Made from ingredients like spiced apple cider, decadent caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, these Apple Cider Floats are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of a new season as the weather begins to cool!

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Two ice cream floats with caramel sauce and apple slices against white background

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Most of the time, when asked what my favorite time of year is, I answer Summer. Hot sun, sandy toes and ice cream cones is my ideal way of life! I’ve never been one for cold weather and bulky clothing, bleh. But, there is one other time of year that comes in close second: Early Fall.

There are a few weeks each year, as Summer ends and Fall comes creeping, where there is pure magic in the world. Days are warm and sunny while the nights are cool and cozy. Leaves began to change in color yet shorts and sandals are still acceptable attire. Summer produce is still available but Fall flavors begin to rear their tasty heads. It’s truly the perfect time of year!

Since this brief period is so short-lived, I do my best to take advantage of it by making these Apple Cider Floats. The flavors of Fall and the fun of Summer come together to create this uniquely delicious treat! You’re gonna want a sip of this and, maybe, ten more after that!

A glass of apple cider along with melted ice cream with a slice of apple and cinnamon stick on the side against white background

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Does it get any better than a 5-ingredient dessert? I don’t think so. These floats are super simple, super sweet and super delicious!

Here’s what we’re using today:

Apple Cider- cider is the closest thing you can come to eating apples right off the tree. Apples are chopped, mashed and pressed to extract their liquid. The result is a cloudy, caramel-like drink that is both sweet and tart.
Cinnamon Stick- cinnamon adds that woodsy, rustic feel to this float. Visually, the stick adds a little extra oomph too.
Vanilla Ice Cream- creamy, smooth and sweet, ice cream both balances out the temperature and adds decadence.
Caramel Sauce- sweet and buttery, caramel compliments the cider and adds a layer of richness.
Nutmeg- pungent and warm, nutmeg gives you that warm, comforting feeling in your belly. Mmm.

How to Make Apple Cider Floats

Spice It Up: Grab a small saucepan and get that apple cider heated on the stove. Pop in a cinnamon stick to infuse it with extra fall vibes. Let it simmer until it’s just hot enough—no need for a boil here.
Pour It Out: Once your cider’s infused with spicy goodness, it’s time to get pouring. Divide that deliciousness into two float glasses. The aroma alone is gonna have you swooning!
Scoop and Drizzle: Now, here’s where the magic happens. Take a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream (vanilla is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment!) and let it take a dive right into your cider. Drizzle that golden caramel sauce over the top for a touch of decadent sweetness.
Nutmeg Finale: For the final flourish, give a little grate of nutmeg right over the top. It’s like adding a pinch of cozy sweater weather right to your drink!
Serve It Up: Don’t forget to stick a spoon in there before you serve it up. You’ll want to scoop up every last bit of this melty, icy, spicy spectacle.

An overhead shot of apple cider floats in wine glasses ready to serve with apple slices on the background

Flavor Variations

Who doesn’t love a recipe that leaves wiggle room for a fun switch-up? These apple cider floats allow you to do that!

Make this recipe your own by using an alternative cider, like pumpkin or pear! Instead of caramel, try a pumpkin syrup, chocolate sauce or even a cinnamon buttermilk sauce. Play around with the ice cream flavor or add brown liquor (whiskey or bourbon) for a boozy twist.

So many fun options! Hit me up in the comments and let me know how you personalized this recipe!

Two wine glasses filled with apple cider floats with apple cider in the white background

Best Float Recipes

Let’s be honest, an ice-cream float is good any time of year. Catch me in the middle of January busting out frozen fruit (from the Summer before) and whipping up an icy treat!

These Summery sweet floats are some of my favorite recipes EVER:

Watermelon Ice Cream Float
Summer Strawberry float