Summer is finally barreling in – and by barreling I mean, it’s peaking near 70°F here, which means as long as the sun is out I only need a light cardigan. Like I said: barreling.
Meanwhile, we just bought an outdoor space heater for our back porch so we can actually have barbecues this summer without freezing our bums off. Come on over and we’ll watch the sunset as we sip frothy hibiscus ginger ice cream floats on my back porch. Move over lemonade, ice cream floats are the official drink of summer 2015.
Because I just said so.
To celebrate the moderately warmer temps, Alanna and I teamed up with drinkmaster Todd from HonestlyYUM to film ourselves scooping up a trio of ice cream floats. And we turned the footage into another video: Trio of Floats (don’t miss the bloopers reel at the end of the video).
(Check out our other video collaborations here!)
I have two distinct memories about the neighbor boy who lived at the end of the cul-de-sac when I was five. The first was that his dad owned the local Baskin-Robbins (a memory that may or may not be factually accurate), which meant he had chest freezer full of unlimited gallons of ice cream that were turned into infinite rootbeer floats all summer long.
The second was the day he got covered head-to-toe in fire ants while we played in the sandbox and his mom striped him down naked in front of me. I probably just stood by and watched, ice cream float in hand. There’s not much an ice cream float can’t cure.
This float collaboration came together over drinks at the Hotsy Totsy Club (aka local dive bar), where I’m certain all good ideas originate. What Todd doesn’t know was that it was really just an elaborate trap Alanna and I concocted to get him to show us his mad drink skills.
**Cocktail break – have you ever seen anything as beautiful as this or this or this? What about Alanna’s stunning libations – like this and this? I’m among drink gods.**
So one Sunday afternoon, we each brought our own sodas, drank way too many ice cream floats (no such thing), took over 500 photos of them (these are the most photographed ice cream floats in all the land), and capped it off by staying up editing way past the point where Todd turns into a pumpkin – or at least starts deliriously bouncing around the room on an exercise ball.
Working with these two was part magic part silly. And as an added bonus I now know enough about Snapchat to send ransom notes for these metal straws. Expect more cat photos coming your way (username: snixykitchen).
After discovering the effect on these hot pink tarts, I’ve become obsessed with hibiscus for the natural pink/red/purple hue it generously releases into drinks and desserts. Plus, it doesn’t get much better than a vibrantly floral soda stirred up with coconut-y vegan vanilla bean ice cream. This hibiscus ginger syrup is balanced between tart and sweet with a gingery kick and is killer on its own with a pour of seltzer water, but with ice cream? Now you’re talkin.
When you pour the deep red soda over the ice cream, it bubbles up into the most delicious sweet vanilla foam. Can someone figure out how to fill up my bathtub with this ice cream float foam for the world’s tastiest bubble bath?
What’s better than an ice cream float? Three ice cream floats. Now head on over to The Bojon Gourmet and HonestlyYUM to see their stunning floats!
Cherry Bourbon Cocoa Nib Soda Ice Cream Floats from The Bojon Gourmet
Angostura Phosphate Floats from HonestlyYUM
*All images and video shot in collaboration with Todd and Alanna.
- 1 cup peeled and sliced ginger (2.5 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1½ cup water
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 ounces)
- Hibiscus Ginger Soda Syrup (above)
- 2¾ cups seltzer water (22 ounces)
- 8 small scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Combine the ginger, dried hibiscus, sugar, and water in a small pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer over medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until reduced to ½ cup, about 20 - 25 minutes.
- Strain the syrup into a jar through a fine mesh sieve and set aside until room temperature (or cool it off in the refrigerator).
- Add the lime juice to the syrup and stir to combine.
- Just before serving, add the seltzer water to the syrup.
- Into each of four serving glasses, drop two large scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour the hibiscus ginger soda over the ice cream and stir once with a straw. Cheers & enjoy!
I “tested” the recipe one more time (Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m an ice cream addict). Below is an illustration of why you should put the ice cream in your glass before pouring in the soda – or at the very least, don’t drop the scoop in from six inches above.
I title the gif: How not to make an ice cream float. Alt title: How to dye your kitchen towels red naturally.
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Jen -
The video is so fun, Sarah! Love all three of these ice cream floats, Such unique flavors!
Sarah Menanix -
Thank you so much Jen! I don’t know if I could choose a fav among all three flavors!
renee (will frolic for food) -
these are the most lovely floats in all the land! in the whole kingdom! in all the kingdoms of aaaaaaaall the lands! so much pretty. i can’t wait to make these! love the creative flavor combos (plus i’ve never made my own soda so i can’t wait to try this out!)
Sarah Menanix -
Yayyyy!!! Thank you so much Renee! I think homemade soda is so much more delicious that the super sugary store-bought stuff. I can’t wait to see what flavor combo you come up with!!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean -
OMG – you said fire ants (I had a terrible flashback to my days in Texas)… but then like you.. having a float in hand makes everything better, and all I had to do is read on and discover your blissful float party to ease my mind of those hot, mosqueto laden, fire ant Texas days!
Wow! This looks like a party…The video is fabulous and you three look like you’re having a blast! Your collaborations are the best! Love your recipe and am longing to make one of these in the near future. The flavor combinations are endless!
Sarah Menanix -
Bahahaha I’m so sorry to give you such terrible nightmares! :) This was the best float party ever!! I wish you live closer and could join in the float fun! I can’t wait to see what flavor combo you come up with for your float!
Aysegul -
It looks like you guys had an amazing time. These floats look I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E!
Cheers!
Sarah Menanix -
The best time! Thank you so much!! Cheers!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen -
I can’t even describe how much I love this. So fun! And the colors on these sodas = gorgeous! XOXOXO!
Sarah Menanix -
Yay!! Thank you so much my friend! The vibrant colors were such an awesome accident.
Shikha @ Shikha la mode -
omg I’m dying that you did this – also how do you have the PERFECT glasses for an ice cream float?!?!
Sarah Menanix -
Hehe – those glasses are all Todd. The night before he was all like, “oh yeah, I’ll bring these float glasses over.” Like – DUH he has float glasses.
Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk) -
Beautiful (and so delicious, I’m sure)! I am totally mesmerized by the gif of that ice cream dropping into the soda and how it makes the color richer & creamier.
Sarah Menanix -
Hehe – thank you so much Becky! Seconds after I shot that gif I had to run to the laundry room to rescue my towel from a bright red doom!
Sheri -
Aren’t these so pretty!!
Sarah Menanix -
Thanks mom! <3
ellie | fit for the soul -
Daannnng you guys, this is one of the fun-nest and cutest and prettiest posts I’ve seen in a while!!!! I was totally grinning throughout the bloopers because it was tooooo cuuute! Made me feel like I was laughing with y’all. And the photos are so gorgeous I can’t even handle it–ahh! Also, the flavors sound so heavenly and memorable these floats belong in a burger joint or something’ <3333
Sarah Menanix -
Aww – you’re too sweet Ellie!! Thank you! Maybe we should all join forces and open up a modern burger joint?? :) I’m full of good ideas.
Tina @ Just Putzing Around the Kitchen -
Gorgeousssssss! And mouthwatering. Make me one?
Sarah Menanix -
Deal. It won’t survive in the mail though. Pick-up only.
Betty | le jus d'orange -
THIS IS AMAZING. You’ve convinced me. Ice cream floats > lemonade. Now I crave ice cream floats, just when I’ve decided to eat healthier because, bikini season? Plus, that video. After editing my first short “video”, I have so much more respect for what you and Alanna do, because I was pulling my hair out and screaming at Alex while editing. I need to learn from you wonderful ladies.
ice cream sandwiches this summer? And then can we take leftover ice cream and make floats to celebrate? hehe.
Sarah Menanix -
Haha – we don’t have pools or real summer here so I don’t know what this bikini season you speak of is. ;) Dude – your video is not “short” – it is AMAZING and you have to show me how you do it.
Also – Alanna and I had the idea to shoot a video with you when you’re here – what do you think?!?!
betty -
I think YES x100. Let’s do it. Message me!! I haven’t made any concrete plans yet so I’m wide open that week!
Alana -
hi, i’m a creep but *raising hand with enthusiasm* HIIIIII ME TOOOO GUYSSS
Streusel, aka Tiffany -
These are beautiful! I love ginger. This has inspired me to make some ginger ice cream!
Sarah Menanix -
Oh my gosh – can I have a scoop??!
suki -
such a fun video! and the photos ~ i want to grab one out of the screen and enjoy right now. ;-) those straws! i’d hold them ransom too if i was in your shoes.
Sarah Menanix -
Hehe – wouldn’t that be amazing. A blog where readers could just take one right off the screen! I’d make millions! :) Thank you, Suki! <3
Sam @ SugarSpunRun -
These are stunning, I need to make some of these now!
Sarah Menanix -
Thank you so much Sam!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health -
I agree, ice cream floats can cure anything! These look incredible and your photos are just GORGEOUS. The three of you could start your own foodie magazine!
And I love the story you tied to ice cream floats, haha! I actually had that happen to me when I was like 7. I ran my bike into a mulch pile and fell and was immediately covered in fire ants! I ran home so fast and jumped in the bath tub. I thought I was going to die! I could have used one of these floats that day, lol!
Sarah Menanix -
Aw – that’s so sweet of you to say Sarah! I want to collaborate with YOU someday too!!
(I’m glad you survived the ant attack!)
Tessa | Salted Plains -
SO fun!! And, so, so pretty, Sarah! Your hibiscus ginger syrup sounds amazing. I recently made a ginger mint syrup and am currently hung up on all things ginger-infused. Love the color the hibiscus creates, too. Love it all.
Sarah Menanix -
Ginger mint ice cream floats sound amazing too – can you make one for me?? :)
Pang @circahappy -
To answer your question, NOTHING is better than an ice cream float :)
Such a fun post + love the recipes + you guys all look so cute (will Todd OK with being cute?) + LOVEEEE the video = ‘EVERYTHING IS AWESOME’ singalong :)
What a wonderful this is!!!!
Sarah Menanix -
Thanks so much for the song Pang!! <3 <3
Haha - Todd was probably the "cutest" of all three of us, right?
Karen @ The Food Charlatan -
HIBISCUS BUBBLE BATH??? My life will not be complete until this happens.
Sarah Menanix -
#Truth.
Cindy -
It was seriously so nice meeting you gals, I am so glad we got to connect! We may be spirit animals. Also, these hot pink floats deserve all the “hands-up-amen!” emojis in the land.
Sarah Menanix -
Likewise! Come visit?! I love love love the donut tattoo you ladies got! (but I want to see a picture of yours!!) Thank you so much, Cindy! <3
Amanda Paa -
so much crazy awesomeness in both these photos and the video. and the recipes! i can’t tell you how great it was to be able to sit on that sunday and watch the three of you magicians at work. and that ice cream, oh sweet lord!
ps- brian worked at ben and jerry’s for several years in new hampshire, which reminded me of the boy you had a crush on :)
xo!
Sarah Menanix -
Aww – it was so lovely having you here!! Ps. I just realized you called us “magicians” and I hadn’t even read this comment yet when I wrote my beet salad post. We’re on the same page;)
Alyssa -
Oh my goodness. I can’t even.
First of all, your friends were way cooler than mine growing up.
Secondly, that video!!
Thirdly, yum yum yum yum. And so pretty.
Sarah Menanix -
Thank you so much Alyssa! I can’t wait until you live here so we can sip floats on the porch together! With boba. Can we put boba in a float??
Carla (@charliesue) -
1. GIVE ME ALL YOUR ICE CREAM.
2. Well, actually you kind of DID already give me all your ice cream cause I got to taste this.
3. Make it again and invite me over, it was delicious?
4. ALANNA AND TODD AND YOU= GENIUSES.
5. THIS VIDEO THOUGH.
Sarah Menanix -
Come over whenever you want and I’ll clean out my fridge for you;)
Thanks lady!! xoxoxo!
Julia -
That video is so cool! You guys did an excellent job putting it together – now I need to go check out the other videos you’ve done! Those floats look absolutely fantastic – so unique and tasty. Bravo, m’dear! Bravo!
Sarah Menanix -
Thank you so much Julia! It’s been super fun/addicting to make food videos. Food porn;)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary -
Oh, yum-yummy!! You had me drooling at just the title of these frothy, delicious floats! It was all down hill after viewing your gorgeous photos (amd chuckling through your words!), now I’m having a temper tantrum because it’s 1 a.m, I don’t have the ingredients to make these and I must have one. Now. Insert stomping feet here! These sound and look incredible. I have a date with my grocery store in the morning because I’m having these for breakfast. Thats perfectly acceptable, right?!♡ thanks for sharing and cheers!
Sarah Menanix -
Hahaha – this is the best comment ever. I read it aloud to Alanna and it made our night! Thank you so much Cheyanne!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) -
These floats are gorgeous, I love those brilliant colors!
Sarah Menanix -
Thanks so much Laura!
Joy | The Joyful Foodie -
I made this syrup as part of an ice cream float bar this past weekend, and everyone loved it! So much so that we carried the float bar over to the next day while watching the Warrior game and people were still singing its praises. Good stuff right here. I could live off of ice cream floats, but that might not be the best idea. ;) Also, a bubble bath of vanilla float foam sounds a little bit like heaven.
Sarah Menanix -
Ahh – this makes me so happy Joy! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and letting me know that you liked it!
Also – an ice cream float bar?!?! That’s the best party idea I’ve heard of yet!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits -
Bahahaha, LOVE the alt title! You don’t know how much I wanted one of these things yesterday when I was DYING from the heat! We can still make these, right? Because we can never have too much ice cream. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the video! (P.S. I swear I know more words than “love.”)
Alana -
OMG OMG OMG i thought i commented on these decades ago. you guys are so awesome. like so so awesome. i’m in awe. and i also really wish i was there to help consume these floats. like at least one of each. to be fair to each flavor. cause if I didn’t, one of them would be hurt. and then…yeah. one of each.
Gwen Watson -
Ginger makes a great ice cream flavor for these floats! The slightly tart flavor of hibiscus perfectly complements the spiciness from the ginger. Sometimes, I make my own ginger soda and this float recipe offers the perfect way to use it.