet—perhaps a sorbet or a dairy-free option. Or simply enjoy a small scoop of something simple, like sea salt caramel, and savor it slowly.

Can I sample flavors that aren’t in the case?

Generally, no. Lick only samples flavors that are fully set and ready to serve. If a flavor is being churned or is still freezing, it won’t be available for tasting. Ask about upcoming releases instead.

Do they offer dairy-free or vegan samples?

Yes. Lick rotates at least two vegan flavors at all times, often made with coconut milk or oat milk. Always ask, “Do you have a vegan option I can sample?” They’re proud of these offerings and happy to guide you.

Is it okay to bring kids to sample?

Absolutely. Lick welcomes families. The staff are experienced with young tasters and often offer smaller spoons or kid-friendly pairings like strawberry with a hint of mint.

How long do samples last before they melt?

At room temperature, a sample will begin to soften in 2–3 minutes. For the best experience, taste immediately after it’s served. If you need to pause, ask for a small napkin to rest the spoon on—never leave it on the counter.

Can I sample flavors online or through delivery?

No. Sampling requires sensory engagement that can’t be replicated remotely. However, Lick offers mini-pint sets online that let you try multiple flavors at home—ideal for recreating the sampling experience yourself.

Do they offer tasting events or guided flights?

Yes. Some locations host monthly “Flavor Nights” with guided tastings, ingredient talks, and pairing stations. Check the website or call ahead to see if an event is scheduled during your visit.

Conclusion

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Cream is more than a way to choose your next treat—it’s a quiet act of mindfulness in a world that often rushes through flavor. It asks you to slow down, to observe, to listen, and to trust your senses. In a culture saturated with artificiality, Lick’s commitment to honesty becomes a sanctuary.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—arriving with curiosity, sampling with intention, respecting the process, and documenting your journey—you don’t just find a flavor you like. You discover a deeper connection to food, to craft, and to yourself.

The next time you step into a Lick shop, remember: you’re not just tasting ice cream. You’re tasting time. Time spent sourcing ingredients. Time spent churning, freezing, and perfecting. Time spent by people who care.

So go ahead. Ask for a spoon. Take your time. Let the flavor unfold. And when you leave, you won’t just have a pint of ice cream—you’ll have a story to tell.