If you've never had a purple cow float, then I highly recommend you try one soon. They're a perfect blend of purple and white in every cup and absolutely as much fun to drink as they are to look at.

What is a Purple Cow?
A purple cow float is an older-style drink recipe that used to be popular back in the 1930s. Traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and grape soda, we have since adapted it to be a healthier frozen drink with grape juice instead, but both ways are delicious.
My summer days are full of making cold drinks for the kids, like floats and Kool Aid Slushies. With so many different drink options, we're still returning to these purple cows pretty often.
For more fun drink recipes, make sure to check out our Italian Sodas, Single Serving Lemonade, Banana Oreo Milkshake, and Keto Italian Soda.
Why This Recipe Works
- It's easy. If you have ever made a root beer float, then you already know how easy this recipe will be to make. Super simple and easy but always fun because of the unique color.
- You can make it healthier. You can find this grape soda float to be just as delicious (if not more so) when using grape juice. Included below are several fun ways you can customize this purple cow recipe to be healthier without losing out on any of the fun or delicious vanilla grape flavors.
- The kids love it! What kid wouldn't love soda or ice cream? This nostalgic drink is perfect for hot summer days and treats.
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🥘 Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream- You can use an old-fashioned, plain, vanilla bean, slow-churned, or any other vanilla ice cream variety of your choice as there is a LOT to choose from. For a healthier choice, you can even use vanilla frozen yogurt.
Grape juice or grape soda- Depending on whether you want to enjoy your float with the carbonated bubbly taste of soda or want to keep it healthier with grape juice instead, the option is yours as this drink can be served either way and still taste great.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make purple cow float with these simple step-by-step instructions:
Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to your tall drinking glass.
Pour in grape juice or soda until it almost reaches the top of the glass.
Serve your drink cold with a straw or spoon as desired.
💭 FAQs
This purple cow ice cream float recipe version is completely kid-safe and non-alcoholic. Don't confuse this purple cow recipe with that of its adult version. The adult's only alcoholic version is a combination of grape juice and vodka.
More great beverage recipes to try
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake
- Oreo Milkshake (No Ice Cream)
- Homemade Shamrock Shake
- The BEST at Home Iced Coffee Recipes
📖 Recipe
Purple Cow Float
Ingredients
- 1-2 scoops Vanilla ice cream ($0.29)
- 1 cup Grape juice or grape soda (possibly more) ($0.35)
Instructions
- Scoop ice cream into cup.
- Add grape juice/soda.
- Serve cold with a straw or spoon.
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