This is the time of year where snoball stands across the city are opening up their doors for the season, ready to greet their loyal customers. Snoballs have long been a tradition for Louisianians, they’re an excellent way to stay cool on a hot summer day, and they’re easy on the wallet. There’s one snoball stand that’s been around for decades, and like a fine wine–they only get better with age. Let’s take a look.

It all started back in 1939 during a particularly hot day in New Orleans.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
Ernest Hansen and his son were hanging out outside, trying to beat the heat when they came across a man pushing a snowball cart.
Ernest liked the idea, but not the execution.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
Each snowball was being shaved by hand from a large block of ice, and he felt like the cleanliness of the operation could use some improvement, so he got to work designing his own machine.

If you can dream it you can achieve it, and Ernest promptly built his own machine, earning U.S. Patent 2515923.
His wife, Mary Hansen was an amazing Italian cook and was also a savvy businesswoman, so she created her own line of syrups.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
And just like that, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz was born. Their first snoballs were served outside of Mary’s mother’s house on St. Ann street and cost 2 cents each.
In 1944, they moved their operation to Tchoupitoulas, where it remains today.
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Generations of New Orleanians have been enjoying Hansen’s snoballs. It’s become quite the tradition, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Today, Hansen’s is run by Ernest and Mary’s granddaughter, Ashley Hansen.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
Sadly, Mary passed away in 2005, and Ernest died a few months afterwards. Ashley has been helping the family business since she was 12 years old, and continues the family tradition.
Their motto is "there is no shortcut to quality", and it shows in their snoballs.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
All of their syrups are made in house from family recipes.
From traditional flavors like strawberry and bubble gum, to some very unique flavors, you’ll want to come back day after day to try them all.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
Pictured above is mango syrup snowball with a Cayo Honey topping from Belize.
Their bananas foster flavor is insanely popular.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
This limited edition only appears on the menu one week out of every month, so be sure to follow them on social media to find out when it’ll be making an appearance.
The line may be long, but it's worth it, trust us. Treat yourself to a snoball from Hansen's Sno-Bliz, you won't regret it!
Hansen's Sno-Bliz/Facebook
Their address is 4801 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.

What’s your favorite snoball flavor? Let us know in the comments below!

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