Description
A refreshing and festive Apple Cider Float featuring creamy vanilla bean ice cream and crisp apple cider, garnished with cinnamon sugar, apple slices, and warming spices. Perfect for a quick indulgent treat or a seasonal celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla bean ice cream (8 ounces)
- 1 cup cold apple cider or sparkling apple cider
Garnishes
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for garnish)
- Red apple slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Whole star anise
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Place 1 cup of vanilla bean ice cream in a tall glass until about two-thirds full.
- Add the cider: Slowly pour 1 cup of cold apple cider or sparkling apple cider over the ice cream, taking care with sparkling cider to control the bubbles.
- Garnish: Decorate with a fan of red apple slices, a cinnamon stick, a whole star anise pod, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar along the side and top of the glass.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your apple cider float right away for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not store the float once assembled; serve immediately for optimal texture.
- You can prepare garnishes and chill the cider and glasses ahead of time but assemble just before serving.
- To make an apple fan, slice thin, even pieces, stack, fan out the top layer, and secure with a cocktail pick.
- Use longer cinnamon sticks for tall glasses and shorter ones for smaller cups.
- Use regular or sparkling cider based on preference; sparkling adds fizz but regular cider provides a smooth texture.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or Fireball before pouring cider.
- Enhance further with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, nutmeg, or a mini donut on top for presentation and flavor variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
