Apple Cider Float

Sweet and creamy, this apple cider float is packed full of fall flavor. Make a single drink or a few, the whole family can enjoy this fun drink together.

 

Why We Love Apple Cider Floats

• Fun Fall Drink – This apple cider float is such a fun festive treat, especially at the beginning of fall when the weather begins to cool. I was inspired by one of the apple orchards where I grew up, which always had the most fun apple cider treats! You had to have a cider with some apple cider donuts or pumpkin donuts every year for dessert.
• Save Money On A Treat – I love taking my kid for a little fun drink, but I don’t love the prices of the coffee shops and boba shops. We can make an easy homemade treat and it’s the perfect way to save a little money while still having fun. Both kids and adults can enjoy this treat together and it’s the perfect way to celebrate fall.
• Easy To Make One Or A Bunch – I like that I can easily adjust this recipe. Make one drink, a few drinks, or even turn it into a party punch for a crowd.

Ingredients For This Apple Cider Ice Cream Float Recipe

• apple cider – Apple juice can also be used. I’ve found the Simply Apple brand apple juice has a taste that is most similar to apple cider you find from apple orchards. You can also use sparkling apple cider.
• cream soda can also use ginger ale
• caramel sauce – this is usually found near the chocolate sauce either near the ice cream, or sometimes near the coffee. Extra caramel on top can be optional.
• vanilla ice cream – a cinnamon ice cream or apple flavored ice cream could also be delicious. A non-dairy alternative can also be swapped in this recipe.
• whipped cream (optional) – you could also Cool Whip. The newer cold foam in a can designed for topping coffee also works great, either the vanilla or the caramel are both great choices. You can also swap in a non-dairy option such as coconut whipped cream.
• cinnamon (optional) – a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top can also be delicious!

How To Make Apple Cider Float

1. Drizzle the caramel sauce inside of a tall serving glass. Scoop the vanilla ice cream and place in the glass.

2. Pour the apple cider and cream soda into the glass.

3. Topped with optional whipped cream, more caramel sauce, sliced apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!

Variation Ideas For This Apple Cider Float

Toppings – I’ve suggested whipped cream but a whipped topping like cool whip works. You could also use fun colored sprinkles on top. This drink is pretty sweet so feel free to add as many or as few toppings as you prefer.

Soda – I’ve found cream soda gives a really good flavor. Ginger ale works well also and some brands can make the drink taste a little less sweet. A diet soda can be swapped, or even a prebiotic soda flavor that works with apple (like the Olipop Crisp Apple) can also work in this drink. Don’t be afraid to try your own combination!

Dairy Free – This treat is easy to make dairy free. I recommend a coconut vanilla ice cream and a coconut whipped cream for on top. Carmel can sometimes have dairy, but is also made dairy free so check carefully. Always check with the person who has the allergy though to make sure they are able to enjoy all the ingredients, or even let them assemble their own.

Can I Make This Caramel Apple Cider Float Into A Punch For A Party?

Yes you can absolutely make this into a fun party punch that everyone serves themselves from the punch bowl. I recommend making sure the apple cider and cream soda are both cold before adding it to the punch bowl so the ice cream doesn’t immediately melt the

I recommend using the following ratio of ingredients, but this is flexible and you can adjust it to your own tastes.

1. 2 liters cream soda or ginger ale
2. 1 gallon apple cider
3. 48 ounces vanilla ice cream

Top the cider with whipped cream and caramel if you like, or just drink them as is. You can also add caramel to the inside of the glass before adding the punch if you choose.

Can You Make Apple Cider Floats Ahead Of Time?

No this is quite honestly best served right away. If you try to hold onto this treat for a longer time, the ice cream will melt and the soda will go flat.

If you are serving these floats at a party, you can pre-scoop the ice cream into glasses and put them in the freezer. Then pour the apple cider and soda over the drinks right before serving.