This Dirty Creamsicle Float is a boozy twist on a classic creamsicle, made with ice cream, orange soda, and vanilla vodka. It’s a beautiful drink, but, this adult beverage still packs a punch when it comes to the alcohol! Imagine having a few sips on a hot summer day! For another grown-up version of a classic summertime treat, I also have a Dirty Root Beer Float you will want to try and add to your list of summer drink recipes.
Float Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ice Cream: For the creamiest ice cream, you need to check out my no-churn ice cream. It is SO GOOD, and I have lots of varieties of it you can try. Vanilla ice cream is the creamy, sweet base for the float, reminiscent of a classic creamsicle.
- Vodka: To enhance the vanilla flavor of the drink, I like vanilla vodka. If you don’t have vanilla, regular vodka would also work if you are still looking for a boozy kick.
- Orange Soda: If you don’t want to use orange soda (pop), you can use fresh orange juice mixed with club soda or sparkling water for a less sweet or less carbonated option. Be careful when pouring the soda…it can foam up really fast!
- Whipped Cream: Although optional, I never leave off the whipped cream in this float! I have a super creamy homemade whipped cream that would be delicious. Store-bought whipped topping would also work.
- Orange Slices: To top off the drink, add a couple of orange slices for a decorative touch and a hint of fresh orange flavor.
Creative Variations & Add-Ins To Elevate Your Creamsicle Float Recipe
I love this Dirty Creamsicle float as-is, but there are some variations and add-ins you can try with the orange creamsicle float. HFre are some I would try:
- Sprinkle some lemon, lime, or orange zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical flair to the float.
- Drizzle some caramel sauce over the whipped cream for a sweet caramel-orange combination.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a crunchy texture.
- Stir in some scraped vanilla bean seeds for an extra boost of vanilla flavor.
- Add frozen orange slices or mandarin segments to keep the float chilled without diluting the flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Orange Creamsicle Float
If you prefer an orange creamsicle float for all ages (without alcohol), it’s easy to make this into an orange creamsicle float mocktail! Just leave out the vodka, it’s that simple! Everything else stays the same.
Dirty Creamsicle Float
Ingredients
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 12 ounces orange soda
- whipped cream, optional (for garnish)
- orange slices, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- Scoop three generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.
- Top with vanilla vodka.
- Slowly pour in the orange soda. Be careful as it will foam up!
- Top with whipped cream and orange slices and serve. Cheers!
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This float is a fun twist on a classic! The vanilla vodka adds a nice kick, and the orange soda gives it a refreshing citrus flavor.
Elizabeth
I love how the vanilla vodka enhances the flavor of the vanilla ice cream in this float. The orange soda adds a bright and bubbly touch.
Bella
This float is like a grown-up creamsicle! The combination of vanilla vodka and orange soda is surprisingly delicious.
Selena
What a creative idea! The vanilla vodka adds a subtle kick, and the orange soda complements the creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly.
This Looks Great. Very refreshing! I would have to substitute the vodka because of medications I can’t drink alcohol.
Your recipies ARE AWSOME!! THANKS FOR LETTING ME IN!!
Ok this sounds amazing. We made something called a frosted sunrise at my work (Chick-fil-A) a few years back with orange juice and vanilla ice cream and it was soooo good. This, I’m sure, will be just as good. 😋
Great idea. Thank you. I remember having an orange float at Friendly’s restaurant but they used orange sherbet. I’m going to try with whipped cream vodka! So Fun!
I would like to be on your quality control team. 😉😋
For a low carb version, which I need I’m practicing keto diet plus a type 2 diabetic you can use diet Sunkist soda and Breyers Carb smart vanilla ice cream in place of the regular ones tastes just as great! I actually prefer it this way 😋
Can’t wait to try!
The Creamsicle was loved by everyone over the weekend
Thrilled to hear it!