Skip to main content

Summer Jam Floats

5.0

(2)

Two glasses of vanilla ice cream cream soda lemon juice and blackberry jam with straws and an ice cream scoop.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Judy Haubert

A classic ice cream float is the ultimate summertime treat, and these jam floats are proof positive. Scoops of vanilla ice cream meld with soda and berry jam to make a seasonal beverage that’s sweet and refreshing. Using cream soda creates a silky vanilla-forward base while a splash of fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of welcomed tartness. Part of the jam is mixed into the base, allowing it to distribute throughout the soda, while the remaining jam is smeared up the sides of the glass so you get pops of berry flavor as you drink it.

And you don’t have to stick to berries, feel free to mix and match with whatever fruit jam your heart desires. For the best texture, make sure your jam is free of seeds and/or large pieces of fruit; pass it through a fine-mesh sieve or quickly purée it in a food processor or blender until smooth if needed.

To help ensure your float stays frozen until the very last sip, chill your glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Check out this collection for more soda fountain specialties and new spins on the classics →

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. seedless berry jam of choice
¾ cup chilled cream soda, divided
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 scoops vanilla ice cream (about ⅔ cup)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Chill one 10-oz. or larger glass in the freezer at least 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Place 1 Tbsp. seedless berry jam of choice in chilled glass and, using a spoon, smear it up the sides. Place remaining 1 tsp. seedless berry jam of choice in bottom of glass. Add ¼ cup chilled cream soda and 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Top with 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (about ⅔ cups), then slowly pour remaining ½ cup chilled cream soda down sides of glass.

    Editor's Note: Head this way for more great ways to use jam →

Read More
Rotisserie chicken makes quick work of these no-cook rolls with a spicy peanut sauce.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Tender, buttery breakfast pastries with crisp caramelized edges, a fragrant cinnamon-orange filling, and a crackly sugar topping.
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Assembled right in the skillet, no bowls needed.