Delish Dirty Creamsicle Float

What happens when an orange creamsicle grows up, pays taxes, and starts hiding from its responsibilities? This. The Delish Dirty Creamsicle Float is a fizzy vanilla-orange situation with a cheeky splash of booze. It tastes like your childhood after it discovered happy hour. It’s the kind of “recipe” that makes people think you tried because there’s a garnish, but actually you just opened a bottle and scooped ice cream like a raccoon with a dream. Minimal effort, maximum oohs, and yes, it’s basically dessert with opinions.

Last weekend, I made these while my husband “helped” by opening every cabinet we own and leaving the doors as jump scares. The kids wanted “orange milk,” which is… not a thing, but sure. I poured the soda too fast, got a foam volcano, and the dog licked it like we’d invited him to a tasting menu. Husband grabbed a mason jar so big it needed a building permit, filled it to the brim, and then acted shocked when it sloshed onto his socks. I laughed, he glared, and we both kept drinking. Domestic bliss, citrus edition.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use vanilla vodka so you don’t have to measure extract. Is it wrong? Absolutely. Does it work? Also yes.
– Pre-scoop vanilla ice cream onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze. Then drop-and-go like you’re on a cooking show but with fewer endorsements.
– Skip fancy glasses. Drink from whatever’s clean-ish. A measuring cup? She’s a beaker now.
– Pour soda down the side of the glass to avoid foam chaos. Or don’t, and call the mess “aeration.”
– No orange soda? Mix sparkling water with a glug of OJ and a whisper of sugar. It’s “artisanal.”

Serving Ideas

– Top with whipped cream and orange zest so everyone thinks you grater-zested on purpose and not just for the photo.
– Add a cherry. Is it necessary? No. Is it iconic? Also no. But it’s cute.
– Rim the glass with Tajín if you’re living your spicy-sweet fantasy.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts. Or don’t. This float is already 80% therapy.

What to Serve It With

– Salty popcorn, pretzels, or barbecue chips to keep the sweet in check.
– Grilled hot dogs or smash burgers—pure backyard energy.
– A salty cheese board. Brie + orange soda moment? Surprisingly yes.
– Brunch spread: cinnamon rolls, fruit salad, and this in a discreet coffee mug.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Chill everything: glass, soda, ice cream. Warm soda equals instant foam tantrum.
– Pour slow and along the glass. If you pour straight down, you summoned the volcano and that’s on you.
– Don’t overfill. Leave headroom for bubbles and dignity.
– Use good vanilla ice cream. The kind that melts like silk, not like snow from a parking lot.
– Booze options: vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, white rum, or a splash of orange liqueur. Pick your chaos.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Real talk: floats don’t “store.” Drink it now. If you must, freeze the melted remains into popsicle molds and call it a project.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Non-alcoholic: orange soda + a tiny splash of vanilla extract or cream soda with a twist of OJ.
– Dairy-free: coconut milk ice cream or orange sorbet with a spoonful of coconut cream. Tropical vacation in a cup.
– Citrus swap: blood orange soda or San Pellegrino Aranciata for your fancy era.
– Boozy twists: tequila + triple sec for a creamsicle margarita mood; amaretto for nuttier vibes.
– Add-ins: a few dashes of orange or vanilla bitters, or a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delish Dirty Creamsicle Float

A frothy, nostalgic orange-vanilla float with a modern “dirty soda” twist—creamy, citrusy, and totally refreshing.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 3 cup orange soda chilled; about 2 cans
• ▢ 0.5 cup half-and-half or vanilla coffee creamer
• ▢ 2 tbsp coconut syrup Torani or similar
• ▢ 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 cup ice cubes
• ▢ 4 scoop vanilla ice cream about 2 scoops per glass
• ▢ 0.5 cup whipped cream for topping
• ▢ 0.5 tsp orange zest optional, for garnish
• ▢ 2 slice fresh orange for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Chill 2 tall glasses in the freezer for a few minutes so the float stays frosty.
• In a small pitcher, whisk together the half-and-half, coconut syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add ice to the chilled glasses, then divide the orange soda between them.
• Slowly pour the cream mixture over the soda in each glass to create a creamy swirl.
• Gently add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
• Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with orange zest, and garnish with an orange slice. Serve immediately with straws and spoons.

Notes

Make it dairy-free: Use coconut creamer and non-dairy vanilla ice cream. Boozy twist: Add 1.5 fl oz vanilla vodka or coconut rum per glass. For extra fizz, pour the cream slowly down the side of the glass to avoid overflow.