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.
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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 Blue Lagoon Mocktail.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's easy. If you've ever made a root beer float, you already know how simple this purple cow drink is. Quick to make, fun to serve, and always a hit thanks to its unique color.
- Easy to lighten up. Swap grape soda for grape juice if you want a more health conscious option. There are several simple ways to adjust this recipe while keeping those classic vanilla grape flavors. For more better for you drinks, check out our Keto Italian Soda.
- Kids love it. Soda and ice cream are hard to beat. This nostalgic treat is perfect for hot summer days and special treats.
🛒 Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream. Use classic vanilla, vanilla bean, slow churned, or any variety you like. Vanilla frozen yogurt works too.
If you still have ice cream on hand, try one of our milkshake recipes like Brownie Milkshakes, Cookies and Cream Milkshakes, or Fruit Loop Milkshakes.
Grape juice or grape soda. Choose grape soda for a bubbly float or grape juice for a lighter option. Both pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, and we especially love the grape juice version.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy store brands. Store brand vanilla ice cream and grape juice or soda help keep costs low.
Choose grape juice. Grape juice is often cheaper than soda and still delivers the classic flavor.
Use less ice cream. Let the ice cream soften slightly so it blends better, which can help you get away with fewer scoops.
🥄 Instructions for Purple Cow Recipe
Step 1: Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to your tall drinking glass.
Step 2: Pour in grape juice or soda until it almost reaches the top of the glass.
Step 3: Serve your drink cold with a straw or spoon as desired.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Keep it cold. Use very cold grape juice or soda to slow melting and keep the float creamy longer.
- Pour slowly. Add the liquid gradually to prevent overflow and create better foam.
- Control thickness. Start with two small scoops of ice cream and add liquid slowly for a thicker float.
- Serve right away. Serve immediately with a spoon and straw so kids can enjoy both the float and the ice cream.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: This purple cow ice cream float is best enjoyed immediately and does not store well once assembled.
Make Ahead: Chill the juice or soda and glasses ahead of time, but add the ice cream right before serving for the best texture.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This kid-friendly float pairs well with cookies, brownies, popcorn, or simple party snacks. It's perfect for movie nights, birthdays, or summer treats.
- Almond Bark PopcornRecipe $0.80 / Serving $0.20
- Jam Shortbread BarsRecipe $3.59 / Serving $0.40
- Spiced Pear MuffinsRecipe $5.01 / Serving $0.42
- Broiler SmoresRecipe $3.06 / Serving $0.51
❓ Recipe 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.
Both kids and grown-ups are gonna love this combo of grape juice (or soda) and vanilla ice cream. It's a cool way to switch up your usual dessert game, add a pop of fun summer vibes, or simply because it's awesome!
This one's a crowd-pleaser loved by both kids and grown-ups. It's a scrumptious and tangy twist on the traditional root beer float. But it's made by mixing vanilla ice cream with grape soda.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch ShakeRecipe $1.33
- Oreo Milkshake Without Ice CreamRecipe $2.13
- Watermelon MilkshakeRecipe $3.06 / Serving $1.53
- Whipped Frozen LemonadeRecipe $5.55 / Serving $1.39
🐝 If you tried this Purple Cow Float, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Purple Cow Float
Ingredients
- 1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream - ($0.42)
- 1 cup grape juice or grape soda, plus more as needed - ($0.29)
Instructions
- Add the ice cream. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a glass.
- Pour the drink. Slowly add the grape juice or grape soda, filling the glass as desired.
- Serve. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon.
Notes
- Kid-friendly. This purple cow ice cream float is completely non-alcoholic and safe for all ages.
- Drink choice. Use grape juice for a sweeter flavor or grape soda for a fizzy float.
- Serving tip. Add extra juice or soda as the ice cream melts to keep the float creamy and drinkable.
Nutritional Information
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