There’s nothing that screams “summer” quite like a soda float. They’re cool, refreshing, and sweet. Traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and soda, these tasty treats are sure to cool you down in the height of the summer heat.

However, if you’re a foodie like the team at Break Thru Kitchen, then you would know that classic vanilla soft serve and root beer does not bring much to the table in terms of new and exciting soda float combinations. Knowing this, I dove deep into the world of soda floats to bring the best, tasty. and unique soda float combinations to light. 

Orange creamsicle float

Traditionally, you can find orange and vanilla mixed together on a wooden stick, creating another sweet and refreshing combination; an orange creamsicle. This popsicle flavor has been around for many years, however, imagine if you could have those flavors together without a pesky stick in the way. Orange creamsicle floats are created with orange soda and vanilla ice cream, taking an old classic and turning it into a modern soft drink.

To create your own orange creamsicle float, you will need:

8 ounces of any orange soda, 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 2 tablespoons of whipped cream, and the zest of one orange for garnish (optional).

First, drop two scoops of soft vanilla ice cream into a glass. Fill the glass with about 8 ounces of orange soda, or until the soda is ¾ from the top of the glass. Mix the soda and ice cream mixture together, then add 2 tablespoons of whipped cream to the top, filling the glass all the way. An optional addition to this soda float creation is to sprinkle the zest of one orange on top of the whipped cream. Voila! You have created your very own sweet and refreshing orange creamsicle float!

Green sherbert float

Not a fan of ice cream but still want to experience the refreshing taste of a soda float? Well look no further! A Green Sherbert float may be exactly what you’re looking for! Creamy and tart green sherbet combines with lime soda, giving an explosion of fruity flavor to every sip. This green twist to an original soda classic brings traditional Sherbet Punch to its knees.

To create your own green sherbert float, you will need:

½ cup of Sprite or 7UP, 2 cups of green sherbet and green sprinkles (optional).

This is the easiest recipe you’ll see today! Just combine ½ of a cup of Sprite or 7UP in a glass with 2 cups of green sherbet. Add green sprinkles on top to bring this unique drink to the next level. 

Butterbeer float

Picture this: You are about to catch the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾ when you realize that you’re craving something sweet with a caramel bite. Thus, you get yourself a classic drink in the Harry Potter world that is enjoyed by witches and wizards alike: a Butterbeer. Students at Hogwarts enjoy this soda because it has a butterscotch taste without being too sweet. The original recipe also calls for a slight tinge of alcohol, paying homage to the “Butterbeer” name. After your course about potions, hop on your broomstick to enjoy a chilly version of every mystical student’s favorite drink. Want to know how to make it outside of Hogwarts?

To create your own Butterbeer float, you will need:

1 cup of cream soda, 2 tablespoons of caramel simple syrup, 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup, 2 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and 2 tablespoons of whipped cream.

Begin by adding the simple syrup to your glass of choice. Drizzle caramel along the sides of the glass for an extra aesthetic look. Add two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream to the bottom of the glass and top with one cup of cream soda. Top the drink with whipped cream and/or caramel syrup. One sip of this magical drink will transport you right into the heart of Hogwarts! 

Lemonade float

Arguably one of the best parts of summer is the authentic taste of freshly squeezed lemonade. It’s sweet, it’s sour and it is a refreshing way to kick the summer heat. Now, what if I told you that it tastes even better mixed with ice cream? This is not your lemonade stand classic. Rather, it takes your childhood entrepreneurial endeavors and turns them into a sweet and creamy float.

To create your own lemonade float, you will need:

First, you will need 1 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 18 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice and 1 quart of vanilla ice cream.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Next, in a large pitcher, stir together the remaining water with the cooled simple syrup and lemon juice. Lastly, pour into ice-filled glasses and top with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

What is your favorite soda float combination? Let us know down below!