5 Sodas To Try In A Float Instead Of Root Beer

Sunkist Orange Soda makes creamsicle floats shine

The Sunkist soda range features a delightful selection of fruity options that would be perfect for an ice cream float. Among them, the classic Sunkist orange soda stands out with its vibrant flavor and subtle tartness, making it an excellent choice to start with; this fizzy, orange concoction is essential for creating a luscious orange creamsicle-inspired float.

The simplest way to enjoy this treat is by adding a scoop or two of your favorite vanilla ice cream to Sunkist orange soda. For an extra touch of sweetness and a zesty kick, consider drizzling or mixing in some orange syrup. To elevate it further, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry (or a wedge of Mandarin orange) for the perfect finishing touch. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, you can easily substitute the regular Sunkist soda with the zero-sugar version that we reviewed among diet soda brands.

Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream delivers a dreamy dessert

No matter what the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper truly are, they undeniably pair wonderfully with ice cream. In fact, Blue Bell has even created a Dr Pepper Float ice cream flavor. Among the brand's permanent offerings, one flavor stands out as an exceptional foundation for an ice cream float: Dr Pepper Strawberries and Cream. This delightful variety is packed with sweet strawberry goodness, complemented by rich, creamy undertones.

While an ice cream float made with this soda would likely be delicious with strawberry ice cream, using vanilla would enhance the drink's creamy notes (which truly elevate the overall flavor). You might also want to add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of Hershey's Strawberry Syrup. To make it even more indulgent, consider garnishing the rim of the glass with a yogurt-dipped strawberry. For the finishing touch, add a charming YAOSHENG strawberry paper straw to complete your delightful creation.

Coca-Cola Cherry makes a stunning stone fruit drink

Cherry Coke made its debut in 1985, and just over two months later, a significant number of consumers were already aware of it. The drink has maintained its popularity ever since. A survey by Mashed on favorite Coca-Cola flavors revealed that 18% of respondents considered Cherry Coke to be the best, securing a solid second place (with Classic Coke receiving 46% of the votes). Clearly, many people enjoy the rich, cherry-infused sweetness that this soda brings to the crisp flavor of regular Coke. As a key ingredient in an ice cream float, it’s a guaranteed hit.

While pairing vanilla ice cream with this soda is fantastic, combining Cherry Coke with chocolate ice cream is equally a flavor sensation. To enhance the cherry flavor, you could add diced fresh cherries or maraschino cherries, turning each sip into a delightful treat. Alternatively, you could emphasize the chocolate by topping it with chocolate shavings or curls. Lastly, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of marshmallow fluff could introduce a creamy, indulgent touch.

Amp up Sprite's citrusy flavors with an ice cream swap

If you typically envision a dark, caramel-hued treat when you think of an ice cream soda, this next suggestion will be a delightful twist (quite literally). Sprite, with its refreshing lemon-lime taste and bubbly clarity, is the ideal soda to create a citrusy float that differs from the usual Sunkist.

Craft this float using lime sherbet, and you'll experience an explosion of citrus flavor as the tartness of the sherbet pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Sprite, creating a vibrant flavor profile. The dessert's appearance will also be striking — a vivid lime green that looks even more tempting with a cherry on top. With that cherry resting on a dollop of whipped cream, you'll enjoy watching it all blend into a creamy, fizzy, green-red-white delight (if it lasts long enough to melt, of course). To elevate it further, add a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

You can also enhance the lemon notes in the Sprite by opting for lemon sherbet instead of lime. For this tangy-sweet variation, top it off with a strip of candied lemon peel and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

Vanilla cream soda makes a float that's anything but vanilla

Virgil's offers a limited range of artisanal sodas, featuring both regular and zero-sugar options, all of which would be fantastic choices for ice cream floats. However, you should definitely focus on Virgil's Vanilla Cream Soda, which is packed with rich vanilla flavor. Despite its name, cream soda is known for its vanilla essence rather than actual cream. The term originates from the way vanilla influences our perception of creaminess in various products. When vanilla is added to certain foods, especially dairy, it often leads people to perceive them as tasting "creamier."

For an ice cream float, enhancing the Madagascar vanilla notes of Virgil's soda is the perfect approach. Pair it with vanilla bean ice cream, then crown it with whipped cream and a dusting of Neilsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder, along with freshly grated nutmeg for a sophisticated touch. To elevate the experience further, toast some slivered almonds and sprinkle them on top for an appealing textural contrast.