Watermelon Ice Cream Floats (Print)
Refreshing blend of pureed watermelon, creamy vanilla ice cream, and sparkling soda for a perfect cooling summer beverage.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit Base
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
05 - Fresh mint leaves
06 - Watermelon balls or slices
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine cubed watermelon and fresh lime juice in a blender container. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and no chunks remain.
02 - Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, using a spoon to press the liquid through. This removes any pulp or seeds for a silkier texture.
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, allowing it to rest on top of the fruit puree.
05 - Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda over the ice cream in each glass, pouring down the side to control the foam. Fill glasses almost to the top.
06 - Decorate each float with fresh mint leaves and small watermelon balls or thin slices placed on the rim of the glass.
07 - Serve immediately with a drinking straw and long spoon to enjoy both the liquid and ice cream together while still cold.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This comes together in under ten minutes using ingredients you probably already have
- The fresh watermelon base tastes infinitely better than artificial syrups
- It's endlessly customizable for dietary needs without losing any magic
02 -
- Work quickly once you start pouring because these separate faster than you'd expect
- Over blending your watermelon can make it frothy instead of smooth so pulse gently
03 -
- Add a pinch of salt to your watermelon puree to deepen the flavor
- Coconut milk ice cream creates the most dreamy tropical variation