A glass of root beer with foam
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If you can scoop ice cream, you can make a perfect ice cream float. Well, there is a tiny little bit more to making that highly nostalgic, soda fountain favorite. The one thing that will make your ice cream float outstanding, is a unique recipe. Ice cream floats are simple to make, and the combinations of flavors is endless!

These recipes may be used seasonally or served to your guests anytime you’re in the mood to make them. Get creative with your own combinations and signature touches when you make ice cream floats. Don’t be afraid to experiment. How bad could anything made with ice cream be that bad?

*Summer Time Floats

1 can frozen limeade – thawed, mixed with water (as specified on can) in a pitcher

Pour mixed limeade into blender – do not fill more than 2/3 of the blender

Add 6-8 ice cubes to the limeade mix

Pulse blend the ice cubes and limeade until it reaches the consistency of slush

Add a healthy scoop of any of the following ice cream flavors: lemon, pineapple, orange, lime sherbet or sorbet, or vanilla ice cream

Options: Top with a cherry, whipped cream, mandarin orange segments or strawberries

*Mocha Floats

Brew a full pot of coffee – flavored coffees may be used

Cool the coffee to room temperature

Follow blender instructions (as above recipe)

After blending ice cubes and coffee, add half and half, to your liking

Add a scoop of coffee, mocha chip, french vanilla or fudge ripple ice cream

Options: Top with chocolate shavings, coffee bean, whipped cream, biscotti

*Root Beer Floats

A&W Root Beer

One heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream

Pour cold root beer into a frosted glass, fill about 2/3 of glass

Add scoop of vanilla ice cream

That’s it! It’s a no brainer, yet an all time classic ice cream soda.

*Coke Floats

Same as root beer float with some variations: add cherry juice from bottled cherries to the cold cola, or add a quick dash of vanilla extract, rum extract, lemon juice, and stir before adding the ice cream. Vanilla is the standard flavor of ice cream for a coke float. Cherries on top.

*Fruit Floats

Orange juice frothed up in the blender with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, makes a float that is similar to an Orange Julius. Add any flavor of sherbet or sorbet, if you prefer. A sprig of fresh mint is a nice touch as well.

It’s important to always remember to add straws to your ice cream floats. The chilled glasses and the straws are what makes a float official.

So, there you have it! These are some basic techniques for making the very best ice cream floats. Whether you make non-alcoholic, or adult ice cream floats, just let your imagination run wild. I’ll be willing to bet that you, your family, and guests will be happy to test them out for you.

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