Back in the day, I would drink ice cream floats like they were water. My strawberry ice cream float reminds me of all that flavor and fun. I make so easy too. Just grab your fave vanilla ice cream (or even strawberry ice cream), strawberry soda, whipped cream and get busy.
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How to Make a Strawberry Float
- Prep the Strawberries. Add the fresh strawberries to a bowl and toss with the sugar.
- Let Them Macerate: Let the berries sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This releases the juices from the strawberries.
- Layer It Up. Add a scoop of ice cream to a glass.
- Add the Berry Layer. Add the fresh strawberry sauce on top of the ice cream.
- Make It Fizzy. Pour in the strawberry soda.
- The Final Touch. Garnish with whipped cream if you like.
Strawberry Float Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream or strawberry, or a mix of both
- 1 can strawberry soda chilled
- 1 pound of fresh sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of sugar I used vanilla sugar from The Spice House
Instructions
- Make a fresh strawberry sauce by tossing the strawberries with sugar in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature as the juices release from the strawberries.
- To make float, alternate by adding a scoop of ice cream then fresh strawberry sauce to your glass. Pour in the strawberry soda. Garnish with whipped cream if you like.
Notes
How to Store
Store all the components separately until you’re ready to enjoy it. Store the vanilla ice cream in the freezer and the sliced strawberries, along with the can of strawberry soda, in the fridge. I don’t recommend storing floats AFTER you make them. They are best served and enjoyed right away.Can I freeze a soda float?
I don’t recommend freezing the strawberries as they will change texture when thawed and you if you freeze an assembled float the strawberry soda will lose it’s fizz.Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Serve Immediately. Floats are best enjoyed when the ice cream is still a bit frozen and the soda is bubbly.
- Spoon and Straw for Serving. I prefer serving floats with both so you can dig up spoonfuls of ice cream while sipping the soda!
- Serve in a Clear Glass. Really any glass will work but I love the layered look of these decadent drinks.
- Use Fresh Ripe Strawberries. Buy them as close to the time you plan to prepare these floats in order to ensure their quality. Look for berries with a bright red color which often indicates more flavor.
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Recipe Help
Sure, if you prefer a less chunky strawberry sauce you can chop the strawberries in a food processor to the desired consistency or blend them until pureed.
If you’re having a party, I love to set up a float bar. This allows you to give everyone a few options to choose from. Offer a variety of ice cream flavors, fruit sauces, and different sodas. Another option is to serve it up in a punch bowl. Combine the ice cream and strawberry soda in a punch bowl and then offer the strawberries on the side!
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This was wonderfully tasty and easy. Will definitely be making again!!
Thank you so much!
So good, so easy and so delicious! Will definitely be making again.
I haven’t had a float in ages. You’ve inspired me to make these this weekend. Yum!
Floats are such a nostalgic dessert. I can’t believe I haven’t had one in years and I know I now must make these strawberry floats. I know my family will be thrilled. Thank you.
This took me back to slumber parties and staying up all night. So good! Loved the extra strawberries.