Watermelon Ice Cream Floats (Print Version)
Juicy watermelon meets creamy vanilla and sparkling soda for the ultimate cooling summer treat.
# What You Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and chilled
02 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
→ Ice Cream
03 - 4 scoops vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free alternative)
→ Soda
04 - 3 cups lemon-lime soda, well chilled
→ Garnish (optional)
05 - Fresh mint leaves
06 - Watermelon balls or slices
# How To Make:
01 - Combine cubed watermelon and lime juice in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and no chunks remain.
02 - Pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any fibrous bits for a silky smooth texture. This step is optional but recommended.
03 - Divide the strained watermelon puree evenly among 4 tall glasses, filling each about one-third full.
04 - Place one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into the center of each glass, resting it on top of the watermelon puree.
05 - Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda over the ice cream in each glass, allowing it to foam and create the float effect.
06 - Top with fresh mint leaves and watermelon balls or slices if desired. Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Takes ten minutes from start to finish, which matters when everyone is already cranky from the heat
- Uses up that giant watermelon before it goes sad and soft in the fridge
- The combination of creamy and fizzy feels like a party without any actual planning required
02 -
- Ice cream that is too soft will disappear into the soda before it hits the glass, so keep it firm until the very last second
- The foam will overflow if you pour too quickly, so pour slow and keep some paper towels nearby
03 -
- The watermelon puree separates slightly in the fridge, so give it a good stir before using
- Use the back of a spoon to hold back the foam while pouring the soda if you want cleaner layers