Featured Recipe
Spiked Nutty Cream Float
By Kate
"
A twist on the classic root beer float. Start with chilled cream soda, swap Skrewball whiskey for bourbon with vanilla notes, add salted caramel ice cream instead of plain vanilla. Finish with dollops of whipped cream, salted caramel syrup drizzle, and chopped roasted almonds. Single glass — casual, indulgent. Serves one. Calories moderate with high sugar and fat, plenty of protein from the dairy, sodium on the low side. A relaxed dessert beverage where balance of cream, sweetness, and boozy warmth count.
"
Prep:
7 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
7 min
Serves:
1 serving
dessert
cocktail
ice cream
whiskey
creamy
Introduction
Cold glass beads with subtle frost. Sound of soda fizz hissing low. Cream soda swaps root beer here — cleaner, lighter, less bite. Bourbon with vanilla notes takes the whiskey place — holds the sweetness, adds warmth. Salted caramel ice cream instead of plain vanilla cuts the sugar edge, adds complexity, not overly saccharine. Whipped cream dolloped thick on top, like a cloud stopping the erosion of melted ice cream. Salted caramel drizzle glistens, a sticky waterfall. Crunch of fresh roasted almonds snaps through the creamy layers. No fluff, no fuss. Just understanding how sweetness, texture, and booziness dance — timing control prevents meltdown chaos. Chill glass before use — essential for foam control. Knowing when to pour slow, when to drop ice cream gently. Tips to fix melted messes. Snack and drink at once. Mouthful of cold, sweet, creamy, crackly nutty bits, boozy warmth trailing.
Ingredients
About the ingredients
Cream soda works better than root beer when you want a less dominant sassafras punch and more vanilla crispness. Bourbon with vanilla flavor subbing Skrewball keeps the nutty spirit but cuts peanut butter overload for a subtler warmth. Salted caramel ice cream adds a salty sweet contrast that’s more sophisticated than plain vanilla — use gourmet or homemade with real caramel bits whenever possible. Whipped cream needs to be stable — homemade or high quality store-bought both fine, but avoid runny varieties. Salted caramel syrup adds visual interest and depth in taste; you can use thick caramel if unavailable. Roasted almonds are a must — raw won’t give same crunchy pop or aroma. Toast almonds lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, about 3 minutes, tossing constantly to avoid burning. Store nuts in airtight container if prepping ahead. If nuts allergy is an issue, toasted pumpkin seeds can replace for crunch and another layer of flavor.
Method
Technique Tips
Pour liquids slowly for precise foam control — fizz can escape violently if poured too fast, wasting carbonation and making sticky work. Adding bourbon after soda reduces risk of curdling and controls the rise of bubbles. Ice cream added too quickly or aggressively makes glass overflow. Use a gentle tap on spoon or scoop side to lower scoops softly. Don’t crowd glass; ice cream volume determines how bubbly soda stays. Whipped cream acts as insulation — stops immediate melting and adds textural contrast. Spoon it on with a gentle spiral motion to maximize surface area and avoid collapsing peak. Drizzle syrup in zigzags crosswise for maximum coverage and a visual impression of intentional artistry. Sprinkle nuts just before serving; do not add too early or nuts will soak moisture and lose crunch. Timing the serve right after assembly means you get maximum contrast of creamy, fizzy, nutty, boozy flavors in one mouthful. If any meltdown occurs, stir briskly with straw to blend flavors and reduce sticky patches on glass.
Chef's Notes
- 💡 Chill the glass before pouring. Frost helps with foam control. A cold glass can keep bubbles steady. Pressure all about timing, pour slowly. Don't rush.
- 💡 Use bourbon with a vanilla profile. Skrewball whiskey is nutty, but bourbon keeps flavors balanced. Too much whiskey ruins sweetness. Measure precisely.
- 💡 Salted caramel ice cream is key. Pay attention to quality. Homemade offers richness. Avoid overly sweet flavors. Gourmet brands work if homemade isn’t available.
- 💡 Drizzle syrup over whipped cream artistically. Zigzag movements get max coverage. Avoid clumps on ice cream. A little goes far for both flavor and presentation.
- 💡 Roasted almonds add crunch. Toast raw nuts lightly for aroma, don’t overdo it. Just a few minutes until fragrant can make a big difference.
Kitchen Wisdom
What to do if it's too foamy?
Watch for bubbles while pouring soda. Slow down if needed. Add ice cream gently, avoid overflow, control fizz.
Can I substitute ice cream?
Yes, but be mindful. Use any caramel flavor; try vanilla if needed. Stay aware of sweetness balance though. Adjust flavors carefully.
What's a good alternative for bourbon?
Try spiced rum or using a non-alcoholic vanilla soda. Each brings unique notes. Flavor will shift — good to know.
How to store leftover nuts?
Airtight container, yes. Keep away from moisture. If prepping ahead, toast right before use for freshness. Crunchy matters.
