Pop open a bottle of fun with sweet and colorful Sparkling Cider Floats! This easy and refreshing drink combines the tangy taste of apple cider with the sweetness of sherbet for a delightfully fizzy treat perfect for everyone from kids to adults.
Top it with a burst of fresh fruit and Voila! You’ve got a non-alcoholic choice that’s a star at New Year’s Eve parties, a darling at baby showers, and an Oscar-worthy companion for those movie nights. Hold your glasses high and let the fizzy fun begin!
Why You’ll Love these Apple Cider Floats:
- Easy: Ready in just a few minutes (literally!) this recipe is super easy to make.
- Delicious: The combination of tart cider and sweet sherbet makes for a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
- Versatile: Not just for New Year’s Eve, this drink can be enjoyed at any occasion – from birthday parties to game nights – or simply as a fun treat on a hot summer day.
- Kid-friendly: Say goodbye to boring drinks for kids and hello to a fun and colorful alternative that they’ll love!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- Sparkling Apple Cider
- Rainbow Sherbet
- Lime Slices (optional)
- Raspberries (optional)
- Lemon Slices (optional)
Equipment:
- Champagne Flute
- Small cookie scoop (or similar)
Step-by-Step Directions
To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step 1 – Pour sparkling apple cider into a champagne flute.
Step 2 – Gently drop one or two small scoops (about 1 inch) of rainbow sherbet on top of the sparkling cider.
Step 3 – Garnish with fresh fruit such as raspberries, sliced lemon, or lime slices. Enjoy!
Essential Tips:
Don’t skip these tips – read them before starting to avoid any potential mistakes.
- A 1-inch cookie scoop is the perfect size for most traditional champagne flutes.
- While you can use room temperature cider (the ice cream will cool it down), it’s best to start with cider that’s been chilled for an hour or two.
- Even though it’s tempting, don’t add more than a few ounces of cider to your champagne flute. Just like rainbow sherbet punch, the sherbet will make the carbonation in the cider foam up and expand to fill the glass.
- Want to make an adults only version? Try swapping an ounce of cider with spiced rum.
- Rainbow sherbet looks best for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for other sherbet flavors if you like.
- If you want to add a nice touch, place the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before use for a little frosted effect.
- Make the floats even more fun with frosted glasses. Simply pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can experiment with different ciders to find your favorite flavor combination. Just remember that cider that has a strong color (i.e. red or pink) will make it harder to see the colorful sherbet. Pear or grape cider are a great place to start.
Absolutely! That sounds like a fantastic way to serve this for a large crowd. Simply multiply the recipe to fit your needs and serve in a large punch bowl. Be prepared for a fun and fizzy display!
We like rainbow sherbet for its colorful presentation, but you can definitely swap it for other types of sorbet or even ice cream. Just keep in mind that different flavors may alter the taste and appearance of the drink. Experiment and find your favorite!
Serving these at a party? Here are some tips
Stepping up your party presentation game with these Sparkling Cider Floats will definitely earn you the title of ‘host with the most’! Let’s go through a few tips to make them party-ready:
- Prepare cocktail skewers with fresh fruit to make garnishing a breeze
- Instead of fresh fruit, add a citrus peel curl on top of the sherbet.
- Add a colorful paper straw to make drinking the floats easier and more fun
- Save yourself from last-minute scrambling and pre-scoop the sherbet onto a lined baking sheet and storing it in the freezer. Just before your guests arrive, pour the cider and drop these pre-frozen scoops into the glasses.
While your Sparkling Apple Cider Floats are stealing the show, why not elevate your party decor to match? Check out our collection of colorful party printables that will take your gathering to the next level. From banners to cupcake toppers, we’ve got you covered with all the essentials. Click here and make your party a hit!
How to Store Sparkling Apple Cider Floats
These floats are best enjoyed fresh when all the ingredients are cold and fizzy.
However, if you have any leftovers, simply cover the glass with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the sherbet will melt, so you’ll want to give them a good stir and possibly add a fresh scoop of sherbet before drinking any leftovers.
If you liked my Sparkling Apple Cider Floats, you’re going to love my classic Shirley Temple recipe. Always a hit, it’s bright, colorful and perfect for any party.
Or you can check out my other drink recipes here.
Sparkling Apple Cider Floats
Sparkling apple cider floats with rainbow sherbet: a fizzy, sweet sipper perfect for festive occasions. Easy to make, loved by kids & adults!
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Sparkling Apple Cider
- 2 Small Scoops Rainbow Sherbet (I use a 1-inch cookie scoop)
- Lime Slices (optional)
- Raspberries (optional)
- Lemon Slices (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 4 ounces of sparkling apple cider into a champagne flute.
- Gently drop one or two small scoops (about 1 inch) of rainbow sherbet on top of the sparkling cider.
- Garnish with fresh fruit such as raspberries, sliced lemon, or lime slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Remember, the step-by-step photos and FAQ in the recipe post are there to help you if you feel stuck at any point.
- A 1-inch cookie scoop is the perfect size for most traditional champagne flutes.
- While you can use room temperature cider (the ice cream will cool it down), it's best to start with cider that's been chilled for an hour or two.
- Even though it's tempting, don't add more than a few ounces of cider to your champagne flute. Just like rainbow sherbet punch, the sherbet will make the carbonation in the cider foam up and expand to fill the glass.
- Want to make an adults only version? Try swapping an ounce of cider with spiced rum.
- Rainbow sherbet looks best for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for other sherbet flavors if you like.
- If you want to add a nice touch, place the glasses in the freezer about 15 minutes before use for a little frosted effect.
- Make the floats even more fun with frosted glasses. Simply pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.
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Esme Slabbert says
What a fun treat, Will have to pin and try it out
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