Coke Float

A Coke Float combines cold cola with creamy vanilla ice cream for a quick, nostalgic dessert drink. It takes only a few minutes to assemble and makes a refreshing treat on a warm day. Use a tall glass, chilled soda, and your preferred vanilla ice cream for a simple version of this soda-shop classic.

For other fizzy drink ideas, try a Root Beer Float, Roy Rogers, Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer, or Bubble Tea.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for a Coke Float

Vanilla ice cream: Old-fashioned vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream both work well.
Cola: Choose your favorite cola. Coca-Cola is one option.
Maraschino cherry: Optional, for a simple garnish.

A beer stein or milkshake glass makes a good serving vessel. Choose a glass with enough room for the ice cream and foam, and place it on a small plate if serving children.

How to Make a Coke Float

For a lower-foam pour, add the vanilla ice cream to a tall glass first, then slowly pour cold cola over it. Pouring gradually gives the foam more time to settle and helps prevent the drink from spilling over.

Alternatively, pour the cola into the glass first and add the ice cream on top. This creates a striking contrast between the dark soda and pale ice cream, but the drink may foam more quickly. Leave some space at the top whichever method you use.

Add 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass.
Slowly pour in 4 ounces of cola, stopping before the foam reaches the rim.
Top with a maraschino cherry, if desired, and serve immediately.

The ingredient list specifies 1 scoop of ice cream, while the original method also describes using two scoops. For the quantities listed here, use one scoop; add another only if your glass has enough room.

Coke Float Tips and Variations

Chill the ingredients: Cold soda and a chilled glass help keep the float refreshing. For a colder glass, place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with both a spoon and a straw: A spoon is useful for the ice cream, while a straw makes the fizzy drink easy to sip.
Try a different ice cream: Chocolate ice cream gives the float a different flavor. Make one with vanilla and one with chocolate to compare.
Add a topping: Whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry are optional finishing touches.
Make an adult version: Adults of legal drinking age can add 1 ounce of dark rum, vanilla vodka, or bourbon. Add alcohol carefully and enjoy responsibly.
Use homemade soda: For a more old-fashioned approach, combine sparkling water with flavored syrup.

Pour slowly and keep the glass below the rim: ice cream causes cola to foam, especially when the soda is poured over it.

More Float Recipes

Root Beer Float: Vanilla ice cream with root beer.
Cherry Coke Float: Vanilla ice cream with cherry cola.
Cream Soda Float: Vanilla ice cream with cream soda.
Strawberry Float: Vanilla ice cream with strawberry soda.
Orange Creamsicle Float: Vanilla ice cream with orange soda.
Boston Cooler: Vanilla ice cream with ginger ale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Coke Float made of?

A Coke Float is made with cola and vanilla ice cream. A maraschino cherry can be added as a garnish.

What is another name for a Coke Float?

It is also called an ice cream float. The name may vary depending on the soda used.

Recipe Card

This easy dessert drink is best assembled just before serving so the ice cream stays cold and the soda remains fizzy.

Ingredients

1 scoop vanilla ice cream
4 ounces cola
1 maraschino cherry

Equipment

1 tall glass

Instructions

Place the vanilla ice cream in a tall glass.
Slowly pour cola over the ice cream, taking care not to overfill the glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Course: Dessert, drinks
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Coca-Cola Float, Coke Float

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 187 calories; 7 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0.3 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat); 29 mg cholesterol; 58 mg sodium; 135 mg potassium; 29 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 26 g sugar; 2 g protein; 280 IU vitamin A; 0.4 mg vitamin C; 89 mg calcium; 0.2 mg iron.

Percent Daily Values: fat 11%, saturated fat 25%, cholesterol 10%, sodium 3%, potassium 4%, carbohydrates 10%, fiber 4%, sugar 29%, protein 4%, vitamin A 6%, vitamin C 0%, calcium 9%, and iron 1%. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrition is automatically calculated and may vary with the ingredients and brands used.

For a quick summer dessert, this Coke Float needs only vanilla ice cream and cold cola. Add the soda slowly, leave room for foam, and serve it straight away for the best texture and fizz.