There’s something magical about this coffee float recipe that I couldn’t wait to share. The first time I made it, I was hooked by the rich, creamy combination of coffee and ice cream.

It’s an indulgent yet easy treat to whip up, and the cocoa-rimmed glass adds an extra special touch. If you love coffee and ice cream, this fusion will quickly become your favorite go-to dessert. The best part? You can customize it endlessly to suit your taste!

Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoons hot cocoa mix, divided
1 teaspoon ground coffee, plus extra for garnish
½ cup vanilla ice cream (or more to taste)
8 ounces hot coffee

Note: This recipe serves one person.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this coffee float your own. Whether you’re looking for a healthier treat or just want to switch things up, here are some great ideas:

Dairy-Free: Swap traditional ice cream for a coconut or almond milk-based ice cream.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free hot cocoa mix and a no-sugar-added ice cream to keep it lighter.
Flavor Tweaks: Experiment with salted caramel, chocolate chip, or java chunk ice creams for a richer twist.
Spices: Sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth.

Cooking Time

Here’s the time breakdown for this fuss-free treat:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (yay, no cooking!)
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to put this recipe together, which makes it even better. Here’s what to grab:

16-ounce glass – Big enough to hold the ice cream and coffee without spilling.
Shallow dish – For mixing and coating the rim.
Spoon – To stir and dissolve the cocoa mix.
Coffee maker – Any method you prefer to brew your coffee.
Measuring spoons – To get the perfect cocoa-coffee ratio.

How to Make Coffee Float?

Making a coffee float is quick and easy, but every step adds to the experience. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Prep Your Glass

Start by preparing the rim of your glass. Mix ½ tablespoon of hot cocoa mix with 1 teaspoon of ground coffee in a shallow dish. Dip the rim of your glass into some vanilla ice cream to moisten it (this also adds a sweet touch), then coat it in the cocoa-coffee mixture. The result? A perfectly decorative and tasty rim that makes your drink feel like a treat from a fancy café.

Step 2: Add the Ice Cream

Now, it’s time for the star ingredient—ice cream! Scoop vanilla ice cream into the glass until it’s about halfway full, making sure not to pack it in tightly. You want enough space left for your coffee to blend beautifully.

Step 3: Mix the Coffee

Brew 8 ounces of hot coffee and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix until it completely dissolves. This step ensures the coffee has a velvety, chocolatey depth that complements the creaminess of the ice cream. If you prefer cold coffee, you can use cold brew instead, but the cocoa mix might not dissolve as easily.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the cocoa-infused coffee gently over the ice cream. Watch as the coffee melts the ice cream slightly, creating a luxurious swirl of creamy richness. Sprinkle a bit of ground coffee on top for a sophisticated finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Source: Pinterest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe hits all the right notes, and here’s why people keep coming back to it:

Easy to Make: Just five minutes, and no complicated steps!
Customizable: Swap out ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal tastes.
Impressive Presentation: The cocoa-rimmed glass makes it look store-bought fancy.
Perfect for Coffee Lovers: Combines two indulgences in one.
Great for Any Occasion: A satisfying treat for breakfast, dessert, or midday pick-me-up.

How to Serve Coffee Float?

Presentation is key to taking your coffee float to the next level. Here are some creative serving ideas:

Use a clear glass to show off the gorgeous layers of coffee and melting ice cream.
Drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel over the top for added flair.
Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a decadent touch.
Serve it with a small biscotti or cookie on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional rundown per serving:

Calories: 210
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re looking to prep in advance, here are some tips:

The cocoa-rimmed glass can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated to retain freshness. Unfortunately, assembled coffee floats do not store well because the ice cream will melt, and the texture will change. If you’re hosting friends, set up a DIY float station where your guests can make theirs fresh.

If you have leftover coffee, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just reheat it before using, or use it cold if you prefer an iced coffee version.

Tips for Making the Recipe

After experimenting, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this coffee float even better. Here’s what worked well for me:

Go Big on the Glass: Choose a slightly larger glass than you think you need to avoid spills.
Don’t Overfill: Aim for half the glass full of ice cream so there’s room for coffee.
Consistency Matters: Stir the cocoa into hot coffee completely to avoid gritty bits.
Experiment with Ratios: Like more ice cream? Go ahead. Prefer stronger coffee? Adjust the amount. This recipe is super forgiving.
Use Freshly Brewed Coffee: Fresh coffee enhances the flavor profile of this float.

This coffee float recipe is everything you didn’t know you needed. It’s simple, delicious, and flexible enough to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether it’s a treat for yourself or a shared indulgence with friends, you’ll love how easy it is to create something so special. Grab your favorite spoon and enjoy a little moment of bliss with this coffee float!