Who can resist an Orange Float with the charming combination of zesty orange soda and creamy vanilla ice cream? It’s the perfect dessert to cool off on a hot summer day or to add a little fun to your family movie night.
When it comes to dessert, it doesn’t get much simpler than an orange creamsicle float. The contrast between the fizzy chilled soda and the smooth ice cream makes this an old-fashioned favorite.
Orange floats hold a special place in my heart. On hectic summer afternoons when my kids were running on overdrive (and I was running on fumes), whipping up these fizzy treats was a surefire way to bring a sense of calm to the chaos.
They are like a mini-vacation in the middle of the day. And who doesn’t need one of those every now and then?
In this post we will cover everything there is to know about orange floats. From the best ingredients to how to make the ultimate float. Plus, I’ll answer to the age-old question, what is the difference between a float and a milkshake anyway?
Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh my gosh, did these ever take me back to my teenage years! They turned out so great, although I don’t think mine looked as festive as yours. Great recipe I might try a little grape soda and vanilla ice cream for my next float.
— Jennifer
🍨Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
There are only two ingredients. That’s the beauty of this recipe; its simplicity.
- Orange Soda: Any brand of soda will work for this recipe. Whether you’re a Fanta fan or a Sunkist supporter, it’s all about your preference.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A good quality vanilla ice cream is crucial here. You want that rich, creamy texture and pure vanilla flavor to balance out the vibrant orange soda. Don’t skimp on ice cream.
Looking for more frozen treats? Try banana strawberry milkshake, frosted lemonade, or a blueberry milkshake.
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🥤How to Make Orange Floats
- Scoop the Ice Cream: Start by placing 3-4 scoops of ice cream into each glass.
- Top with Soda: Here comes the fun part! Slowly pour your choice of orange soda over the ice cream. Watch as the soda creates a bubbly, frothy top. This is where the “float” in the orange float comes into play. Pour slowly to avoid an overflow.
🥄Serving Ideas
Presentation is key. I usually serve these floats in tall glasses with a straw and a long spoon because this treat requires both slurping and scooping. Make sure to pick a brightly colored straw to add to the fun.
Top your floats off with whipped cream and cherry. Or you can make them look classier by garnishing them with an orange slice or a sprig of mint. But in my house, we’re lucky if the floats make it to the table before they’re half-gone.
And if you are looking for more nostalgic drinks, try this Coke slushie recipe!
❓What is the Difference between a Float and a Milkshake?
While both are ice cream-based treats, a milkshake is a creamy blend, while a float combines whole scoops of ice cream with soda. They are both fun treats, but they’re made differently and have distinctive textures and tastes.
The ingredients in a milkshake are blended to a thick, smooth, drinkable consistency. In a float, on the other hand, the components are separate, and the magic happens as they interact. So milkshakes have a creamy texture, while floats are fizzy.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- For the perfect orange float, start with a tall glass.
- Use a good quality vanilla ice cream because you will notice the creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Pour the soda very, very slowly.
📝FAQ
Sure, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try different flavors. Just remember, the simpler the taste of the ice cream, the more the orange soda will shine.
While fresh orange juice sounds healthier, it won’t give you the same fizzy fun experience as orange soda. The bubbles in the soda make the float frothy and light, which is part of its charm.
Yes. Orange floats are best served immediately after making them. The fun of a float is scooping the creamy ice cream drenched in fizzy soda. If left to sit, the ice cream melts, and the soda loses its fizz, and you definitely don’t want that.
Absolutely! Ice cream floats can be made with any soda you like. Root beer floats, cream soda floats or even cola floats are tasty. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite. Remember, the key to a fabulous float is pairing high-quality ice cream with a soda that complements its flavor.
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Orange Floats Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orange soda
- 6 to 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Scoop the ice cream into the glasses, filling each one with 3-4 scoops of ice cream.6 to 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Top with orange soda, pouring it very slowly into the glass.8 ounces orange soda
- Add whipped cream and a cherry on top. Or garnish with an orange slice.
Notes
- For the perfect orange float, use a tall glass.
- Use a good quality vanilla ice cream because you will notice the creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Pour the soda very, very slowly.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
How did you know?! I need mini-vacation in the middle of the day. Sign me up for sipping this. It’s so easy, I can even ask my kids to make it for me.
How delightful! Creamsicles were always a favorite of mine, and these floats perfectly replicate that flavor. They were exactly what we needed to cool down on a hot day. Happily I still have the supplies to make more!
Oh, wow, I haven’t had an orange float in ages. This hit the spot, and brought back so many lovely childhood memories!
Nostalgic recipes like this are the best! This was a hit with my family. We can’t wait to make them again.
This was pure nostalgia in a glass! The creamy vanilla with the bubbly orange is a winning combination. Yum yum!
Oh my gosh, did these ever take me back to my teenage years! They turned out so great, although I don’t think mine looked as festive as yours. Great recipe I might try a little grape soda and vanilla ice cream for my next float.
The kids enjoyed making these and sipping on them. It was a fun summer activity that cooled them off.
Oh wow! You brought back childhood memories for me. Made these for the family and they loved it.
I love love love ice cream float! and this orange float was so good and a lovely change from my regular coke float. Thanks for sharing.