Description
A warm, nostalgic holiday drink combining spiced apple cider, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce. This easy-to-make float is perfect for parties and customizable for adults or children.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.7 liters) 100% pure apple cider
- 2 quarts (1.9 liters) high-fat vanilla bean ice cream
- 16 oz (2 bottles) thick caramel sauce
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 pieces star anise (optional)
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1–2 oz bourbon or dark rum (optional, for adult version)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Thin apple slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Ensure ice cream is hard in the freezer, open caramel sauce, and measure spices.
- Pour apple cider into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg to the cider.
- Heat over medium heat until a gentle simmer forms (small bubbles around edges). Do not boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse spices.
- Remove pot from heat and use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- Drizzle caramel sauce inside tall glass mugs, swirling for decoration.
- Scoop two large scoops of vanilla ice cream into each mug.
- Pour warm spiced cider over the ice cream.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top.
- Add optional toppings like whipped cream, crushed nuts, or apple slices.
- Serve immediately while the ice cream is partially frozen and cider is warm.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it ruins the fresh apple flavor. If serving a large crowd, keep cider warm in a slow cooker on low. For the adult version, add bourbon or rum to the mug before pouring cider. Chill glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep ice cream frozen longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float per person
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 55
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: fall recipe, holiday party drinks, apple cider float, caramel apple cider, easy holiday dessert, warm drinks, autumn recipes, family friendly drinks