Shamrock Soda Float

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Cool mint chip ice cream, bubbly soda water, creamy whipped topping, and of course - a cherry on top. Make this classic soda fountain dessert at home using only five ingredients. This Shamrock Soda Float will win your heart.

Shamrock soda float in a glass. There is a melting scoop of ice cream to the side.

Why This Recipe Works

Not too long ago, my family and I dined at a restaurant called Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. Have you heard of it? It was popular when I was a kid and has recently made a come back. While we thought the food was mediocre the dessert was pure heaven! I read their long list of desserts over and over and finally decided on a Mint-Chip Ice Cream Soda. So retro - but with a modern twist. This recipe encompasses that classic soda float, but is upgraded by subbing sparking water for root beer and mint chip for vanilla. This recipe is made in minutes and is delicious!

An ice cream float or ice cream soda, is a chilled beverage that consists of ice cream in either a soda or a mixture of flavored syrup and carbonated water.

About The Ingredients

For this homemade version of a soda fountain style soda float, you will need simple ingredients you can easily pick up on a trip to the grocery store.

Mint chip ice cream - choose your favorite brand. Please not that some brands are not a green color, so if you are wanting to make this for St. Patricks Day, opt for a brand that has a minty green color.
Peppermint syrup - this gives your soda water and extra punch. My favorite brand of syrups is Torani. These can be purchased directly from their website, and World Market, at Smart and Final, or at Walmart.
Sparkling water - I like to use a flavorless sparkling water like club soda. Avoid the flavored varieties.

The complete list of ingredients and quantities is in the recipe card.

How Do You Make A Shamrock Soda Float?

Ice cream soda recipe - mint chip ice cream.

Step 1: First start with the fancy glass of your choice. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of peppermint syrup. Feel free to adjust this to your sweetness liking.

Step 2: Add a large scoop or two of ice cream to your glass.

Ice cream soda recipe in glass glasses, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Step 3: Fill your glass with chilled club soda.

Step 4: Top your glass with either another scoop of ice cream or swirl on some whipped cream. Top with a cherry if desired.

With St. Patricks day right around the corner we thought this treat would be perrrrfect! With its pale green color, and it's minty flavor you can't go wrong! It is reminiscent of the infamous shamrock shake, but with bubbles and sass. Serve this up after your dinner of corned beef and cabbage and we guarantee your family will love you forever. ;) Just be sure to have one of these bubbly, sweet, creamy drinks in your hand all day on St. Patricks Day to avoid getting pinched!

Soda Float FAQ

What's The Difference Between An Ice Cream Soda & A Float?

If the dessert is made with plain sparkling water or seltzer water - it's an ice cream soda. If the dessert is made with flavored soda - like root beer - it's a float. Ice cream sodas have been around for over a hundred years and are a classic.

Why do you call this a shamrock soda float?

We are using a play on words because the ever famous "Shamrock Shake" from McDonalds is mint flavored. So we used their term for our mint flavored soda float.

How do I make a soda float without the extra foam?

If the foam bothers you, Slightly tilt the mug or glass while slowly pouring the soda. Just like frothy beer, this prevents bubbles from forming at the top of the glass.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like this, you need to check out our:

Italian Soda Recipe

Virgin Pina Colada

Chick Fil A Peppermint Shake

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