Learn how to make a Classic Coke Float with vanilla ice cream, Coca-Cola, and loads of fun. Serve these easy-to-make drinks with a straw and a long-handled spoon.
Once, when our grandchildren were visiting us, I discovered that they had never had Coke in the little glass bottles like we used to have as a child. What?! I knew I had to fix that right away, so I went straight to the store and picked up a six-pack.
Of course, those little bottles were more of a novelty, but they enjoyed them anyway. And at the end of the week, there was just one little bottle left. Hard to split that between two, so I came up with another childhood favorite for them to try – coke floats! According to them, they’d never enjoyed this particular treat either but were willing to give it a go since it involved ice cream.
A Classic Coke Float is much like a root beer float if you’ve had one of those…just with Coca-Cola. It’s an oldie but a classic: ice cream with soda poured over it and your choice of toppings. You’ll definitely enjoy it as much as my grandkids (and I) do!
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: Southern, Vintage
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 1
Primary Ingredient(s): Coca-Cola, ice cream, whipped cream
Skill Level: Easy
Why I Recommend This Recipe
- Family-friendly: Coke floats are a delicious treat for kids, but they’re perfect for adults, too.
- Cheap to make: You only need ice cream and Coca-Cola for this.
- Easy and quick: This is a 3-step, 5-minute recipe! Can’t beat that for such an amazing treat.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
“I love this old-fashioned treat and it’s seriously been soooo long since I’ve had Coke, too. This hot weather definitely calls for a Coke float!“
— Sues
Ingredient Notes
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- Vanilla Ice Cream – Choose any brand that you like. You can also use dairy-free, low fat, or reduced sugar.
- Coca-Cola – The real thing. I’ve tried this with Diet Coke and don’t think it’s nearly as good. This is a very infrequent treat, so go ahead and splurge.
- Whipped Cream and Cherries – The toppings are optional, but really finish off your float in a fun way! I’ve listed other ideas for toppings below.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see this recipe on page 248 of my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
How To Make A Coke Float
It’s as simple as pie!
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.
- Slowly pour over the Coke.
- Add whipped cream, a cherry, and any other toppings you enjoy.
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Recipe Variations
- Other dark sodas, such as root beer, cream soda, and Dr. Pepper, all make great ice cream floats.
- Try a fruit-flavored soda like orange soda, 7-Up, or Sprite.
- Make a float using orange sherbet and Sprite! So good!
- Chocolate ice cream and Coke are an unusual but scrumptious combination.
Recipe Tips
- Serve the float with a small plate underneath to catch any drips.
- Chill the glass and the soda. Place the glass in the freezer for up to half an hour before making your float, and use cold soda. This will keep all the ingredients nice and cold and slow down the melting!
- Pour the soda slowly to keep the foam to a minimum.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings are optional but make for a more interesting presentation.
- Add syrup on top of the whipped cream. Use caramel, strawberry, or chocolate.
- Add nuts on top of the whipped cream. Chopped, salted peanuts are especially good in a Coke float.
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Questions About Classic Coke Floats
An ice cream soda and a float are similar. An ice cream soda contains soda water, syrup, and ice cream. A float, however, is ice cream combined with a soft drink such as Coca-Cola or root beer.
A float is served with both a long spoon (such as an old-fashioned iced tea spoon) and a straw. You usually enjoy the ice cream with the spoon until things are melted down and then finish with the straw.
Um, no. Sorry. This is one of those things that must be enjoyed immediately after making it.
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Recipe
Classic Coke Float
Ingredients
For each serving use:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 4 ounces Coca-Cola
- Whipped Cream
- Cherry
Instructions
- Scoop the ice cream into tall glasses.2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Slowly pour over the Coca-Cola.4 ounces Coca-Cola
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry.Whipped Cream, Cherry
Notes
- Serve the float with a small plate underneath to catch any drips.
- Chill the glass and the soda. Place the glass in the freezer for up to a half hour before making your float and use cold soda. This will keep all the ingredients nice and cold and slow the melting!
- Pour the soda slowly to create less foam.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on June 18, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
So yummy, I like to make with cherry coke too!
Yes! That’s delicious as well.