Description
A refreshing and indulgent Apple Cider Float combining creamy vanilla bean ice cream with crisp apple cider, garnished with cinnamon, star anise, and fresh apple slices for a perfect fall treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (8 ounces)
- 1 cup Cold Apple Cider or sparkling apple cider
Garnishes
- Red Apple Slices
- Cinnamon Sugar (optional garnish)
- Cinnamon Stick
- Whole Star Anise
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Place the vanilla bean ice cream in a tall glass, filling it about two-thirds of the way full to create a creamy base for the float.
- Pour the Cider: Slowly pour the cold apple cider or sparkling apple cider over the ice cream. If using sparkling cider, pour gently and watch the bubbles rise to avoid overflow.
- Add Garnishes: Garnish the float with a fan of thinly sliced red apple slices, a cinnamon stick, a whole star anise, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar down the side of the glass and over the top for extra flavor and decoration.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the apple cider float immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and freshness of the ice cream combined with the cider.
Notes
- Do not store the assembled float as the ice cream will melt; serve immediately for the best experience.
- Prepare garnishes and chill the cider and glasses ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- To create an apple fan, slice several thin, even apple slices, stack them, fan out the top slices, and secure with a cocktail pick.
- Choose longer cinnamon sticks for tall glasses and shorter ones for smaller cups for aesthetic balance.
- Try either regular apple cider or sparkling cider based on preference; sparkling adds bubbles while regular cider offers a smooth pour.
- For an adult version, add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or Fireball before pouring in the cider.
- Enhance the float by topping with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a mini donut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
