Old Fashioned Ice Cream Float Recipe (2 Ingredients)
An old fashioned ice cream float is one of the easiest desserts you can make at home. With just two ingredients — ice cream and your favorite soda — you can create everything from a classic root beer float to countless flavor combinations that suit your own tastes.
The simplest soda fountain beverage
Ice cream floats are a summertime treat that never goes out of style. They taste fantastic, they’re fun to make, and they come together in just a few minutes. Pouring soda over a scoop of ice cream and watching it foam up around the glass is part of the experience. Those little icy bits of soda mixed with melting ice cream are every bit as enjoyable as the drink itself.
Whether you stick with a traditional root beer float or experiment with different soda and ice cream combinations, this old-fashioned dessert is a simple way to bring a little soda fountain nostalgia into your own kitchen.
If you love classic soda fountain-style treats, be sure to try my traditional ice cream soda made from scratch next.
Recipe ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: With only two ingredients in the glass, the ice cream plays a major role in the final flavor. Choose a good quality vanilla ice cream with a rich vanilla taste and a smooth texture that will hold up as the root beer is poured over it.
- Root beer: Since this recipe relies on just two ingredients, the root beer you choose makes a noticeable difference. Use a root beer you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own because its flavor will be front and center in the finished float.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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How to make an old fashioned ice cream float
Step 1: Place loose scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass, leaving enough room for the root beer and foam.
Step 2: Gradually pour the root beer over the ice cream. Pouring too quickly will cause the foam to rise rapidly and may overflow the glass.
Step 3: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry if desired, then serve immediately while the float is cold and fizzy.
Suggested flavor combinations
While root beer and vanilla ice cream are the classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other combinations. Some popular options include:
- Cola and vanilla ice cream
- Cream soda and vanilla ice cream
- Orange soda and vanilla ice cream
- Grape soda and vanilla ice cream
- Root beer and chocolate
- Black cherry and chocolate ice cream
The best float is the one made with your favorite soda and ice cream, so have fun trying different combinations.
Top tips
- Chill the glass first: Place the serving glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before making the float to help keep it cold longer.
- Leave headspace in the glass: Choose a glass that is larger than you think you need so the foam has room to rise without creating a mess.
- Serve with both a straw and a spoon: The soda can be sipped while the ice cream is enjoyed separately as it slowly melts into the drink.
- Enjoy it immediately: Ice cream floats are at their best right after they’re made, when the contrast between the cold ice cream and fizzy soda is at its peak.
Other recipes you’ll love
If you loved this dessert beverage recipe, give these other great drink recipes a try too!
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe
Best French Press Iced Coffee Recipe
Easy Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Float
Ingredients
- vanilla ice cream
- root beer soda
- whipped cream optional
- maraschino cherrry optional
Instructions
- Add loose scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall serving glass.
- Slowly pour the root beer over the ice cream, allowing time for the foam to rise as you pour.
- Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose quality ingredients: With only two main ingredients, the flavor of both the ice cream and root beer will be noticeable in the finished float.
- Pour in stages: If the foam rises too quickly, pause briefly before adding more root beer to prevent spills.
- Customize the flavors: Substitute your favorite soda and ice cream flavors to create different float combinations.
- Serve immediately: Ice cream floats are best enjoyed as soon as they are assembled while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream is holding its shape.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
