When was the last time you had an ice cream float? This frosty treat tends to evoke childhood summertime memories of sipping cold, sweet, creamy from a tall glass with straw at your favorite local diner or soda shop.
But you can just as easily make your own floats in your kitchen at home — no fancy soda machine required. All you’ll need is your favorite flavor of Jarritos and some ice cream (vanilla tends to work with almost any soda flavor).
But if you’re looking to kick your float game up a notch, try one of the blow recipes for a foodie twist on this classic summer treat.
Mexican Cola Float
Recipe adapted from Food Network
This slightly spicy twist on the classic cola float is a welcome way to beat the heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Jarritos Mexican Cola
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
In a tall glass or mason jar, add two scoops of ice cream, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Gently pour soda on top and sprinkle with cayenne, if desired.
Watermelon-Lime Yogurt Float
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit
There are few recipes as refreshing as this one for a watermelon float. Vanilla frozen yogurt lightens things up and melds well with the flavors of the melon.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Jarritos Watermelon soda
- 1 pint store-bought vanilla frozen yogurt
- 1 ½ Tbsp finely grated lime zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 watermelon or cantaloupe, scooped into small melon balls (optional)
Instructions:
Refrigerate frozen yogurt until it’s firm but scoopable, about 15 minutes. Working quickly, scoop frozen yogurt into a food processor. Add lime zest and juice and pulse just to combine. Return yogurt to its original container, cover, and freeze until firm.
Add 2 scoops of lime frozen yogurt to a tall glass and pour in Jarritos Watermelon soda. If using, add 2-3 melon balls to the glass to serve.
Orange Cream Float
This summertime classic continues to be a hit with kids and grownups alike. For a twist, try using raspberry or lemon sorbet in place of the vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Jarritos Mandarin soda
- 2 scoops good-quality vanilla ice cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add ice cream and vanilla to a tall glass and top with Mandarin soda.
Roasted Pineapple Float
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
Get tropical with this recipe for roasted pineapple ice cream floats. Grownups can make this drink party-ready with an ounce or two of dark rum.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Jarritos Pineapple soda
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet
- 1 8-oz can crushed pineapple, drained, syrup reserved
- 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place pineapple on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake until just golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
Place 3-4 tablespoons of roasted pineapple in the bottom of a tall glass. Add 2 scoops of ice cream and gently pour in Jarritos Pineapple. Drizzle the top of the float with reserved pineapple syrup and enjoy!