Drink This Now: Emo shakes at Sweet EMOtion

Photo by Sarah Sipple

Black nail polish, snare drum backbeats, and allll the feels. I love a niche. It’s a risky business move, but when it connects with the intended audience, magic happens. Such is the case for Sweet EMOtion—a pop-punk and emo-themed oat milk ice cream parlor.

In the same building as The Rino in North KC, black walls, concert flyers, and angsty music set the ambiance. And just like my visit to the original Springfield location, the North KC one is usually full of millennials. See, it wasn’t a phase.

A staple menu of sweet concoctions like Jimmy Eat Swirl, The Black Parade, and Motion City Meltown can be served in the form of a shake, pint, or bowl of ice cream. The entire menu is vegan, and about 95% of it is gluten-free.

Peanut butter usually wins my palate, so I chose the Smashed Into “Reese’s” Pieces ($9) as a shake. A frozen oat milk base is blended with hot fudge, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and graham crackers, then topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and graham cracker dust.

Photo by Sarah Sipple

The shake’s consistency is thinner than a classic milkshake, but the soft lingering mouthfeel remains. Chunks of Reese’s lay at the bottom for your thick straw to excavate. The graham crackers were not visible after blending, but absolutely lent a s’mores taste. With sticky fingers, the vegan mini marshmallows that rested on top were a true treat to pluck out and devour individually.

Sweet EMOtion is open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays, aligning with most live music performances. Consider this your sign to lace up those Converse (unless you’re team Vans like me), break out your favorite band tee, and go see a show. Ice cream shakes (no Lactaid required) are totally the new Monster.

Sweet EMOtion is located at 312 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO 64116