This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Happy day before the 4th…also known as July 3rd!
Let’s celebrate with some easy hibiscus cherry and ginger beer ice cream floats!
It’s kind of my favorite thing ever right now, as I am obsessed with both cherries, hibiscus and – very new to me – ginger beer (oh my gosh SO GOOD!!).
Like why I have never had ginger beer until now who knows, but if it was not loaded with sugar I’d be drinking it daily. If you have never tried it, now is SO the time. This is the ultimate summertime float and also kind of festive for the 4th, don’t cha think?
Going to keep things extra short today since I know most of you are all off work and hopefully headed out to enjoy the summer sunshine. I just wanted to stop in and give you one last recipe for tomorrow (OR today!).
If you are looking for more recipes for tomorrow, you should probably check out this post on No Churn Ice Cream 5 Different Ways, these epic and sparkling (literally) Espresso S’Mores, this KILLER Summer Cheeseboard, this Red, White and Blue Tart, this NO mayo Grilled Potato Salad and these Hawaiian Dogs. And as if that was not enough, here is a round-up (including some older recipes) of some great 4th of July Eats that are equally awesome for tomorrow!
Lots to choose from I know….
But this float should clearly be tops on your list for this weekend. Don’t tell, but I maybe spiked it with a little booze!
I mean it is the 4th of July weekend, I kind of had to.
The float consists of a hibiscus cherry syrup, ginger beer, a little bourbon and coconut ice cream. It’s so easy to prepare and I promise, it’s going to make your weekend!
So make it! Today, tomorrow or both. Just do it!!
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend filled with friends and family. Hopefully it will include plenty of sunshine, fireworks – maybe even some river floating, and of course, tons of great summer food!!
Hibiscus Cherry and Ginger Beer Ice Cream Floats.
Ingredients
Hibiscus Cherry Soda
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, no need to pit them
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar *, or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons vanilla bean, seeds removed OR 2 vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers, optional
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the floats
- 2-4 scoops vanilla bean coconut ice cream, or just vanilla ice cream
- 1/3 cup hibiscus cherry soda
- 3/4 cup high quality ginger beer
- 1-2 tablespoons bourbon or coconut rum, optional
- blueberries and cherries, for serving
Instructions
Hibiscus Cherry Soda
- In a small to medium size pot, combine the cherries, coconut sugar and vanilla bean. Use a muddler or just a fork to mash the cherries up until they are almost pulp like. Don't worry about the pits, you will discard them later. Add the water and place the pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring often for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the hibiscus. Cover and steep for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, stir in the lemon juice and chill until completely cool, about 30 minutes. Syrup can be kept in the fridge for at least one week.
To make the Floats.
- Add a few scoops of coconut ice cream to each glass. If desired sprinkle in a few blueberries for some fun color. Pour over the cherry soda and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a cherry and drink up!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Oh, and cherry floats with a side of fireworks + sparklers!
Fantastic! Very good, my family love it.
Thank you Mary!
What a fantastic way to use ginger beer!!! I always use ginger beer to make dark and stormy cocktails. Plus, cherries are in season right now, so it’s the perfect time to try a Cherry and Ginger Beer float. Happy 4th!
Ok, these floats are seriously gorgeous. Just what I need for the 4th! Have a great weekend, Tieghan! 🙂
Is ginger beer anything like ginger ale?
A little, but ginger beer has much more of a ginger flavor and i believe more carbonation. It’s also much more natural.
WOWZA~ These look so so delectable!
Happy 4th of Juy Tieghan! And cherries are my life right now!
Would you believe me if I’d said I never had any kind of “float” drink?! I know I know I need to sort it out! These look great! Have a great 4th July!
I have never tried ginger beer – don’t even know if I can get my hands on it here in Portugal!! – but boy, do I love hibiscus!!! When I was in my early twenties I used to drink this apple blossom and hibiscus tea that was to die for, so creamy and sweetly scented!! Cherries are a staple in my country, it wouldn’t be Summer without them. As for your floats, man, you kill me with your photography and styling. Every time!!
http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt
Olá! Já consegui encontrar em alguns supermercados no Algarve, onde há mais turistas normalmente têm.
So much awesomeness doesn’t need a lot of words! This float seems perfect and I love that you spiked it a little!
This looks crazy freakin ‘delicious! it’s 95°F out here and I want this right now :D. Pinned it!
I had the same reaction when I drank ginger beer for the first time, like how did I not know about this! Specially homemade.
Great pictures as always congrats!
No one sent me the newsflash that I was supposed to try ginger beer. Going to put it on the ole shopping list. Like how you have hibiscus in here. Urrrghhhh though, I’m trying to get my wife to pitch those plants in the garbage because they shed, but when she she’s this she certainly will bulk. Don’t floats go so well with roller skating?
i have some meh cherries in the fridge that have been moping in there all week- maybe they’ll end up in here (: is it a cherry syrup that needs to be added to seltzer water or does the syrup go straight into the float?
Yup, straight into the float. Thanks!