This Apple Cider Float is a quick, 4-ingredient dessert that tastes like fall in a glass. Creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet apple cider, spicy ginger ale, and a drizzle of caramel come together in minutes. It's simple, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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The ginger ale adds just the right sparkle to balance the rich caramel and smooth ice cream. It's an easy treat to make for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a cozy night in. No baking or prep! Just pour, scoop, and serve.
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This was inspired by my Apple Cinnamon Smoothie and pairs well with both my Banana Bread With Chocolate Chips and the Nutella In Puff Pastry.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients to make this float:
Ingredient Notes:
Apple cider - You can substitute apple juice for apple cider but it's much better with fresh apple cider especially one that is in season. Here in the United States, apples are in season during the fall. You could also use a sparkling apple cider to change it up. You could also try it with a hard cider variety as well.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Ginger ale - Instead of using ginger ale you can use ginger beer or even lemon-lime soda if you can't get hold of any regular ginger ale. If you prefer to use a sugar-free option, I love using the Zevia brand! It tastes just like the real thing and is a delicious way to cut out the sugar. If you would prefer to not use ginger ale at all, you could use a simple sparkling water instead.
- Dairy-free - Make this caramel apple cider float dairy-free by using vegan ice cream.
Variations
A few ideas on how you can change it up!
- Sprinkle some Cinnamon - Along with the drizzle of the caramel sauce you could sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the top. Or why not add cinnamon sticks to the float to make it look fancy?
- Make an alcoholic version - While this is a non-alcoholic beverage, you could make a boozy version of this apple cider float by adding some bourbon, vodka, or alcoholic cider to the drink.
- Chocolate - You could make this extra indulgent by drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top instead. Or add some chocolate shavings as an alternative topping.
- Whipped cream - Add a squirt of whipped cream on the top for a delicious treat.
- Pair - pair this with apple cider donuts for an out-of-the-world treat!
How To Make This Apple Cider Float: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a mug or tall glass.
Step 2: Add the apple cider.
Step 3: Add the ginger ale.
Step 4: Finally, drizzle caramel sauce on the top of the float. Pop in your straw and dig in!
Hint: Make sure your apple cider and ginger ale are refrigerated before you make this drink to keep it nice and chilled when serving.
Top tip
Add your mugs or glasses to the freezer before making up this drink. It will help to keep everything nice and cool and the ice cream won't melt as quickly. The cloudy glass will also look super creative.
I love apples and I love the fall so I make these Honeycrisp Baked Apples and the Apple Cranberry Torte on repeat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! The fall is apple season and it is the perfect time to make your own apple cider. Buying some from your local grocery store or farmer's market makes this drink enjoyable all year round.
Absolutely. The apple cider is slightly sparkling so you will notice a slight change in the drink. Less bubbles. But apple juice, either bought or freshly pressed, will still give you the ultimate flavor for this float.
Enjoy it yourself as a weekend treat or serve it up at a party. Your entire family will love it! It also makes an excellent end to a meal, especially during the fall. You could serve these at Halloween or at the end of your Thanksgiving meal instead of a traditional dessert.
Desserts That Pair
Let me know your thoughts on this Apple Cider Float by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Apple Cider Float
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Ingredients
- 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup ginger ale
- caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- In a mug, add the scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour the apple cider over the ice cream.
- Pour the ginger ale over the ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce on top of the float and dig in!
Anonymous says
yum