Homemade Cream Soda Float

Featured in: Comfort Food

This delightful float combines lightly sweetened, homemade cream soda with smooth vanilla ice cream. The bubbly soda base infused with vanilla and optional almond notes delivers a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cold ice cream. Garnishes like whipped cream and maraschino cherries add a fun visual and textural touch. Perfectly chilled and quick to prepare, it’s a nostalgic beverage to savor on warm days or any time a sweet, fizzy delight is desired.

Updated on Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Homemade Cream Soda Float with vanilla ice cream, bubbly, refreshing, and chilled in a tall glass. Save to Pinterest
Homemade Cream Soda Float with vanilla ice cream, bubbly, refreshing, and chilled in a tall glass. | buddybiteskitchen.com

A nostalgic and visually stunning treat, this cream soda float combines bubbly homemade cream soda with rich vanilla ice cream for a perfect refreshment.

I vividly remember sharing this fizzy treat on lazy summer afternoons with my family, watching bubbles rise and ice cream melt into swirls of sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Club soda or sparkling water: 2 cups (480 ml), chilled
  • Simple syrup: 2 tbsp (30 ml), see notes
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
  • Almond extract: 1/8 tsp, optional for depth
  • Natural red or pink food coloring: 2 drops, optional for aesthetic
  • Vanilla ice cream: 2 large scoops (about 1 cup/130 g total)
  • Whipped cream: for garnish, optional
  • Maraschino cherries: for garnish, optional

Instructions

Mix Base:
In a small pitcher or measuring cup, combine simple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and food coloring (if desired). Stir well.
Add Soda:
Add chilled club soda or sparkling water and gently mix to combine.
Prepare Glasses:
Divide the vanilla ice cream between two tall glasses.
Build Float:
Slowly pour the homemade cream soda over the ice cream in each glass.
Garnish:
Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
A close-up of a homemade Cream Soda Float, overflowing with ice cream and garnished with a cherry. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a homemade Cream Soda Float, overflowing with ice cream and garnished with a cherry. | buddybiteskitchen.com

On special days, my kids love helping scoop ice cream, watching the fizz, and adding extra cherries for that perfect family treat.

Required Tools

Measuring spoons, pitcher or mixing cup, tall glasses, ice cream scoop, long spoons and straws

Allergen Information

Contains milk from ice cream and whipped cream. Maraschino cherries may contain sulfites. Always check all processed ingredients for possible allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)

Enjoy a fizzy homemade Cream Soda Float; vanilla ice cream melting into the pink soda. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a fizzy homemade Cream Soda Float; vanilla ice cream melting into the pink soda. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy this creamy, fizzy float at your next celebration for a sweet nostalgic twist that everyone will love.

Common Recipe Questions

How do you make the cream soda base?

Mix chilled club soda with simple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, and optional food coloring for a homemade bubbly base.

Can I use plant-based ice cream?

Yes, plant-based vanilla ice cream works well for a dairy-free version of this float.

What are some garnish options?

Whipped cream and maraschino cherries add flavor and visual appeal but can be omitted or substituted.

How long does preparation take?

This refreshing treat can be prepared in about 10 to 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick enjoyment.

Can additional flavors be added to the soda?

Yes, a splash of orange or strawberry syrup can add a fruity twist to the soda base.

Homemade Cream Soda Float

A fizzy cream soda topped with vanilla ice cream for a refreshing, classic treat.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Comfort Food

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 2 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Homemade Cream Soda

01 2 cups chilled club soda or sparkling water
02 2 tablespoons simple syrup
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
05 2 drops natural red or pink food coloring (optional)

Float

01 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream (approximately 1 cup)
02 Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
03 Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare Cream Soda Mixture: Combine simple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and food coloring if desired in a small pitcher or measuring cup. Stir thoroughly.

Step 02

Add Carbonation: Pour chilled club soda or sparkling water into the mixture and gently stir to combine without losing carbonation.

Step 03

Portion Ice Cream: Divide the vanilla ice cream evenly between two tall glasses.

Step 04

Assemble Float: Slowly pour the prepared cream soda over the ice cream in each glass.

Step 05

Garnish: Optionally top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.

Tools You'll Need

  • Measuring spoons
  • Pitcher or mixing cup
  • Tall glasses
  • Ice cream scoop
  • Long spoons and straws

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk from ice cream and whipped cream.
  • Maraschino cherries may contain sulfites.
  • Check processed ingredients for additional allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams