Spiked Apple Cider Floats

These apple cider floats feature decadent fall flavors and a nice boozy kick. Keep cool and satisfy your sweet tooth with these spiked floats!

Beat the heat with luscious treats you can sip! These spiked apple cider floats are like drinkable desserts with a fun boozy twist. 

We’ll make our own cinnamon simple syrup from scratch to give the refreshing mix of apple cider, applejack, and bourbon a hint of fall. And to take this cold spiked apple cider up a notch (if that’s even possible), we’ll pour it over scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, turning it into a delectable float that tastes as good as it looks. 

What are Apple Cider Floats?

Apple cider floats are what you get when you combine the cozy, fall-favorite spiked apple cider with one of summer’s most irresistible treats: ice cream floats.

Each mug of apple cider ice cream float is creamy, boozy, and refreshing—like a cocktail and a dessert in one! 

Cinnamon spice makes everything nice, and this concoction proves it.

The cocktail is sweetened with cinnamon simple syrup, making it a summer drink that’ll remind you of fall’s cozy flavors. 

Add vanilla ice cream to the equation, and prepare to indulge in one of the most unique ice cream floats for adults. 

Why You’ll Love This Cold Spiked Apple Cider Float Recipe

• Fall Flavors in a Float: Cold spiked apple cider ice cream floats put the cozy combo of apples and cinnamon in everyone’s favorite summer treat, the ice cream float. These floats are both rich and refreshing! 
• Great For Parties: Not a fan of strong alcoholic drinks? You’ll love these spiked apple cider floats! They have enough boozy kick to be party-ready, but their sweetness and creaminess make them more like a sippable dessert.
• Adaptable Treat: With so many possible flavor variations, you won’t get bored of your apple cider ice cream float. It’s also easy to substitute the components with whatever ingredients you have on hand. 

What Do Spiked Apple Cider Floats Taste Like?

The best way to describe the taste of these spiked apple cider floats is sweet yet complex. 

The mellow vanilla-like sweetness of applejack and bourbon beautifully complements apple cider’s distinct tanginess and concentrated apple flavor. 

The simple syrup also gives the drink a fall feel because, more than being a sweetener, it adds cinnamon’s warm, woodsy taste to the float. 

Imagine all of that with creamy vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a float that’ll have you floating on cloud nine.

Ingredients For Apple Cider Ice Cream Float

Cinnamon simple syrup

• Water – For any homemade simple syrup, keep this ratio in mind: equal parts of water and granulated sugar. 
• Granulated sugar – Feel free to use more sugar for a richer syrup!
• Ground cinnamon – We’ll give our cocktail sweetener a fall twist by infusing the simple syrup with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon stick – To get a more concentrated flavor, let’s use ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick! 

Spiked apple cider floats

• Apple cider – Who says apple cider is just for fall? Give your classic ice cream float a fall makeover with this sweet-tart delight.
• Cinnamon simple syrup – Our spiced sweetener for the apple cider floats. You can also use stevia simple syrup if you don’t like cinnamon.
• Applejack – What better alcohol to give the apple ice cream floats a boozy twist than brandy distilled from apples? 
• Bourbon – A favorite for spiked apple cider, bourbon easily complements cinnamon’s warmth and apple’s sweetness. You can also use other dark spirits for your spiked floats (more on this later.)
• Vanilla ice cream – Of course, you can’t make a float without ice cream. But don’t overthink what flavor to get. Vanilla ice cream will always be delightful for these fall-inspired drinks. 
• Cherries – Optional garnish to add on top of your homemade boozy apple cider float. 

Tools Needed To Prepare This Apple Cider Float Recipe

• Saucepan for making the cinnamon simple syrup
• Mugs for serving the apple cider floats
• Ice cream scoop for the ice cream
• Cocktail shaker for the spiked apple cider

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Boozy Apple Cider Floats

Vanilla ice cream substitute

The richer, creamier French vanilla ice cream will be perfect for these cold spiked apple cider floats.

But if you ask me, I think the apple cinnamon combo in these floats is best enjoyed with salted caramel ice cream. 

Cinnamon simple syrup substitute

There are many ways to tweak this apple cider ice cream float recipe to your taste! For example, swap cinnamon simple syrup for pumpkin spice syrup or caramel sauce.

Extra fizz

Make your boozy apple cider floats extra fizzy with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale.

They’ll also make fun options if you don’t feel like adding alcohol to your spiced apple cider floats. 

How to Make Apple Cider Floats

Ingredients:

For the cinnamon simple syrup

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick

For the spiked apple cider floats

• 2 cups apple cider, chilled
• 1/4 cup cinnamon simple syrup
• 1/4 cup applejack
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 5 to 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
• Cherries, optional for garnish

Tools you need:

• Saucepan
• Mugs
• Ice cream scoop
• Cocktail shaker

Instructions:

FOR THE CINNAMON SIMPLE SYRUP

STEP 1: Add the water, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.

STEP 2: Place over medium-high heat. Stir frequently.

STEP 3: Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and allow the cinnamon simple syrup to come to room temperature.

STEP 4: Strain the cooled syrup through a sieve and set aside.

FOR THE SPIKED APPLE CIDER FLOATS

STEP 1: Place two mugs in the freezer an hour before serving the spiked apple cider floats.

STEP 2: To assemble the floats, put 2 to 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream in each mug.

STEP 3: Add the apple cider, cinnamon simple syrup, applejack, and bourbon to a cocktail shaker and shake to combine.

STEP 4: Pour the spiked apple cider over the ice cream in the mugs. Top with cherries, and enjoy!

What To Serve With Apple Cider Float

Serve your apple cider floats with different toppings! Some delicious options are whipped cream, sliced apples, or even ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Not only will your taste buds thank you, but you’ll also get plus points for your floats’ presentation, especially if you plan on serving these boozy drinks at a party. Don’t forget the fun straws!

As for what foods will go well with these spiked apple cider floats, pair the sweet and creamy beverages with crunchy and savory snacks like chips and fries. 

Looking to get your apple fix?  Try our caramel apple nachos and caramel apple tart!

Tips About Making Cinnamon Apple Cider Floats

• Make sure to cool the cinnamon simple syrup down before using it in the spiked apple cider. If there are remaining particles that make the syrup grainy, strain the room-temperature syrup through a sieve.
• Don’t own a cocktail shaker? You can just add the ingredients in a jar, cover it with a lid, and shake to combine!
• Freeze your mugs an hour before serving the floats so the ice cream will not melt too quickly and the drinks stay cold longer.

How To Store Apple Cider Ice Cream Float

I do not recommend storing leftover apple cider floats because the ice cream will eventually melt. These grown-up floats come together quickly anyway, so it should be easy to make one whenever the cravings hit.

However, you can store the homemade cinnamon simple syrup in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a month.

Bonus tip: If you want to serve these spiked apple cider floats at your next party, you can save time by pre-scooping the ice cream!

Just freeze the scoops of ice cream individually in a lined cupcake tray.

Does Spiked Apple Cider Need to Be Refrigerated?

It’s completely up to you! 

You can refrigerate spiked apple cider, but it’ll still be delicious even if it’s not chilled. 

While spiked apple cider is best enjoyed immediately after making it, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. 

Is Spiked Apple Cider Better Hot or Cold?

It’s a matter of preference, but spiked apple cider is usually enjoyed hot. The hot temperature is said to help the delicious flavors in the drink stand out more.

Hot spiked apple cider is also a cozy way to stay warm and toasty during the cold season. It reminds me of our old-fashioned hot toddy!

FAQ About Apple Cider

What alcohol goes well in apple cider?

Apple cider goes well with dark spirits like rum or bourbon. Consider them when making spiked apple cider floats!

Can you add vodka to apple cider?

Of course! If rum or bourbon is unavailable, you can make spiked apple cider with vodka. This particular cocktail is best served cold. 

What goes well with spiked apple cider?

Spiked apple cider goes well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can even turn it into a drinkable dessert and serve it like a float with ice cream. But if you want something to munch on while relaxing with your spiked apple cider, you’ll enjoy it with a platter of orange wedges, apple slices, sharp cheddar cheese, or brie.

Does spiked cider go bad?

Yes, spiked cider can go bad. The drink’s shelf life will depend on how it’s made and stored, so check for any changes in smell, color, or taste.

Can you use fresh apple cider for apple cider floats?

Of course! Feel free to use fresh apple cider for this apple cider float recipe! Keep this in mind when you have an abundance of apples. 

Conclusion

It’s five o’clock somewhere, and now is the best time to treat yourself and your loved ones with these spiked apple cider floats.

Part apple cinnamon bourbon cocktail, part creamy vanilla ice cream float, these grown-up floats prove that fall flavors are also perfect for summer sipping!

Even though they suit special occasions, these boozy floats only need simple ingredients. 

They’re full of warming spice and delicious apple flavors, made better by bourbon and applejack. Combine the sweetness and alcohol with an ice cream float’s rich and refreshing allure, and you have a drink you’ll deeply love all year round.

Channel your inner barista and make more cocktails at home:

• Boozy Rhubarb Elderflower Ice Cream Floats Recipe
• Boozy Bourbon Street Milkshake Recipe
• Easy Nigerian Chapman Cocktail
• Caramel Cheesecake Martini
• 3-Ingredient Skinny Margaritas