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Let’s be real, there are few things sadder than staring at your freezer, wanting a fun treat, and having nothing but half-melted freezer pops and some questionable vegetables. Now, imagine instead you’re whipping up a Dirty Creamsicle Float and actually impressing yourself (and maybe your friends, if you share). If you’ve ever been curious about dirty floats, or you’re just craving something nostalgic with a kick, you’re about to get your answer. Don’t stress about fancy ingredients or being a pro at mixing drinks–I’ll walk you through substitutions, variations, and even how to garnish that float so it looks like you tried (even if you just rolled out of bed). And if you want more inspiration, I always check creative dessert drinks for fun twists.

Float Ingredients & Substitutions

So, first things first, let’s do a headcount on what you need for a killer Dirty Creamsicle Float. And yes, there’s wriggle room here for emergencies… or tastes. Grab vanilla ice cream. Not the slow-churned kind, not froyo, real-deal vanilla ice cream. Then you need orange soda. Go classic if you’re feeling that childhood summer vibe, or pick a fancy blood orange one. Now, the “dirty” part, if you’re of age: vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka. Don’t panic if you’re dry or just not feeling the booze. You can totally ditch it for a non-alcoholic treat.

Stuck with orange juice instead of soda? Eh. It works, but the fizz is what sets floats apart, so if you can, hunt for soda. Want dairy free? Almond or coconut milk ice cream can totally pinch-hit, and I’ve tried both in a bind. Some folks even sneak in a splash of half-and-half for extra richness, but that’s getting wild. Bottom line here: Dirty Creamsicle Float is forgiving. That’s why I love it. Play with what you’ve got, just make sure your ice cream is cold and your soda has its fizz.

Creative Variations & Add-Ins To Elevate Your Creamsicle Float Recipe

I get bored fast—so I tinker. Here’s where things get a little jazzy. Some people swear by adding a swirl of grape soda, and I’m telling you, Dirty Grape Float is a sleeper hit. Drizzle in a shot of chambord or orange liqueur if you want to feel like you’re at a five-star brunch (fancy, right?). Want to skip alcohol altogether? Use orange sherbet instead of vanilla for a double-citrus blast. Not kidding, my cousin once put blue raspberry soda and it tasted, uh, memorable.

Okay, so what about the real show-offs? Layer in a scoop of fresh berries, or rim your glass with crushed cookies. Even a squeeze of lemon amps the flavor up a notch. Basically, if it’s in your fridge or you’d put it on a sundae, it probably belongs in your Dirty Creamsicle Float. Make it as wild or chill as you’d like. One of my friends adds a maraschino cherry every time, swears it’s “for luck.” I let it slide.

Non-Alcoholic Orange Creamsicle Float

Let’s say booze is not your thing. No worries! The Dirty Creamsicle Float is honestly just as epic without the “dirty” bit. You just need vanilla ice cream, orange soda (the fizzier the better), and patience while you wait for everything to melt together. Pour the soda in slooowly, unless you love cleaning up sticky foam eruptions—I mean, who doesn’t love scrubbing counters, right? Sometimes I get wild and add a splash of orange juice to boost the citrus, or throw in a little coconut whip on top if it’s a party vibe.

This version’s honestly great for kids, or anyone skipping cocktails, and still feels like a treat. Plus, you can double up and say, “Hey! I’m getting calcium…sort of.” Parents, aunties, snack-loving humans, rejoice. This is the easiest win, no ID check required.

How to Garnish A Dirty Grape Float

I can’t say this enough, people eat with their eyes first. The garnish game? It’s half the fun. For a Dirty Grape Float, you want bold color and a little drama. Grape soda takes the lead but go full-on with a scoop of vanilla or grape ice cream and a generous swirl of whipped cream. Slide a bunch of purple grapes on a toothpick and plop it in–how cute is that? I once saw someone add pop rocks for a little sparkle and crunch. Honestly, the crowd lost their minds.

Dust a little colored sugar around the rim, toss on confetti sprinkles, or put a striped straw for throwback vibes. End result? Everyone Instagrammed before they even tasted. If you’re feeling extra, freeze some grapes the night before as edible “ice cubes.” Not to be dramatic but… those will probably become your party trick.

My teenager said this float was the “coolest drink ever” and begged me to make it for their birthday. High praise from a picky crowd!

I know, once you try a Dirty Creamsicle Float, you’re kind of hooked. There’s a whole world of float madness out there. Root beer and chocolate ice cream. Lemon-lime with rainbow sherbet for a trippy, tie-dye effect. Try a cola float with cherry vodka if you’re feeling rebellious (don’t blame me if you love it too much). Actually, next time you’re looking for another dessert drink idea, check out my favorite layered Dole Whip float—they’re big on flavor, easy on prep, and everyone thinks you’re some kind of kitchen wizard.

Serving Tips:

Serve floats in tall glasses to fit all that fizzy goodness.
Pre-chill your glass so the ice cream doesn’t melt instantly.
Go nuts with whipped cream. There’s no such thing as too much.
Don’t forget a long spoon for those last, melty bites. You’ll want every drop.

Common Questions

What if my float foams over?
Totally normal! Just pour your soda slowly and add the ice cream first to help control the fizz.

Can I make a Dirty Creamsicle Float ahead of time?
Not really… it’s best fresh. But you can scoop the ice cream in glasses and freeze ’em, then add the soda and vodka later.

What if I can’t find orange soda?
Any citrus soda will do. Grapefruit, blood orange, heck, even a mix of lemon and lime works in a pinch.

Is the Dirty Creamsicle Float gluten free?
Check your vodka and ice cream labels, but most versions absolutely are.

Can kids have the non-alcoholic version?
For sure! Just skip the vodka and you’re good to go.

Take a Big Sip and Enjoy

If you’ve made it this far without running to the store, you’ve got willpower I can only dream of. Dirty Creamsicle Float is, hands down, my go-to for instant fun. You don’t need a reason, just a couple basics and maybe a wild streak. Check out the step-by-step from Dirty Creamsicle Float – i am baker for more inspo, or drool over the wild combos at Humphry Slocombe | NEW Dirty Floats are ready! Ice cream …. Trust me, each float is a ticket to snack paradise—try it, and you might just end up the forever snack hero in your house.

Dirty Creamsicle Float

Author: hamidkom
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A nostalgic and refreshing float made with vanilla ice cream and orange soda, with options for a non-alcoholic version.

Ingredients

2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup orange soda
1 oz vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka (optional)
Crushed cookies for garnish (optional)
Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a tall glass, add the vanilla ice cream.
Slowly pour in the orange soda to avoid foaming over.
If desired, add the vodka for the ‘dirty’ version.
Garnish with whipped cream and any optional toppings like fresh berries or a cherry.
Serve with a long spoon and enjoy immediately!

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka. You can use any citrus soda if orange soda is unavailable.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American