Red Wine Ice Cream Floats

Introduction to Red Wine Ice Cream Floats

What Are Red Wine Ice Cream Floats?

Red Wine Ice Cream Floats are a fun and indulgent fusion of two beloved treats—wine and ice cream. This dessert drink is exactly what it sounds like: scoops of ice cream floating in a glass of red wine, often topped with sparkling water, soda, or even chocolate syrup for an extra twist. The result? A creamy, boozy, and slightly fizzy drink that’s perfect for warm evenings, romantic dates, or even solo indulgence.

Unlike classic root beer floats, which rely on soda for carbonation, red wine floats bring sophistication and depth of flavor, making them an elevated adult treat. The combination of cold, rich ice cream and bold, fruity wine creates a contrast that’s both refreshing and luxurious.

A Brief History of Ice Cream Floats

Ice cream floats have been around for over a century. The original root beer float (also known as a « black cow ») was invented in the late 1800s. It quickly became a nostalgic favorite at diners and soda fountains. Over time, variations emerged, including cola floats, beer floats, and even champagne floats.

The idea of pairing wine with ice cream isn’t entirely new, but it has gained major popularity in recent years. As mixologists and food lovers experiment with boozy desserts, Red Wine Ice Cream Floats have become a trendy and Instagram-worthy treat. With countless ways to customize them—whether with chocolate, berries, or different sparkling additions—this indulgent drink is here to stay!

Why Red Wine Pairs Perfectly with Ice Cream

At first, the idea of mixing red wine and ice cream may sound unusual. But trust us—it works! Here’s why:

✅ Red wine has bold, fruity flavors that complement the sweetness of ice cream.
✅ The creaminess of ice cream balances out the acidity and tannins in red wine.
✅ Different wines enhance different ice cream flavors, giving you endless pairing possibilities.
✅ The cold temperature of ice cream mellows the alcohol, making it a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Some classic pairings include:

Cabernet Sauvignon + Vanilla Ice Cream → A rich, bold combination with hints of dark fruit.
Pinot Noir + Strawberry Ice Cream → Light and fruity, perfect for a summer evening.
Merlot + Chocolate Ice Cream → Decadent, smooth, and reminiscent of chocolate-covered cherries.

Now that you know why this pairing works, let’s move on to the best ingredients and wine choices for crafting the perfect Red Wine Ice Cream Float! 🍷🍨

Ingredients and Best Wine Choices

Creating the perfect Red Wine Ice Cream Float is all about balancing flavors. The right ingredients can elevate this simple dessert drink from good to absolutely mind-blowing. In this section, we’ll explore the best wine choices, ice cream flavors, and optional add-ins to make your float stand out.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Red Wine Ice Cream Float

To make a classic Red Wine Ice Cream Float, you’ll only need three basic ingredients:

✅ Red wine – The star of the drink, providing bold flavors and depth.
✅ Ice cream – A creamy base that balances the acidity of the wine.
✅ A fizzy element – Optional but recommended for an extra refreshing touch.

Beyond these, you can add chocolate syrup, fresh berries, or spices to create unique variations.

Best Types of Red Wine to Use

Not all red wines work well in a float. Some are too dry, while others are overly tannic. The goal is to find a wine that’s smooth, fruity, and not overly bitter. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Reds (Best for Classic Dessert Lovers)

If you prefer a sweeter treat, opt for a semi-sweet or dessert wine, such as:

Moscato – Light, fruity, and slightly fizzy.
Lambrusco – Naturally sparkling with cherry and plum notes.
Ruby Port – A rich, fortified wine with deep berry flavors.

2. Dry Reds (For a More Sophisticated Flavor)

Want a bold, wine-forward taste? Choose a medium-bodied or full-bodied dry red, such as:

Cabernet Sauvignon – Dark fruit and vanilla notes pair beautifully with ice cream.
Merlot – Smooth and velvety, making it a great all-around choice.
Pinot Noir – Light and elegant, perfect with berry-based ice cream.

3. Sparkling Reds (For a Fizzy, Fun Twist)

Bubbly wines add effervescence to the float, making it even more refreshing. Try:

Brachetto d’Acqui – A lightly sparkling red with raspberry and floral notes.
Sparkling Shiraz – Deep and rich with lively bubbles.

Best Ice Cream Flavors for Wine Floats

Pairing the right ice cream with the right wine is key to making a next-level float. Here are some ideal matches:

🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Lambrusco.
🍦 Chocolate Ice Cream – Best with Ruby Port or a rich Shiraz.
🍦 Berry Ice Creams (Strawberry, Raspberry, etc.) – Perfect for Pinot Noir or Brachetto d’Acqui.
🍦 Coffee or Espresso Ice Cream – Try with Cabernet Sauvignon for a mocha-inspired treat.

Now that you’ve got the right ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making the perfect float!

How to Make Red Wine Ice Cream Floats

Creating a Red Wine Ice Cream Float is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can have an elegant, Instagram-worthy dessert in minutes. Here’s how!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Float

1. Choose Your Glassware

A large wine glass, a coupe glass, or a tall soda float glass works best. The goal is to have enough space for the ice cream and wine to blend beautifully.

2. Add Your Ice Cream

Scoop two to three generous scoops of your chosen ice cream into the glass. If using multiple flavors, layer them for a visually stunning effect.

3. Pour the Red Wine

Slowly pour about 4–6 ounces of red wine over the ice cream. Pour gently to prevent excessive melting.

4. Add Some Fizz (Optional but Recommended!)

For an extra refreshing touch, top your float with:

Sparkling water or club soda – Adds a light, bubbly finish.
Cherry or berry soda – Enhances fruity flavors.
Prosecco or sparkling wine – Creates a luxurious, effervescent twist.

5. Garnish and Serve

Take your float to the next level by adding garnishes such as:
✨ Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or cherries).
✨ A drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup.
✨ A sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma.

Variations and Unique Twists on the Classic Recipe

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

🔥 Dark Chocolate & Red Wine Float – Use dark chocolate ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon or Ruby Port.

🍓 Berry-Infused Red Wine Float – Blend strawberry or raspberry ice cream with Brachetto d’Acqui or Pinot Noir for a fruit-forward delight.

🥥 Vegan & Dairy-Free Wine Float – Swap dairy ice cream for coconut or almond-based ice cream and pair with a smooth Merlot.

Now that you’ve mastered the process, let’s move on to the best occasions and food pairings for these indulgent floats!

Red Wine Ice Cream Float Pairings and Occasions

Red Wine Ice Cream Floats aren’t just delicious—they’re also versatile! Whether you’re hosting a summer party, planning a romantic night in, or just indulging yourself, these creamy, boozy desserts fit right in. Pairing them with the right food or serving them on the perfect occasion can make them even more enjoyable.

Perfect Occasions for Serving Wine Floats

Looking for the best times to enjoy a Red Wine Ice Cream Float? Here are a few ideas:

🍷 Date Nights & Romantic Dinners – There’s something undeniably luxurious about wine and ice cream, making this an excellent choice for a cozy, intimate evening.

☀️ Summer Parties & BBQs – These floats are cool, creamy, and refreshing, making them a hit at warm-weather gatherings. Serve them in fun cocktail glasses for a festive touch.

🎄 Holiday Gatherings – Pairing a rich Cabernet Sauvignon float with holiday desserts like chocolate cake or gingerbread is a next-level indulgence.

🎉 Girls’ Night or Brunch – Want a fun, Instagram-worthy dessert cocktail? A sparkling red wine float with fresh fruit and a splash of Prosecco is the way to go.

Best Food Pairings to Complement the Flavors

Pairing your Red Wine Ice Cream Float with the right snacks and desserts can take the experience to new heights. Here are some great ideas:

🥐 Chocolate Desserts – Try chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate-covered strawberries with a float made from Port wine and chocolate ice cream.

🧀 Cheese Boards – A float made with Lambrusco or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone.

🍓 Fruit-Based Desserts – A float using Brachetto d’Acqui or Moscato complements berry tarts, fruit sorbets, or raspberry cheesecake.

🍿 Salty Snacks – Sweet and salty always work well together! Pair your float with buttered popcorn, salted nuts, or pretzels for a playful contrast.

Now that you know the perfect occasions and pairings, let’s explore some creative recipes you can try at home!

Creative and Unique Red Wine Ice Cream Float Recipes

Want to level up your Red Wine Ice Cream Floats? While the classic version is amazing, these unique recipes add creative twists that make each float unforgettable.

Classic Red Wine Ice Cream Float Recipe

🍷 Ingredients:

2 scoops vanilla ice cream
5 oz Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
Optional: Splash of club soda or sparkling water
Garnish: Fresh berries or a chocolate drizzle

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Scoop vanilla ice cream into a large wine glass.
Slowly pour red wine over the ice cream.
Top with a splash of sparkling water if desired.
Garnish with fresh berries or a chocolate drizzle.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Red Wine Float

This one is for chocolate lovers! The rich, velvety flavors of chocolate and raspberries blend beautifully with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.

🍷 Ingredients:

2 scoops dark chocolate ice cream
5 oz Cabernet Sauvignon
1 tbsp raspberry liqueur (optional)
Garnish: Fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Place dark chocolate ice cream into a tall glass.
Pour the Cabernet Sauvignon over the ice cream.
Add raspberry liqueur for an extra fruity kick.
Top with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy this rich, decadent dessert cocktail!

Neapolitan Sangria Ice Cream Float

A fun twist on traditional sangria! This fruity, boozy, and colorful float is a perfect summer treat.

🍷 Ingredients:

1 scoop strawberry ice cream
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1 scoop chocolate ice cream
5 oz red sangria
Garnish: Orange slices and a cinnamon stick

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Add all three ice cream flavors to a large wine glass.
Slowly pour chilled sangria over the ice cream.
Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Let the flavors blend and enjoy a fun, refreshing treat!

Sparkling Red Wine Sorbet Float

Want something lighter and fruitier? This version swaps ice cream for sorbet and uses a bubbly red wine for a refreshing twist.

🍷 Ingredients:

2 scoops raspberry sorbet
5 oz sparkling red wine (like Lambrusco or Brachetto d’Acqui)
Garnish: Fresh mint and a lemon twist

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Add raspberry sorbet to a flute or coupe glass.
Pour sparkling red wine over the sorbet.
Garnish with fresh mint and a lemon twist.
Sip and enjoy a light, effervescent dessert drink!

Prosecco & Red Wine Float

Why choose between red wine and sparkling wine when you can have both? This bubbly, refreshing float is perfect for brunch or celebrations.

🍷 Ingredients:

1 scoop vanilla ice cream
3 oz red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir)
3 oz chilled Prosecco
Garnish: Strawberries and edible gold flakes (for extra flair!)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Add vanilla ice cream to a coupe glass.
Pour red wine over the ice cream, followed by Prosecco.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and edible gold flakes.
Serve and impress your guests!

Tips for the Best Experience

Making Red Wine Ice Cream Floats is simple, but a few expert tricks can elevate them to perfection. From preventing ice cream from melting too fast to getting that perfect Instagram-worthy look, these tips will help you craft the best float every time.

How to Prevent Ice Cream from Melting Too Fast

There’s nothing worse than your ice cream turning into a soupy mess before you even take your first sip! To slow down the melting, try these tips:

🥶 Chill Your Glass – Place your serving glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before making your float. A cold glass helps maintain the ice cream’s texture.

🧊 Use Firm, Frozen Ice Cream – Soft or partially melted ice cream will dissolve too quickly in the wine. Make sure it’s frozen solid before scooping.

🍷 Chill the Wine – Pouring warm wine over ice cream speeds up melting. Always refrigerate your red wine for at least 30 minutes before making your float.

🛑 Pour Wine Slowly – If you pour too fast, the ice cream will dissolve instantly. Slow and steady wins the race!

Adjusting the Sweetness Level to Your Preference

Everyone’s sweetness preference is different. Here’s how to adjust your float to your taste:

🔹 For a Sweeter Float – Choose a sweeter wine like Moscato, Lambrusco, or Port. You can also add a drizzle of honey, simple syrup, or chocolate sauce.

🔹 For a More Balanced Flavor – Use a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Pinot Noir with a creamy ice cream like vanilla or coffee.

🔹 For a Less Sweet Float – Select a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon and pair it with dark chocolate or espresso ice cream to balance the richness.

Making It Instagram-Worthy: Presentation & Garnishes

Want your Red Wine Ice Cream Float to look as stunning as it tastes? Follow these presentation tips:

📸 Layer Your Ice Cream & Wine – Instead of dumping everything in at once, add a little wine, then ice cream, and repeat. This creates a beautiful swirl effect.

🍒 Garnish Like a Pro – A fresh berry, mint leaf, or cinnamon stick makes your float visually appealing. Want to go extra fancy? Add edible gold flakes or chocolate shavings.

🍷 Use a Transparent Glass – Wine glasses, coupe glasses, or tall soda glasses let you see the beautiful layers and textures.

Now that you know how to perfect your float, let’s go over some common mistakes to avoid.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though Red Wine Ice Cream Floats are easy to make, small mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some common errors and how to fix them.

Using the Wrong Type of Wine

Not all red wines work well with ice cream. Some are too dry, tannic, or high in acidity, which can make the float taste bitter or sour.

🚫 AVOID:

Heavy, tannic wines like Malbec, Syrah, or Bordeaux blends (these can be overpowering).
Extra-dry reds with high acidity, like some Sangiovese or Nebbiolo wines.

✅ INSTEAD, CHOOSE:

Fruity reds like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Lambrusco.
Sweet wines like Port or Brachetto d’Acqui for dessert lovers.

Overloading the Float with Too Many Ingredients

Sometimes, less is more! If you add too many flavors, toppings, or syrups, the float can become overwhelming.

🚫 Avoid:

Adding too many sweeteners (honey, chocolate syrup, fruit syrup all at once can be overpowering).
Mixing too many bold flavors (chocolate, coffee, fruit, and spices all at once).

✅ Do This Instead:

Stick to one or two complementary flavors (e.g., chocolate + cherry or vanilla + berry).
Add garnishes sparingly to enhance—not overpower—the float.

Not Serving at the Right Temperature

A float that’s too cold or too warm won’t taste as good as it should.

🌡️ What to Do:

Chill your wine before serving (but don’t freeze it!).
Keep ice cream frozen solid until the moment you serve.
Avoid over-mixing—stirring too much can turn your float into a slushy mess.