Classic Coke Floats
A nostalgic soda fountain classic featuring creamy vanilla ice cream and fizzy Coca-Cola, elevated with a tiny chef's trick of flaky sea salt for a perfectly balanced summer treat.
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Ice cream scoop
- Soda spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 4 ounces Coca-Cola
- Whipped Cream
- Cherry
Instructions
Chill and set up
- Start with a tall glass that is good and cold. Chilling the glass ensures your float stays frosty longer and prevents the ice cream from collapsing on contact.
- Keep your Coca-Cola in the refrigerator until the very last second. Cold soda keeps the carbonation tighter and allows for better foam control.
Scoop the ice cream
- Drop 2 large scoops of vanilla ice cream into the bottom of the chilled glass, aiming for rounded scoops to create beautiful creamy streaks when the soda is added.
The salted vanilla twist, then the pour
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt directly onto the ice cream to prime your taste buds and make the vanilla flavors pop.
- Slowly pour 4 ounces of cold Coca-Cola down the inside wall of the glass, allowing the foam to rise in a soft, controlled cap.
Finish like a soda fountain
- Crown the float with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Admire the marbled swirl before serving with a spoon and straw.
Notes
Safety and Storage Tip: This treat is strictly order-to-eat. Once assembled, the carbonation will fade and the ice cream will melt, so enjoy it immediately.
Variation Tip: For a deeper flavor known as a Black Cow, swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream while maintaining the same ratio of Coca-Cola.
Technique Tip: To avoid a messy overflow, always use the side-pour technique by sliding the soda down the glass wall rather than pouring it directly onto the ice cream.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.