There’s something utterly delightful about the crisp, sweet tang of apple cider combined with creamy vanilla ice cream. This Apple Cider Float Recipe transforms a simple drink into a cozy treat that’s perfect any time you want a little fall magic in a glass.

A tall clear glass filled with a creamy light beige drink that has a frothy texture and some bubbles, sitting on a small round wooden coaster. The drink is topped with three thin apple slices placed upright and fanned out, next to a cinnamon stick and a star anise spice on top. Around the glass, there are whole red apples, star anise pieces, cinnamon sticks, and a bowl of star anise, all arranged on a white marbled surface with a pink cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Float Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cider Float Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Float Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon this Apple Cider Float Recipe on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something both refreshing and comforting. It’s so simple yet feels special—a creamy float with that amazing apple spice aroma that instantly lifts your spirits.

Simple to Make: Just two main ingredients plus a few garnishes, and you’re done—no fuss or fancy tools.
Perfect Balance: The creamy vanilla ice cream marries beautifully with the crisp apple cider’s natural sweetness and spice notes.
Customizable: You can make it bubbly with sparkling cider or keep it smooth and mellow with still cider—both are delicious.
Looks Gorgeous: Garnishing with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise feels like serving a mini autumn celebration in a glass.

A tall clear glass filled with a creamy white drink topped with a thick layer of white foam sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder. On top of the foam, there is a cinnamon stick placed vertically and three thin, triangular slices of apple with red edges arranged like a fan. A silver spoon holding some of the foam is lifted just above the glass. The glass sits on a round wooden coaster. Around the glass, there are red apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a small white bowl with apple slices on a white marbled surface. A pink cloth is partially visible to the right, and a white jar with a wooden knob is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Float Recipe plays a neat role. The vanilla bean ice cream adds creaminess and a little sweetness, while the apple cider brings that crisp, slightly tart punch. The garnishes aren’t just pretty—they add aroma and a touch of festive flair.

Flat lay of creamy vanilla bean ice cream scoops, fresh red apple slices fanned out, whole star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, and a small pile of golden cinnamon sugar crystals, with a glass bottle of sparkling apple cider nearby, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Use a rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream for authentic flavor—homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
Cold Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider offers that perfectly spiced apple flavor; sparkling cider adds bubbly fun and fizz.
Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle adds warmth and a little crunch—optional, but oh-so good.
Red Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples keep it fresh and add visual charm with a crisp bite.
Cinnamon Stick: Adds subtle spice aroma and pretty garnish—longer sticks suit tall glasses nicely.
Whole Star Anise: This exotic spice really amps up the fall feel with its licorice scent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I absolutely love tweaking this Apple Cider Float Recipe depending on my mood or the occasion. Sometimes I keep it classic, but other times I like to add a little grown-up twist or play with garnishes.

Variation: One fall evening, I added a splash of spiced rum, and it took the float to a whole new level—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Diet-Friendly: Swap vanilla bean ice cream for a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan-friendly; just make sure it's creamy enough for that float effect.
Fizzy or Still: I usually prefer still cider to keep the float silky, but my husband insists on sparkling for the fun fizz—try both and pick your favorite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Float Recipe

Step 1: Scoop the Creamy Ice Cream

I like to fill the glass about two-thirds full with vanilla bean ice cream. Using a tall glass helps you layer everything nicely. Scoop the ice cream gently so it stays nicely rounded without melting too quickly.

Step 2: Pour Over the Apple Cider

Slowly pour your cold apple cider over the ice cream. If you’re using sparkling cider, pour slowly and watch those charming bubbles form—it's like little fizz fireworks in your glass!

Step 3: Add Your Garnishes

Fan out red apple slices on the glass rim (secure with a cocktail pick if you want), add a cinnamon stick or two, drop in a star anise, then lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the float’s top and side. It’s these little touches that make it extra special.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Deliciousness is fleeting here—the ice cream melts fast, so serve your Apple Cider Float Recipe as soon as it’s ready and enjoy every creamy, fizzy sip.

Top Tip

From my experience whipping up countless apple cider floats, these tips really help make sure your float dazzles in taste and appearance.

Use Cold Ingredients: Always chill your cider and glasses beforehand to slow down melting and keep the float fresh longer.
Make Apple Fans Ahead: Slice apples thinly and fan them out in advance, then keep refrigerated until serving to save time.
Pour Slowly: When adding sparkling cider, pour gently over the back of a spoon to soften the bubbles and avoid overflow.
Do Not Store Assembled: I’ve learned the hard way that storing assembled floats makes the texture soggy and flat—best to serve right away.

How to Serve Apple Cider Float Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with red apple slices fanned on the rim and a cinnamon stick tucked in. On special days, I’ll add a whole star anise and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right on top—that little fragrant touch makes it feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

This float pairs wonderfully with warm cinnamon sugar donuts or a slice of gingerbread cake. For a savory contrast, try it alongside spiced nuts or cheese boards with sharp cheddar—a wonderful balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a fall brunch, I served these floats in vintage mason jars with twine tied around and mini cinnamon sticks attached as a little gift—you can’t beat presentation that doubles as decor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found that you don’t want to store assembled Apple Cider Floats—ice cream melts and it loses its fun texture. Instead, keep your cider cold in the fridge and have your garnishes prepped so everything comes together fresh.

Freezing

Because this drink’s magic is in the fresh float and fizz, I don’t recommend freezing after it's assembled. However, you can definitely freeze leftover vanilla bean ice cream for later use.

Reheating

This recipe doesn’t really lend itself to reheating since it’s meant cold and fizzy. If you want warm cider, just heat the cider separately—it’s a great companion to the float experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use sparkling apple cider for this float?

Absolutely! Sparkling apple cider adds a fun fizz to the float. Just pour it slowly to control the bubbles and avoid overflow.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a high-quality dairy-free vanilla ice cream, made from coconut milk or almond milk, and choose a vegan-certified apple cider if possible.

How do I create the apple fan garnish?

Slice the apple into thin, even pieces. Stack them slightly overlapping, then gently fan them out on a cocktail pick or the rim of the glass for a pretty, edible decoration.

Can I prepare the float ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the float just before serving to keep the ice cream from melting and the cider bubbly. However, you can prep the garnishes, chill the cider, and glasses beforehand for quick assembly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Float Recipe is like a liquid hug on a busy day—comforting, sweet, and a little playful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, whether sipping quietly by the window or sharing with friends at a fall gathering. Trust me, once you try making it your own, it’ll become your go-to for anytime you want a cozy, delicious pick-me-up.