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Ingredients
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Base Milkshake
Flavor / Choice Add-ins (choose one)
Float Topping
Optional Garnishes
Method
Make the Milkshake Base
- 1
Chill tools
Place the blender pitcher and serving glasses in the refrigerator or freezer for 10–15 minutes to help keep the shake cold and thick.
- 2
Scoop 3 cups of vanilla ice cream into the chilled blender. Add 1 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- 3
For a flavored shake, add one chosen flavor add-in to the blender (pick one): 2 tbsp chocolate syrup for chocolate shakes, 3 tbsp strawberry purée for strawberry, 2 tbsp cooled espresso or cold-brew for coffee, or 1 tsp mint extract for mint. If using cookie crumbs, add 1 tbsp into the blender.
- 4
Secure the blender lid and pulse 4–6 times to break up the ice cream, then blend on medium-high for 10–20 seconds until smooth and thick but pourable. If too thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. Do not over-thin.
Assemble the Float
- 5
Remove the chilled serving glass. Pour or spoon 2/3 of the milkshake into the glass, leaving room for the soda float topper (about 1/3 of the glass).
- 6
Slowly pour 1 cup of your chosen soda (cola, root beer, cream soda, or ginger ale) down the side of the glass so it layers with the shake and creates fizz. Pour gently to minimize overflow.
- 7
Top the float with 2 tbsp whipped cream. Add a maraschino cherry on top.
- 8
Add optional garnishes as desired: a sprinkle of sprinkles, a dusting of grated chocolate, and a wafer or straw.
Serve
- 9
Serve immediately with a wide straw and long spoon to enjoy both the creamy shake and fizzy float together.
- 10
If making multiple floats, keep remaining milkshake chilled in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour and assemble individual floats just before serving so the soda stays fizzy.