Apple Cider Floats

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Enjoy this fall twist on a classic drink. These apple cider floats are filled with the taste of fall in every sip. Everyone will love this sweet treat!

As the days and nights start getting cooler, I am getting ALL THE FALL feels over here! I love this time of year. I also enjoy coming up with fun ways to enjoy fall food and drinks. This apple cider float is a twist on your traditional summer root beer floats.

You can find apple cider in the stores everywhere this time of year. I typically like to go for a brand that is semi-local. We don't have huge orchards here in eastern Virginia but the western part of the state does. Pour that apple cider over the cool ice cream, sprinkle some cinnamon and top with your favorite whipped topping to have an amazing fun drink. Kids and adults alike will enjoy!

We enjoy this drink with these No Bake Pumpkin Energy Bites to truly get us into the season. This apple cider float would also tastes amazing around a campfire with s'mores.

If you like fall treats like I do, try my Healthy Candy Corn Fruit Parfait or this No Bake Apple Butter Parfait. Both are great this time of year!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS APPLE CIDER FLOAT

• Simple ingredients. This drink can be made with just 4 easy ingredients you can find in any grocery store. The cinnamon sticks are optional but such a cool decoration for the drink.

• Easy drink to make. This drink requires no blender or any other equipment. You scoop the ice cream, pour the apple cider and top with your favorite toppings.

• Seasonal and festive. I love seasonal drinks that I enjoy a few times a year. Of course, you can make this drink whenever but there is something about that cool fall air mixed with the spices and tastes of the cider that I can't get enough of.

INGREDIENTS + NOTES

• Apple cider- You can use any brand you like. I try to use ones made with just apples that are not overly processed.

• Ice cream- Any brand of vanilla will do. If you are looking for dairy free, try this Creamy Paleo Vanilla Honey Ice Cream.

• Whipped cream- Topping for the drink. You can also use a dairy free one, if needed.

• Cinnamon- A few sprinkles to add that warm and cozy fall touch.

• Cinnamon sticks- Rustic feel for garnish (optional).

Scroll down to the recipe card for measurements used.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPLE CIDER FLOAT

STEP 1: Scoop ice cream

Place one scoop of cold ice cream into the glass.

STEP 2: Pour apple cider

Pour apple cider over ice cream.

STEP 3: Garnish + Serve

Garnish with sprinkled cinnamon, cinnamon sticks and your favorite whipped topping. Serve immediately!

VARIATIONS

Here are a few ways to customize this fun, fall drink!

• Use warm apple cider. Warm your apple cider before pouring. Place in sauce pan on low heat until warmed.

• Use frozen yogurt. You can easily swap out the ice cream for frozen yogurt.

• Change the ice cream. Instead of plain vanilla, use butter pecan, caramel or apple pie flavored ice cream. If you need dairy free, try this Creamy Paleo Vanilla Honey Ice Cream.

• Add additional toppings. Drizzle some caramel or chocolate syrup over the whipped cream. You can even use a pumpkin syrup for an apple pumpkin flavoring. Don't hesitate to top with chocolate chips or apple slices.

• Add more spices. Sprinkle in some nutmeg, clove or even allspice to give this drink and even more cozy fall feel.

EXPERT TIPS

• Use a quality apple cider. Try to choose one that is local, if possible and not made overly processed or too diluted.

• Use cold ice cream. Make sure the ice cream is cold and not melted.

• Use room temperature or slightly warmed apple cider. This will help contrast the cold ice cream. You can use the apple cider right out of the bottle or warm it up on low heat on the stove before pouring over ice cream.

• Serve in chilled glasses. Set glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. This will help keep the float from melting too fast.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a float and a shake?

Floats are typically a combination of ice cream with soda or another beverage such as apple cider. A shake is ice cream and milk.

Can I make this apple cider float with sparkling apple cider?

Yes! This apple cider float can be made with sparkling apple cider such as Martinelli.

Can I use other ice cream flavors in the float?

Of course! Homemade apple pie ice cream is another favorite that I have used. You can also use cinnamon flavored ice cream, butter pecan, churro ice cream, or even dulce de leche.

Can these be prepared in advance?

Scooping the ice cream and individually portioning it out then setting back in the freezer is really the only thing that can be done in advance. You don't want to pour the apple cider over or let sit out because the ice cream will melt.

STORAGE

These floats are best served immediately. You can't refrigerate because the ice cream will melt. If you try to freeze, the cider will freeze. They are best consumed within a few minutes of making.

I hope you give these Apple Cider Floats a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

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