8 ice cream recipes we can't get through summer without – from classic crowd-pleasers to sophisticated frozen drinks and desserts

There are ice cream recipes (think: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate – you know, the classics), then there are ice cream recipes.

Below, we've gathered our favorites, starting with the creamiest, most perfect vanilla ice cream (plus toppings) right through to grown-up granita, sophisticated semifreddo and posh popsicles.

We defy you to find one you don't add to your list of favorites.

Perfect vanilla ice cream

This vanilla ice cream recipe is far from basic. It's rich, creamy and so easy to make. There are three tasty toppings in this recipe, and if you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry, there are instructions for making it by hand, too.

Toasted marzipan and peach semifreddo

Soft and creamy, this semifreddo recipe is delicious served up in pretty bowls or cones, with the crunchy of almonds and the sweetness of peach. It'll be your no-fuss secret weapon for family gatherings.

Gooseberry and elderflower frozen yogurt

This frozen yogurt recipe is refreshing and zingy, thanks to the tart gooseberries and fragrant elderflower. We've shown you how to make it both with gin or vodka and without, so you can serve it on a hot afternoon to the kids (without), and on balmy evenings to adults (with).

Coconut, pineapple and kaffir lime granita

This granita recipe might look sophisticated, but it couldn't be easier, and you need nothing more than a bowl and fork (plus freezer, of course) to make it.

White chocolate ice lollies with plum and star anise

This popsicle recipe isn't just for kids; with white chocolate, plums and star anise, it's a real hit with adults, too. Hosting a crowd? Forget formal desserts, this is a more fun alternative (with less washing up).

Turkish Delight and rose ice cream

If you want an expensive-looking, exotic-tasting dessert, this Turkish Delight ice cream should be your go-to. Flavored with frgrant rosewater, it's deliciously, wickedly light.

Ginger and apricot ice cream floats

This clever ice cream float recipe is part-dessert, part-cocktail. Serve it as a welcome drink at celebrations, or make without the alcohol (it tastes just as good) for the non-drinkers and kids.

Lapsang Souchong and mint ice cream

For an unusually cooling yet smoky finish to your barbecue, serve up this Lapsang Souchong tea infused ice cream, which will complement the wood-fired flavors from your grilled meats and vegetables as well a bringing a refreshing kick from green mint.