Turn your afternoon coffee into a dessert with this iced coffee float. It’s like a root beer float but for coffee lovers. With just two ingredients and one minute of prep, it’s the easiest summer treat you’ll make.
Quick Answer: An iced coffee float is cold brew or iced coffee topped with vanilla ice cream. Pour 8 oz cold coffee over ice, add 2 scoops ice cream, and serve immediately. The ice cream melts into the coffee creating a creamy, sweet drink.
What You Need
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cold brew or strong iced coffee
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (about 1/2 cup)
- Ice cubes (optional with cold brew)
Equipment:
- Tall glass (16 oz or larger)
- Long spoon
- Wide straw (optional, but helpful)
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed cookies
How to Make It
Step 1: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (skip this if using cold brew that’s already chilled). Pour cold brew or iced coffee over ice, leaving about 2 inches at the top for ice cream.
Step 2: Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream will start melting immediately, creating swirls of cream throughout the coffee.
Step 3: Serve immediately with a spoon and straw so you can enjoy both drinking and eating this treat. The magic happens in the first few minutes as the ice cream melts into the coffee.
Best Coffee to Use
Cold brew works best because it’s smooth and less acidic than regular iced coffee. The natural sweetness of cold brew pairs beautifully with ice cream, and you won’t need added sugar. If using regular iced coffee, brew it double strength so it doesn’t taste watered down once the ice cream melts.
Coffee strength matters: A weak coffee will get lost under the ice cream. Aim for a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:8 for cold brew or brew hot coffee at double your normal strength before chilling.
Best Ice Cream Choices
Not all ice cream is created equal for floats:
- French vanilla: The custard base adds extra richness
- Vanilla bean: Flecks of real vanilla add visual appeal
- Gelato: Denser and creamier, melts slower
- Coffee ice cream: Doubles down on the coffee flavor
Avoid ice cream that’s too frozen—let it soften for 5 minutes at room temperature so it scoops easily and starts melting right away.
Flavor Variations
- Mocha Float: Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla
- Caramel Float: Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before adding coffee
- Coffee Cookie Float: Add crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies on top
- Hazelnut Float: Use hazelnut ice cream and add chopped hazelnuts
- Affogato Style: Skip the ice, pour hot espresso over ice cream for Italian-style
- Mint Mocha: Mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate drizzle
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass: Put it in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand
- Use a wide straw: Lets you get bits of melted ice cream with each sip
- Don’t over-ice: Too much ice dilutes the coffee as it melts
- Serve immediately: The float is best in the first 5-10 minutes
- Make it boozy: Add a shot of Kahlúa or Baileys for an adults-only version
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 280-350
- Fat: 14-18g
- Sugar: 24-30g
- Caffeine: 100-200mg (depending on coffee strength)
More Popular Coffee Recipes
- Caramel Iced Coffee with Keurig – Another cold treat
- Coffee Smoothie Without Banana Recipe – Creamy coffee drink
- 5 Best Nespresso Vertuo Recipes – More iced ideas
This iced coffee float is perfect for hot summer afternoons when you want something sweet and caffeinated. Kids love them too if you use decaf coffee—just call it a “coffee milkshake” and watch them light up.