Apple Cider Float

Apple cider is a fall tradition. It conjures up the smell of leaves burning and Halloween, church festivals, hayrides…and that sweet taste? Mmm-mmm good! Every fall we take a family trip to an apple orchard to get fresh apples. It's a trip that we look forward to each year.  This past year our trip was in October, when apple cider is freshly pressed. We love it! But this time we also tried one of the most amazing drinking treats ever.  We couldn't believe how the delicious Apple Cider Floats turned out to be. 

It was still hot this past October when we went to the apple orchard. So, our local orchard came up with a way to cool off their guests. They were offering apple cider floats for the first time ever. And, let me tell you these floats were the best dessert in a glass.

After we spent an hour in the orchard picking our own apples, we needed this cold drink. So, we each grabbed a glass of apple cider floats and our minds were blown.  I could have sat there all day drinking these floats.

I LOVE caramel apple everything and especially this apple cider float. My other favorite caramel apple drink is our Brandied Caramel Apple Milkshake. It's an adult drink and perfect for special occasions. You might just LOVE it too.

Regardless, we each had a float and enjoyed the view of the mountains, the leaves, and the people having fun at this local orchard.

I just knew that when I returned home that I had to recreate these tasty delicious drinks.  Thankfully, I was successful on my first attempt. I think I nailed it! I've tried a few different derisions but I keep coming back to the old standby.  The recipe is simple.  

What is an Apple Cider Float

An apple cider float is simply ice cream in your favorite fall drink – apple cider! Ice cream goes great with apples. And, when you add in a sweet caramel sauce it is mind blowing.  I tried a few different combinations and I am over the moon with how it turned out.

If you want to get extra creative you can add apple pie spice or even just cinnamon to your float to take the flavor up a notch or two.

Can I use fresh apple cider?

Absolutely, you can use fresh apple cider to make your floats. I personally think that fresh pressed apple cider tastes best. However, you can use store bought apple cider, fresh pressed or even apple juice to make your floats.

I like the bubbles when using a sparkling cider, but any type of apple cider will work fine. No matter which apple beverage you decide to use, your family is going to love these sweet and creamy apple flavored drinks. 

What kind of glass should I serve my float in

Use a tall, skinny glass. I love using mason jars for these floats. My son loves to drink from one with a little handle. That's what makes them so great – the nostalgia of drinking out of a mason jar when you were young! But, any type of nice glass will work well for this drink, not just mason jars.

What kind of caramel sauce should I use

Use a caramel sauce that you like. I used homemade salted caramel, but store bought would be fine too. Look for a caramel sauce that is on the thicker side.

If it comes out too thin then it will just blend in with your apple cider, ruining the look of the float and making it harder to serve. If you want to get fancy you can drizzle some chocolate on top of your float for an extra rich treat.

Where do I buy caramel sauce

You can purchase caramel sauce in nearly every grocery store, so it is easy to find. I personally like the salted caramel kind as a topping for these floats. But if you want something sweeter then choose a different flavor.

Want to get fancy? You can even make your own homemade caramel sauce. Look for caramel sauce near the ice cream cones, or even on the coffee aisle.

What kind of ice cream should I use

I like to use vanilla ice cream. What can I say, I'm a traditionalist when it comes to making floats. However, you can use any type of ice cream that your family enjoys eating. 

If you want to get extra fancy you can use homemade vanilla ice cream to make your floats. I know that I love a good batch of homemade ice cream.

Can I make my own sparkling cider

Absolutely, if you want to use sparkling cider but don't want to make a trip to the store, don't worry I've got your back. To make your own sparkling cider all you need is regular apple cider, and tonic water or plain sparkling water.

You will want to mix two parts of cider to one part of tonic water. Mix the two of these beverages together and voila you have homemade sparkling apple cider.

Should I use warm or cold cider

I strongly recommend using cold cider for this float recipe. Warm or hot cider would melt your ice cream too quickly.  You can make your own cinnamon caramel sauce or use store bought caramel to top your froth. 

If you have never had an apple cider float then you are in for a real treat! Trust me, this post alone will make  you run to the store for ingredients and start whipping up these delicious drinks. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

What should I top my apple float with

• whipped cream
• ground cinnamon
• apple pie spice
• cinnamon stick
• apple slice
• nutmeg

Can I make an adult version

Yes you definitely can.  You can add a shot of your favorite liquor to your apple float too. It's so easy to make an adult version of this cider float. All you need to do is add one part hard liquor with four parts sparkling cider or ice cold water in a glass and top with ice cream and caramel sauce.

Why do apples float

Apples float in water because they are less dense than water.  It's hard to believe but apples contain a lot of air in them. It doesn't seem possible right? It is though. Because of the amount of air in the apple, they are lightweight and that is why apples float. 

How to Make Apple Cider Floats

1. Drizzle ¼ of the caramel sauce into each glass. Add 2 scoops of ice cream to each glass.
2. Pour the sparkling apple cider on top, depending on the size of the glass you may not use it all. Drizzle each float with the remaining caramel sauce and serve.

 There are not enough words to describe how delicious these floats are. The creaminess and sweetness work so well with the slight tartness from the sparkling apple cider. The caramel just comes in for that added fall touch. A must make!!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!  It's become a fall tradition that is going to stick around for years to come in my family. This is the perfect drink to sip while enjoying the last of summer or as we sit and wait in fall. The weather was still warm when we made these floats, but I can't wait to enjoy them as the seasons change. There is just something magically about fall when the leaves start to change. It makes me happy! 

If you have never had an apple cider float then you are in for a real treat! Trust me, this post alone will make  you run to the store for ingredients and start whipping up these delicious drinks. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Thanks so much for reading my blog! PLEASE let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a review below.

Find More Delicious Apple Recipes here

Brandied Caramel Apple Milkshake

Apple Dumplings

Air fryer Apple Crisp

Muffin Tin Apple Pies

Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring