Pin it
Wanna know my go-to summer cooldown?
This fizzy Strawberry Ice Cream Float combines juicy red berries, bubbly soda and smooth vanilla scoops into pure refreshment. It's basically sunshine in drinkable form, topped with those gorgeous ruby-colored sugar bits that catch the light just right.
Delightful Summer Bliss
The real magic happens when everything mingles together. You'll get sweet berry sauce, popping bubbles and velvety ice cream in every gulp, plus that satisfying crunch from the sparkly sugar. It's crazy easy to throw together but feels like a real treat.
Essential Components
- Sugar: Brings out the berries' natural sweetness.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): Makes your drink extra fancy.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Splurge on the good stuff for the creamiest results.
- Fresh Strawberries: Chopped and soaked in sugar for a homemade syrup.
- Red Sugar Crystals: For that pretty, crunchy topping.
- Lime Soda: Sprite, 7-Up, or any citrusy fizzy drink works great.
Assembly Instructions
- Step 5 - Garnish and Serve
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream if you want, sprinkle those red sugar crystals, and stick a whole strawberry on top. Drink it right away while it's still bubbly!
- Step 4 - Add the Soda
- Gently pour your citrus soda down the side of the glass so it fizzes nicely through the ice cream and fruit.
- Step 3 - Build the Float
- Add another layer of strawberry mixture, then one more scoop of ice cream. Throw in extra berries if you're feeling fruity.
- Step 2 - Layer the Ingredients
- Spoon some of your strawberry mix into the bottom of a tall glass. Drop in two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Step 1 - Macerate the Strawberries
- Mix your chopped strawberries with sugar in a bowl. Stir them up and wait 10 minutes until they get all juicy.
Drink Mastery
I'm always playing around with different fruits in this drink blueberries work great and so do raspberries. For a smoother texture just toss those sugary strawberries in a blender. And feel free to switch up your soda orange soda creates an incredible taste combo!
Creative Twists
You can totally make this your own! Summer peaches or ripe cherries taste amazing when they're in season. During holidays I'll switch up the decorations like adding blue sugar crystals for July 4th. Sometimes I'll even go wild and add a chocolate sauce drizzle on top.
Pro Tips
Want my secret tricks? Stick your glasses in the freezer beforehand it's a game-changer! The soda needs to go in real slow or you'll have a mess everywhere and definitely don't skimp on the ice cream quality. Just remember to drink these right away they're at their best when everything's nice and cold.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which vanilla ice cream works best?
- Go for homestyle vanilla since it’s creamier and stays solid longer in soda. Premium vanilla bean or French vanilla are great too.
- → Can frozen strawberries be used instead?
- Sure, thawed frozen strawberries work fine, but fresh ones taste better. Make sure to drain extra liquid to keep the flavors strong.
- → What fruit alternatives can I try?
- Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches are great swaps. Cherries and blackberries are perfect too, giving unique twists to the drink.
- → Why should I macerate strawberries?
- This step brings out the juice and amps up flavor, making a tasty syrup that blends better with soda and ice cream.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Yes, prep the strawberries a couple of hours ahead and chill them. Assemble the float right before enjoying to keep the bubbles fresh.