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This Apple Cider Float is creamy, cozy, and perfectly spiced for fall. Made with vanilla ice cream and chilled apple cider, it’s a quick and easy dessert drink that’s as festive as it is delicious. Ideal for autumn gatherings or a sweet treat on a cool day.
Apple Cider Float
There is something about this time of year, like the first chill in the air and the crunch of leaves underfoot, that makes us crave apple cider ice cream floats. The blend of creamy vanilla ice cream and spiced cider tastes like fall in a glass, a cozy mix of tradition and comfort that has become a favorite seasonal ritual. Simple to make, but always leaves a lasting impression.
Ingredients Notes
- Vanilla bean ice cream – Classic and creamy, but you can also use cinnamon, caramel, or dairy-free options like coconut milk-based ice cream.
- Cold apple cider – Unfiltered, cold-pressed cider offers the best natural apple flavor; for a fizzy twist, try sparkling cider or mix in a splash of ginger ale to add a gentle spice and extra bubbles.
- Cinnamon sugar – Optional, but adds cozy flavor and sparkle to the presentation. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try making your own with coconut sugar or monk fruit.
- Red apple slices – Fresh and crisp for garnish.
- Cinnamon stick – Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the cider.
- Whole star anise – Optional for a festive touch and subtle licorice aroma. You can skip it or swap with a clove for a different flavor twist.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make an Apple Cider Float
- Add ice cream: Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
- Pour cider: Pour cold apple cider over the scoops of ice cream (pour extra slowly if using sparkling cider).
- Garnish: Add an apple fan, cinnamon stick, whole star anise, and dust with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Sip through a straw or use a long spoon, then enjoy right away while frosty and bubbly.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve: Apple cider floats are best enjoyed immediately. Serve in a tall chilled glass with a straw and a long spoon, and garnish just before serving.
- Store: Do not store once assembled. Ice cream melts quickly and changes the texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the garnishes in advance and chill the cider and glasses, but wait to assemble the float until just before serving for the best frosty texture and fizzy lift (if using sparkling cider).
More Fall Treats to Try
Looking for more cozy and easy fall recipes? Try these reader favorites:
- Homemade Apple Cider – delicious and warming
- Pumpkin Trifle – easy no-bake layers
- Caramel Apple Nachos – fun for kids and parties
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – cozy homemade coffeehouse treat
- Brownie Batter Dip – perfect for dipping apples or cookies
If you’ve tried this Apple Cider Float Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Apple Cider Float
Ingredients
- 1 cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 8 ounces
- 1 cup Cold Apple Cider or sparkling apple cider
- Cinnamon Sugar optional garnish
- Red Apple Slices
- Cinnamon Stick
- Whole Star Anise
Instructions
- Place the ice cream in a tall glass (about ⅔ of the way full).1 cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Pour the apple cider over the top of the ice cream (if using sparkling, do it slowly and watch the bubbles).1 cup Cold Apple Cider
- Garnish with an apple fan, cinnamon stick, whole star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar down the side of the glass and over the top.Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnamon Stick, Whole Star Anise, Red Apple Slices
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Jenn’s Notes
- Store: Do not store once assembled—serve immediately for best texture
- Make-Ahead: You can prep garnishes and chill the cider and glasses ahead of time, but don’t assemble the float until just before serving.
- To create an apple fan: slice several thin, even apple slices, stack them, fan out the top, and secure with a cocktail pick
- Use longer cinnamon sticks for tall glasses and shorter ones for smaller cups
- Try regular or sparkling cider depending on your preference—I usually skip the bubbles, but my husband likes both
- For a grown-up version, add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or Fireball before pouring in the cider
- Dress it up with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a mini donut on top
