Description
A refreshing and delicious Apple Cider Float featuring creamy vanilla bean ice cream topped with cold apple cider, garnished with festive spices and fresh apple slices. Perfect for a quick dessert or festive treat.
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 the vanilla bean ice cream in a tall glass until it is about two-thirds full.
- Add Cider: Slowly pour the cold apple cider or sparkling apple cider over the ice cream, pouring carefully if using sparkling to control the bubbles.
- Garnish the Float: Decorate the drink with an apple fan made from thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick, a whole star anise, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar along the side of the glass and on top of the ice cream.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the apple cider float right away for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Do not store the assembled float; serve immediately to maintain the best texture and taste.
- Prepare garnishes and chill the cider and glasses ahead of time to streamline serving, but assemble the float just before drinking.
- To create an apple fan for garnish: thinly slice apples evenly, stack them, fan out the top slices, and secure with a cocktail pick.
- Choose cinnamon stick lengths appropriate for your glass size—longer for tall glasses, shorter for smaller cups.
- Try either regular or sparkling apple cider depending on whether you prefer bubbles.
- For an adult version, add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or Fireball whiskey before pouring the cider.
- Enhance the float by adding whipped cream, caramel drizzle, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a mini donut on top for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
