Apple Pie Ice Cream Float

Apple Pie Ice Cream Float (Made with Sidral Mundet Apple Soda)

I have a confession: I never liked root beer growing up. While my friends were happily sipping root beer floats at summer barbecues, I was the kid quietly opting out. Something about the herbal, slightly medicinal flavor just never clicked with me. Because of that, I felt like I missed out on one of those all-American dessert experiences that everyone else seemed to love.

But here’s the thing — floats don’t have to be made with root beer. And once I realized that, a whole world of possibilities opened up. Enter the Apple Pie Ice Cream Float, a dessert drink that feels both nostalgic and brand new at the same time. Instead of root beer, I use Sidral Mundet, a classic Mexican apple soda that has been around for over 100 years. It’s crisp, sweet, and perfectly fruity, which makes it the ideal base for a float. Add vanilla ice cream, caramel syrup, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and you’ve basically got apple pie à la mode… in drinkable form.

This float is rich, refreshing, and fun. It’s a showstopper for fall gatherings, but it’s also something you can whip up year-round when you want a quick dessert that makes people say, “Wait… what is that?”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A New Take on Nostalgia: It gives you that classic ice cream float vibe, but with flavors that feel modern and seasonal.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet apple soda, creamy vanilla ice cream, warm caramel, and cozy cinnamon.
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy it as-is, or you can add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for the grown-ups.
• Instagram-Worthy: The caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and apple chunk garnish make this float look as good as it tastes.
• Simple but Impressive: You only need a few ingredients, but the end result feels like a restaurant-style dessert drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the Apple Pie Ice Cream Float:

• Caramel Syrup – For drizzling inside the glass and on top. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The base that keeps everything creamy. Swap with cinnamon, caramel swirl, or apple pie–flavored ice cream for variation.
• Sidral Mundet Apple Soda – The star of the show. A lightly carbonated, sweet apple soda from Mexico. (If you can’t find it, try Manzanita Sol or even sparkling apple cider.)
• Whipped Cream – For that classic float topping. Homemade whipped cream makes it extra special.
• Apple Chunks Tossed in Cinnamon Sugar – The garnish that pulls the “apple pie” theme together. Adds texture and flavor.
• Extra Caramel & Cinnamon Sugar – For drizzling and dusting over the top.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Soda: Sidral Mundet is ideal, but sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, or cream soda can work too.
• Ice Cream: Try cinnamon ice cream, butter pecan, or dulce de leche for a fall twist.
• Toppings: Instead of apples, try candied pecans, caramel popcorn, or crushed graham crackers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Glass

• Start by drizzling caramel syrup around the inside of your glass. This creates that gorgeous golden swirl effect.

Scoop the Ice Cream

• Add two to three generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Don’t be shy — the ice cream is what makes this drink dessert-worthy.

Pour in Sidral Mundet

• Slowly pour a chilled bottle of Sidral Mundet over the ice cream. It will fizz up beautifully.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Add a big swirl of whipped cream right on top.

Garnish

• Toss apple chunks in cinnamon sugar, then sprinkle them on the whipped cream.
• Drizzle with more caramel syrup.
• Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for that cozy apple pie vibe.

Serve Immediately

• Floats are meant to be enjoyed right away while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream is just beginning to melt.

The Flavor Story: Why It Works

This float is basically a deconstructed apple pie with ice cream. Think about it:

• Apple Soda = Apple Filling – Crisp, fruity, and refreshing.
• Vanilla Ice Cream = The À La Mode Effect – Just like pie served with a scoop of vanilla.
• Caramel + Cinnamon = Warm Pie Spices – The flavors that make fall desserts irresistible.
• Apple Chunks = Freshness + Texture – Adds bite and makes the float feel complete.

Together, it’s the flavor of apple pie à la mode, but in a bubbly, creamy float that feels nostalgic and new all at once.

Entertaining Tips

This float shines in so many settings:

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve it as a fun dessert drink for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas.
• Kids’ Parties: Kids will love the apple soda twist. Set up a DIY float bar so they can drizzle caramel and add toppings.
• Adults-Only Version: Add a shot of bourbon, spiced rum, or caramel vodka for a boozy apple pie float.
• Presentation: Serve in mason jars for rustic charm or in tall soda fountain glasses for a classic diner vibe.
• Party Garnishes: Offer extra toppings like crushed graham crackers, candied pecans, or caramel popcorn for guests to sprinkle.

Behind the Scenes: Why Sidral Mundet?

If you’ve never had Sidral Mundet before, here’s why it’s perfect for this recipe:

• History: Sidral Mundet is a traditional Mexican apple soda first produced in 1902. It’s beloved across Mexico and known for its sweet, crisp apple flavor.
• Flavor Profile: Unlike root beer (which is herbal and polarizing), Sidral Mundet tastes like sparkling apple juice with a candy-like sweetness.
• Accessibility: You can find it in most Hispanic grocery stores, international sections of supermarkets, or online.
• Why It Works in Floats: Its clean apple flavor pairs naturally with vanilla ice cream and fall dessert flavors.

By using Sidral Mundet, this float becomes more than just a twist on a root beer float — it’s a cultural mashup that feels both familiar and unique.

Seasonal Twists

Want to take this float even further? Try these ideas:

• Halloween: Garnish with black sprinkles and gummy worms for a spooky version.
• Thanksgiving: Serve with mini apple pie slices or spiced cookies on the side.
• Christmas: Swap caramel for peppermint syrup and top with crushed candy canes.
• Summer: Make it lighter with sparkling apple cider and a scoop of sorbet.

FAQs

Q: Can I use another soda if I can’t find Sidral Mundet?
A: Yes! Sparkling apple cider, Manzanita Sol, or even ginger ale work as substitutes.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream (like almond, coconut, or oat-based) and skip the whipped cream or use a plant-based version.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Floats are best made fresh. However, you can pre-chop and sugar your apple chunks so they’re ready to go.

Q: What’s the best ice cream for this float?
A: Vanilla is classic, but cinnamon ice cream or caramel swirl ice cream are amazing fall swaps.

Q: Can this be made into an alcoholic drink?
A: Yes — bourbon, spiced rum, or caramel vodka are fantastic additions. Just pour a shot over the ice cream before adding the soda.

Recipe Card

Apple Pie Ice Cream Float

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 float
• Category: Dessert, Drinks
• Cuisine: American / Mexican Fusion

Ingredients:

• 2–3 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 bottle Sidral Mundet apple soda (chilled)
• 2 tbsp caramel syrup (plus more for garnish)
• Whipped cream, for topping
• ½ cup diced apple, tossed in 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar
• Extra cinnamon sugar, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Drizzle caramel syrup inside a tall glass.
2. Add 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
3. Pour Sidral Mundet slowly over the ice cream.
4. Top with whipped cream.
5. Garnish with apple chunks, more caramel syrup, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
6. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

Floats don’t have to be stuck in the past — and they definitely don’t have to be made with root beer. This Apple Pie Ice Cream Float is proof that a classic can be reimagined in a way that’s just as nostalgic but far more exciting. With Sidral Mundet apple soda as the star, creamy vanilla ice cream, and those cozy fall flavors of caramel and cinnamon, this float tastes like apple pie à la mode in a glass.

Whether you make it for a fall party, a holiday dessert, or just because you’re craving something fun, one thing is certain: you have to try this.