Let’s Make Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Floats

What is this? These are an old-fashioned ice cream floats which I have named, “Green Swamp Floats.” We are getting to the end of summer — Labor Day is coming up. Let’s celebrate by making “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Floats.” Sipping an ice cream float in the afternoon used to be a summertime treat when I was growing up. It satisfied one’s sweet tooth and quenched the thirst on those hot summer days. And an ice cream float was so, so easy to make — really just two ingredients — coke and ice cream. When company came for an extended visit, these were sure to be on the agenda. So let’s make a traditional ice cream float using Barq’s Root Beer and also some surprises.

What name do you call a carbonated beverage?

So what is it? Do you call carbonated beverage a “coke” or is it a “soda?” If you live in Michigan it is “pop.” But in Louisiana, we call it a “cold drink.” Or sometimes we call it a “coke” even if we’re asking for sprite, ginger ale or Pepsi. And if you come from New England perhaps it is a “tonic.” And I’ve heard it called a “bottled drink” in North Carolina. If you live in Germany, you almost always are drinking sparkling water or seltzer – rather than tap water. As I’ve moved around the country, I realize that you have to adapt to the local slang and habits. Today I’m using the generic term, “coke,” for any carbonated beverage.

Ultimate Ice Cream Float

Or course, the ultimate ice cream float is made with root beer. Here in Louisiana, my kids love Barq’s Root Beer which originated in New Orleans. If you want a really authentic Barq’s frozen root beer, then head to the iconic Frostop Restaurant in downtown Baton Rouge. It has been in it’s landmark location since the 1950’s as a drive-in diner. No more drive-in service, but it still serves root beer in frozen mugs. That’s the best way (and only way) to experience root beer in my opinion. You either like root beer, or you don’t. But we have to make root beer floats — that’s the classic ice cream float.

I am also making ice cream floats using Mexican Cokes which I discovered on a recent a trip to Texas. What’s so special about these long-neck glass-bottled cokes? They are made in Mexico with sugar syrup from sugar cane rather than high-fructose corn syrup. The taste is slightly different from cokes bottled locally. I prefer the taste of these Mexican cokes. Yes, I’ve discovered that the same “soft drink” can taste quite differently, too, from region to region. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Mexico or even Texas to get these cokes — I found them locally at Albertson’s Grocery Store.

Making Ice Cream Floats

Making an ice cream float is simple enough. Just put two scoops of ice cream in the bottom of a parfait glass or other tall drink glass or mug. Add the “coke” or “root beer”, pouring it down the inside of the glass. As the drink sets, the ice cream floats to the top, hence the term, “ice cream float.” Use a spoon or straw to sip the frosty drink. That’s it.

Here are a couple of other tips:

1. Freeze the mugs for at least 30 minutes prior to making the ice cream float. The cold glass will help keep the ice cream frozen and retain the carbonation.
2. Tip the mug or parfait glass at a 45 degree angle and pour the “coke” down the inside side of the mug or glass. This helps keep the foam or “head” down to a minimum and helps maintain the carbonation in the drink.
3. Use two scoops of ice cream. Add them first to the bottom of the mug or parfait glass. And use good quality ice cream. This makes all the difference in the world. The brand is your choice, but we often use Blue Bell Ice Cream.
4. For a finishing touch, top with Reddi Whip Topping and a maraschino cherry or cake decorating sprinkles.

1. And of course, the “coke” must be cold, cold, too.
2. Experiment with different flavors of carbonated beverages and ice cream flavors. A “Boston Cooler,” for example, is a milk shake made of ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. I plan to make “Purple Cow” made of blue/lemon-flavored soft drink and vanilla ice cream. Hum, I am calling this next drink made of apple-flavored soft drink and vanilla ice cream a “Green Swamp Float.” Use your imagination.

What happened to “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Floats”? I am guessing that the fast food restaurant industry has taken its toll on some of our summer favorite drinks and confections. But, for those of us who remember these drinks, let’s keep this summer tradition alive by making a frosty “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Float.”

Reference:

8 Old-Timey Names for a Soft Drink