As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a delicious Apple Cider Float. This simple yet incredibly satisfying drink combines the spiced, warming flavors of autumn with the creamy, cool delight of vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect treat for cozy evenings, Halloween parties, or a sweet Thanksgiving dessert. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a beverage that tastes like fall in a glass. This recipe is destined to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Float Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and no complex steps, you can make this float in under 5 minutes.
- Full of Fall Flavor: The combination of crisp apple cider, warm cinnamon, and creamy vanilla is the epitome of autumn comfort.
- Perfectly Versatile: Easily make it a fun cocktail for adults or keep it kid-friendly. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any age!
- Festive and Fun: It looks as good as it tastes, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or a simple movie night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cider Float lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A good quality vanilla bean ice cream provides the perfect creamy base and balances the tartness of the cider.
- Apple Cider: Use fresh, crisp apple cider from the refrigerated section for the best flavor, not apple juice.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce adds a layer of decadent sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: For that classic float finish.
- Ground Cinnamon: A light sprinkle on top enhances the warm, spiced aroma and flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: An optional but festive garnish that adds a touch of rustic charm.
How to Make the Perfect Apple Cider Float
Making this delightful fall beverage is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect float every time.
- Prepare Your Glass: Start by drizzling caramel sauce inside two tall glasses. Swirl it around the sides for that classic soda shop look.
- Add Ice Cream: Place two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into each prepared glass.
- Pour the Cider: Slowly pour the apple cider over the ice cream. Pouring slowly helps manage the fizz and create that beautiful frothy top.
- Garnish and Serve: Top your float with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Float
Want to take your Apple Cider Float from good to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Chill Everything: For the frothiest, coldest float, make sure your glasses, apple cider, and even the ice cream scoop are well-chilled.
- Choose Quality Cider: The flavor of your float depends heavily on the cider. Opt for a fresh, high-quality cider, preferably from a local orchard.
- Don’t Skimp on the Ice Cream: A rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream will yield the best results and a more luxurious texture.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, it’s also a fantastic base for creativity. For more sweet treat inspiration, check out this recipe for a Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.
Boozy Apple Cider Float
For an adults-only version, add a shot of your favorite spirit. Spiced rum, bourbon, or a caramel-flavored vodka pair wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors. Simply add 1-1.5 ounces of liquor to the glass before pouring in the cider.
Caramel Apple Spice Float
Enhance the spice by using a spiced apple cider. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon for an even cozier flavor profile. If you’re a fan of spiced desserts, you’ll love these delicious cinnamon cruffins.
What to Serve with Your Float
This Apple Cider Float is a dessert all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other fall treats. Consider serving it alongside a warm slice of apple pie, a plate of chewy butterscotch brownies, or simple cinnamon sugar donuts for a truly decadent experience.
FAQs about Apple Cider Floats
Absolutely! To make a boozy version, simply add 1 to 1.5 ounces of bourbon, spiced rum, or caramel vodka to the glass before pouring in the apple cider. It adds a wonderful warmth to the drink.
Apple Cider Floats are best served immediately to enjoy the cold temperature and fizzy texture. You can, however, prepare the ingredients in advance by chilling your glasses and cider, and pre-scooping the ice cream onto a parchment-lined tray in the freezer.
The key is to pour the apple cider slowly over the ice cream. Tilting the glass slightly, similar to how you would pour a soda, can also help control the foam and prevent it from overflowing.
A high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the best choice. Its rich, creamy flavor and texture perfectly complement the crisp, spiced flavor of the apple cider without overpowering it.
Apple cider is typically unfiltered and unpasteurized, giving it a more robust, tart, and cloudy appearance. Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized for a sweeter, clearer liquid. For the authentic, rustic flavor of a classic float, we strongly recommend using apple cider.
Share Your Creations!
We love seeing how you make our recipes your own. If you whip up this Apple Cider Float, don’t forget to share a photo and tag us! For more fall-inspired drinks and desserts, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. You’ll find plenty of delicious ideas to keep you cozy all season long.
Apple Cider Float Recipe
Apple Cider Float: The Perfect Cozy Fall Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drizzle caramel sauce along the inside of two tall glasses.
- Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass.
- Slowly pour the chilled apple cider over the ice cream until the glass is full.
- Top with whipped cream, an additional drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an adult version, add 1.5 ounces of bourbon or spiced rum to each glass before adding the cider.
