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A refreshing strawberry ice cream soda float combines macerated strawberries, fizzy lime soda, and creamy vanilla ice cream, finished with ruby-red sugar crystals. It’s an elegant, easy treat to cool off on warm days. If you enjoy this float, try the homemade strawberry milk recipe—kids love it!
STRAWBERRY FLOAT
This strawberry ice cream soda float is delightful: every sip offers fizz from the lime soda, sweetness from the macerated strawberries, and richness from the ice cream, finished with a pleasant crunch from red sugar crystals.
It’s beautiful and simple to make—an ideal way to use summer strawberries. Enjoy one while relaxing with your favorite show, or make a few to serve guests.
If you prefer a smooth strawberry sauce, blend the macerated berries after they’ve released their juices. This recipe is quick and versatile—fresh strawberries, good-quality vanilla ice cream, lemon-lime soda (7Up or Sprite), and optional red sugar crystals for garnish make a perfect float that kids and adults will love.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AN ICE CREAM FLOAT
Start by dicing the strawberries, then lightly crush them with a fork or masher. Macerating softens the fruit and draws out the juices—here’s the process:
- Add chopped strawberries and sugar to a small bowl and stir. Let sit about 10 minutes to macerate and sweeten the berries. (pic 1)
- Spoon the mashed strawberries into glasses. (pic 2)
- Add a scoop of ice cream to each glass—vanilla works great. (pic 3)
- Top with more strawberries, then a second scoop of ice cream. Add extra berries as desired. (pic 4)
- Slowly pour cold lime soda over the ice cream. For extra indulgence, add whipped cream, garnish with whole strawberries and sprinkle red sugar crystals. Serve immediately while fizzy and cold. (pic 5-6)
TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE AN ICE CREAM FLOAT
Ice cream soda floats are an affordable, crowd-pleasing dessert. There are many ways to customize this float—try these ideas:
- Mix your soda float – Substitute other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for strawberries.
- For a smoother strawberry syrup, blend the macerated berries before assembling.
- Use your favorite lemon-lime soda; 7Up or Sprite are great options.
- Make a festive red, white, and blue float for celebrations by layering blueberries, ice cream, and strawberries.
- For a creamsicle-style float, replace fruit with orange soda and vanilla ice cream for a classic orange-cream flavor.
Strawberry Patch Ice Cream Soda Float Recipe
April Boller Wright
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 scoops french vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups fresh diced strawberries
- 1-2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup lime soda 7Up or Sprite
- red sugar crystals optional for garnish
- extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Macerate strawberries:
-
Add diced strawberries to a bowl and lightly crush with a fork or masher. Sprinkle with sugar, stir, and let sit 10 minutes so the juices develop.
Assemble the float:
-
Divide half the strawberry mixture between two glasses. Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream to each glass, spoon more strawberries over the ice cream, then add another scoop on top.
Pour & garnish:
-
Slowly pour cold lemon-lime soda over the ice cream. Top with a few more strawberries and a sprinkle of red sugar crystals. Garnish with a whole strawberry if desired.
-
Serve immediately to enjoy the fizzy texture and cold contrast.
Notes
Cook tips:
Floats are versatile—swap fruits, blend macerated berries for a smooth syrup, or change the soda. Use your favorite ice cream and soda brands for best results.
- Mix it up: swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the macerated berries after they’ve released their juices.
- Choose a soda you like—7Up or Sprite are classic choices.
- Create a red, white, and blue float by layering blueberries, ice cream, and strawberries for a festive presentation.
- For a creamsicle version, use orange soda with vanilla ice cream.
Tools used to make this:
Libbey Duratuff 12 oz beverage glasses
Biodegradable assorted-color drinking straws
Dowan 4 oz porcelain ramekins (for serving extras)
Post was originally published in 2015. Recipe and post updated on 5/15/2019.
Do you have any ice cream float ideas? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
If this strawberry float looks tempting, save it to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. Don’t forget to follow on Pinterest for more recipes.
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