Coke Float – A Beautiful Mess

A classic Coke float is a delicious dessert. It’s an oldie but a goodie! This variation of the Root Beer Float comes from the soda shop era. This classic treat is perfect for a hot day with kids. Made with scoops of vanilla ice cream and Coca-Cola, this frosty treat can be made in just a few minutes.

More Drinks: Root Beer Float, Roy Rogers, Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer, Bubble Tea.

Ingredients in a Coke Float

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Choose old fashioned vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream.
• Coke – Choose your favorite cola—we used Coca-Cola.

What is the best float glass? I like to serve this drink in a beer stein or a milkshake glass.

How to Make

Traditionally, a coke float is made by scooping creamy vanilla ice cream into a tall glass and then pouring cola over the top. This method prevents overflowing as the ice cream begins to foam. 

Personally, I like to pour the cola first and top it with a scoop of ice cream. This method, while it has more risk of overflowing, has more contrast between the dark soda and ice cream and less foam. It’s a little prettier. 

Either way, both methods are equally delicious and the prep time should be less than a minute! Have fun making a perfect Coca-Cola Float.

Tips for Making

• To make an adult drink, add a shot of dark rum, vanilla vodka or bourbon to the top of the float. Adding a shot (one ounce) of any liquor you love most will turn it into an alcoholic coke float. 
• Some recipes call for whipped cream with sprinkles and a maraschino cherry on top. 
• I like to serve my floats with a straw and a spoon. Much like a milkshake, it’s fun to have both options. 
• Try chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a slight variation. Even better, make one of each and compare, choosing a favorite.
• If you want to go even more old school, use sparkling water and flavored syrups to create your sodas from scratch.
• Use cold soda for the best possible drink on a hot summer day. You can also add a chilled glass (just pop it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving).

More Drink Recipes

• Root Beer Float – A Coke Float is made using vanilla ice cream and Coca-Cola.
• Cherry Coke Float – Use Cherry Coca-Cola with vanilla ice cream for a cherry flavored variation.
• Cream Soda Float – A Cream Soda Float is made using vanilla ice cream and cream soda.
• Strawberry Float – A Strawberry Float is made using vanilla ice cream and strawberry soda.
• Orange Creamsicle Float – An Orange Creamsicle Float is made using vanilla ice cream and orange soda.
• Boston Cooler – A Boston Cooler is made using vanilla ice cream and ginger ale.

More Recipes to Try