The Ice Cream Float is a classic American drink that takes us right back to the fifties. You won’t believe how easy it is to make your very own coke float at home, with just a few simple ingredients! During the summertime, there’s nothing better than a cold, creamy treat to keep you cool.
Whether it’s a classic coke float, root beer float, or a more modern take, kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat after dinner or at summer parties.
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What is the Difference Between an Ice Cream Soda and a Float?
It’s easy to get confused by the terms “ice cream soda” and “ice cream float.” They’re often used interchangeably, but there’s definitely a distinction between the two. Typically, ice cream sodas contain syrup and cream blended into a smooth drink, while with a float, a scoop of ice cream “floats” on top of the soda.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ice cream: Choose your favorite flavor and brand of ice cream for your float. If you want, you can use reduced sugar, lactose-free or dairy-free ice cream to make your float even more enjoyable. You can use ice cream from the grocery store or from your local ice cream parlor.
- Cola or other Soda: While classic floats are made with root beer or cola, you can choose any soda you want! Tasty ice cream floats can be made using ginger ale, grape soda or even seltzer water. You can even use your favorite sugar-free or low-calorie fizzy drink.
- Whipped cream (optional): A dollop of whipped cream is a tasty garnish for any ice cream float, but this step is completely optional.
How to Make an Ice Cream Float
It couldn’t be easier to make your very own ice cream float at home!
- Step 1: Scoop your choice of ice cream into a highball or milkshake glass.
- Step 2: Pour your desired soda over the ice cream until you’ve filled the glass.
- Step 3: If you wish, go ahead and top with a swirl of whipped cream and maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a straw and long handle spoon. Enjoy!
What Does a Coke Float Taste Like?
A Coke Float is a drink made by pouring Coca-Cola over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might expect it to be overwhelmingly sweet, but it has a surprisingly subtle taste. The sweet creaminess of the vanilla blends nicely with the fizz of the Coca-Cola, creating a smooth, frothy and creamy drink that’s perfect on a hot summer’s day.
Variations
- Soda Float: This is a popular ice cream float usually made by pouring a cold can of soda water over scoops of vanilla ice cream. These flavors blend well together, but you’re welcome to experiment with other types of ice cream for a personalized experience.
- Root Beer Float: This classic drink was one of the first ice cream floats to gain popularity in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Also known as a Black Cow or Brown Cow, these delicious treats are made by combining root beer with sweet vanilla ice cream.
- Fanta Ice Cream Float: Fanta makes the world’s most famous orange soda, which is a popular ingredient for ice cream floats. Combine vanilla ice cream with brightly colored Fanta Orange for a jack-o-lantern ice cream float during Halloween!
- Chocolate Ice Cream Float: Substitute vanilla ice cream for chocolate and you’ve got a new kind of float! Chocolate lovers will definitely enjoy the taste of their favorite ice cream mixed with a cold root beer or Coca-Cola.
What is the Best Float?
The best float is up to you! There are so many different flavor combinations that you can mix and match until you find your favorite. Classic floats mix root beer or Coke with vanilla ice cream, but you can use any flavor of soda and ice cream to create new and exciting ice cream float recipes. The possibilities are endless!
Where to Buy an Ice Cream Float?
Not in the mood to make your own? Lots of ice cream parlors serve up tasty ice cream floats! Head to your nearest Baskin-Robbins, Carvel or Cold Stone Creamery and order a tasty ice cream float today.
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Coke Float (Ice Cream Float)
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 ½ cups cola 1 can (or other soda, see note)
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass.
- Pour the soda on top until the level nears the top of the glass.
- Top with optional whipped cream.
- Add a long handle spoon and straw. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Place the glass in the freezer for up to 30 minutes before use to help keep the ingredients cold.
- Lighter option: You can use diet soda as well as sugar-free or reduced fat ice cream in this recipe.
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