When I was trying to think of a fun American drink to do for this round of drinks, I thought it would be fun to combine two quintessential American things into one. So, by combining the American Apple Pie with the classic summer ice cream float, I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate our country’s 249th Independence Day.
Apples and apple pie, despite not being originally from America, have always been associated with the country with the legends of Johnny Appleseed during its founding, as well as with various writings and songs highlighting the connection throughout the country’s history, especially with the phrase “as American as Apple Pie”, and most notably from American World War II soldiers saying they were fighting for “mom and apple pie”. In fact, apple pie was included in the first American Cookbook in 1796 by Amelia Simmons, as a way to adapt European recipes to the limited ingredients they brought with them as well as the ones available in the new country, highlighting America’s origins as a country of immigrants adapting to life in the New World.
Ice cream floats, however, were invented by Robert McCay Green in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. Apparently, the traditional story goes that, on a particularly hot day, Green ran out of ice for the flavored drinks he was selling and instead used vanilla ice cream, and thus invented the ice cream float. Though some dispute this version of events, it seems that most agree the drink’s origins are definitively American. So, by combining the timeless nostalgia of the apple pie with the 19th century soda fountain classic of the ice cream float, this drink blends old-world ingredients with new-world innovation, reflecting the true essence of America.
With this drink being best enjoyed right away, it is easiest to make things ahead so you can serve them as quickly as possible before the ice cream completely melts. So, along with your drinks, you can also prescoop out your ice cream and put it in cups in the fridge an hour or so before you serve it, so that you just need to pour your liquids in and add your toppings to make the float. And since this drink would be the perfect party drink for all ages, I thought I would make it non-alcoholic so everyone could enjoy it, but you are welcome to mix in some rum or other alcohol to spike your cider with, if you wish.
But regardless of if you make this drink with or without the booze, this creamy, apple-y All-American drink will be a great way to cool off and celebrate freedom while watching the Fourth of July fireworks!
Ingredients:
- 1-1½ cups (8-12 oz) apple cider or juice
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 tsp vanilla simple syrup (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 2-4 cups sparkling water or cream soda
- 1/4 cup apple pie topping (store-bought or homemade) (optional)
- 1 apple
- 1-2 tbsp or 1/2 Lemon’s worth of juice
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and/or other spice
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
- Some cinnamon (for garnish) (optional)
- Some apple slices (for garnish) (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Apple Cider Base
First, we’ll prepare the apple pie cider base, so in a pitcher or bowl, add in your apple cider, lemon cut into slices, cinnamon stick, and vanilla syrup, and let this infuse in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
If you wish to make this ahead, strain out the lemon slices and cinnamon stick when you like the balance of flavors, and chill the liquid in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Step 2: Prepare Apple Pie Topping (If Using)
Next, we’ll prepare the appie pie topping, so for the apple, finely dice it into small ¼ inch chunks, saving a couple of slices for garnish, if desired.
Then, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then add in the diced apple, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or other spices, and give this a stir.
Cook this for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft but not mushy.
Then, remove this from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. If you plan on making this ahead, you can also chill this in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Step 3: Add Ice Cream to Serving Glass, Pour in Infused Apple Cider & Sparkling Water/Soda, Garnish as Desired, & Enjoy!
Then, when you’re ready to make your drink, in a tall glass, add in 1-2 scoops of your vanilla ice cream.
Then, in each glass, pour about 1/4 cup of your infused apple cider.
Next, slowly pour ½ cup or so of your sparkling water or cream soda over the ice cream in each glass, making sure to tilt the glass to control the foaming.
Then, spoon 1/2 tbsp or so of the apple pie topping over each floating ice cream scoop.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or apple slice as garnish, if desired, and with that, your American Apple Float is ready to drink.