The moment cooler weather rolls in, I’m all about transforming the everyday into something magical—and this Apple Cider Float does exactly that. It’s cozy, it’s creamy, and it captures the very essence of fall in one frosty, cinnamon-swirled glass. Whether you’re gathered around a bonfire, hosting a Halloween bash, or just looking for a quick festive treat after dinner, this float hits the spot every time.
And the best part? It’s only two main ingredients—but the flavors are anything but simple.
Apple Cider Float
Ingredients
- 4 scoops vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or caramel ice cream for variation
- 2 cups cold apple cider sparkling cider can also be used for fizz
- cinnamon sugar optional, for topping or glass rim
- apple slices optional, thinly sliced for garnish
- 2 cinnamon sticks optional, for stirring and garnish
- 2 star anise optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Scoop 2 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream into each tall glass, filling about ⅔ of the way.
- Slowly pour 1 cup of cold apple cider (or sparkling cider) into each glass over the ice cream.
- Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Float
Fall Dessert Drinks with Big Cozy Energy
This float is the warm-meets-cold dessert drink your fall needs. The rich apple cider mingles with creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a spiced, fizzy fusion that’s part drink, part dessert. It’s like sipping a caramel apple at a harvest festival—only way easier.
Halloween Party Beverages That Wow
Want a spooky twist? Serve these in Halloween-themed cups, drizzle the sides with caramel, and top with candy eyes or crushed cinnamon cookies. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and 100% Instagram-worthy. (And yes, we made ours for the kids—until the adults stole them off the tray.)
A Sweet Thanksgiving Surprise
Skip the pie this year and go for an apple cider float bar. Offer a few ice cream flavors—cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and vanilla—and let everyone build their own festive float. It’s fun, interactive, and takes zero oven space.
Seasonal Ice Cream Pairings
Vanilla is the classic, but cinnamon ice cream or even pumpkin pie gelato adds a deeper fall flavor. You can even swirl in apple butter or caramel syrup for that ultimate “caramel apple on a spoon” vibe.
Kid-Friendly & Party Ready
No alcohol, no caffeine—just fall flavors kids love. This is the kind of recipe they’ll beg to help make, especially when they get to toss in apple slices, whipped cream, or Halloween sprinkles.
Ingredients Breakdown (And Fun Substitutions!)
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Use the good stuff! A full-fat vanilla bean ice cream melts beautifully into the cider, giving it that luscious texture. Want to go seasonal? Try cinnamon bun or pumpkin spice ice cream for a deeper autumn vibe.
Cold Apple Cider (or Sparkling Apple Cider)
Regular apple cider works beautifully, but if you want some fizz (especially for a party), sparkling cider gives it that soda-float magic. It’s bubbly, bright, and makes the float feel like a special treat.
Optional Garnishes
- Cinnamon Sugar: Rim your glasses or sprinkle on top.
- Apple Slices: Thinly sliced red apples add crunch and color.
- Cinnamon Stick: For stirring and style.
- Star Anise: Totally optional but so pretty. Adds a subtle licorice note.
How to Make an Apple Cider Float (It’s SO Easy!)
- Scoop Ice Cream
Start by scooping your vanilla bean ice cream into a tall glass. Fill it about ⅔ of the way—leave room for the cider! - Pour the Apple Cider
Gently pour the cold cider over the ice cream. If using sparkling cider, go slowly to manage bubbles and avoid overflow. - Garnish & Serve
Fan your apple slices, stick in a cinnamon stick, place your star anise, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately—preferably with a cozy blanket and fall playlist in the background.
Delicious Variations You’ll Want to Try
DIY Caramel Apple Version
Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before adding the ice cream. Top with whipped cream, more caramel, and maybe even a pinch of sea salt. It’s like drinking a caramel apple!
Apple Pie Float
Use cinnamon or snickerdoodle ice cream and stir in a teaspoon of apple pie filling. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a pie-in-a-glass effect.
Spooky Halloween Version
Use black food coloring to tint vanilla ice cream or go wild with purple whipped cream and candy eyeballs. Serve in mason jars with “poison” labels—your Halloween party just leveled up.
How to Serve & Store
Apple cider floats are best served right away—but if you’re prepping for a party:
- Pre-scoop the ice cream into glasses and freeze them.
- Right before serving, pour in the cider and add garnishes.
Leftovers don’t store well (they melt into soup), but we doubt you’ll have any.
FAQs About Apple Cider Floats
Can I use hard cider instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! For an adult twist, try a dry hard apple cider. It’ll balance the sweetness of the ice cream beautifully.
What kind of ice cream works best for this float?
Vanilla bean is classic, but cinnamon, caramel, or pumpkin ice creams are great fall-inspired options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can pre-scoop the ice cream into glasses and freeze them. Just add the cider right before serving so it doesn’t melt.
How can I make this float dairy-free?
Use a non-dairy vanilla ice cream (like oat milk or coconut-based), and make sure your cider has no added dairy ingredients.
More Fall & Halloween Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more festive treats like this one? Check out these reader favorites on My Flavor Recipes:
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more cozy, spooky, and sweet inspiration!