Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Colorful layered milkshake with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, cherry, and pink straw in a tall glass on wooden table, perfect for a fun dessert or celebration.

Bubblegum Float


Description

A playful, colorful dessert drink that combines bubblegum ice cream with fizzy lemon-lime soda, topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry—perfect for making any day feel like a party.

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 3 minutes | Servings: 1Colorful layered milkshake with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, cherry, and pink straw in a tall glass on wooden table, perfect for a fun dessert or celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 scoops bubblegum ice cream (look for the pink kind with actual bubblegum pieces—it makes all the difference)
  • 12 oz lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP work perfectly—make sure it’s cold and fizzy)
  • Whipped cream (canned is perfect and gives that classic diner look)
  • Rainbow sprinkles (don’t be shy—more is definitely more here)
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish (the finishing touch that makes it special)

Instructions

  1. Place three generous scoops of bubblegum ice cream in a tall glass—use a glass with plenty of room because this gets tall and fizzy.
  2. Slowly pour lemon-lime soda over the ice cream down the side of the glass until it’s almost full—watch the magic fizzy reaction happen (this part is mesmerizing).
  3. Let it settle for about 10 seconds so the foam calms down slightly and doesn’t overflow.
  4. Top with a generous mountain of whipped cream because this is not the time for moderation.
  5. Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles generously over the whipped cream—layer them on thick for maximum fun factor.
  6. Place a maraschino cherry right on top for that classic ice cream parlor finish.
  7. Serve immediately with both a straw and a long spoon so you can sip and scoop at the same time (race against the melting clock).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 485
  • Carbohydrates: 82g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sodium: 135mg
  • Calcium: 18% DV
  • Sugar: Very high (this is pure celebratory indulgence)

This Bubblegum Float is definitely a special occasion treat—it’s all about fun, color, and childhood nostalgia rather than nutrition.

Notes:

  • Seriously, make sure you get real bubblegum ice cream with the little gum pieces—it’s completely different from plain pink vanilla.
  • Every brand of bubblegum ice cream tastes slightly different, so try a few to find your favorite (I like brands that include actual chewy pieces).
  • Pour the soda slowly or you’ll have a pink fizzy explosion all over your counter.
  • Don’t skip the sprinkles—they add crucial crunch and visual appeal that makes this feel special.
  • The bubblegum pieces in the ice cream can be eaten or fished out depending on preference.

Storage Tips:

  • Don’t even try to save this one—it needs to be made and consumed immediately for the full colorful, fizzy experience.
  • Leftover bubblegum ice cream keeps for months in the freezer when properly sealed.
  • Keep your lemon-lime soda tightly sealed between uses so it stays fizzy for your next float.
  • Store sprinkles in a cool, dry place where they won’t get sticky or clumpy.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Birthday Party Star: Serve these at kids’ birthday parties for an instant hit that photographs beautifully and tastes amazing.
  • Sleepover Special: Make these during sleepovers or playdates for a fun treat that feels extra special.
  • Family Celebration: Whip these up for family celebrations, good report cards, or just because it’s Friday and everyone deserves something fun.
  • Ice Cream Social: Set up a float bar with different ice creams and sodas so everyone can customize their own creation.

Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):

  • Double Bubble Float: Add a tablespoon of bubblegum syrup to the glass before the ice cream for extra intense bubblegum flavor.
  • Blue Bubblegum Float: Use blue raspberry soda instead of lemon-lime for a completely blue version that looks incredible.
  • Birthday Cake Bubblegum Float: Mix birthday cake ice cream with bubblegum ice cream for an extra celebratory treat.
  • Candy Store Float: Add gummy bears, Nerds, or other candies into the glass before the ice cream for an over-the-top candy experience.

What Makes This Recipe Special:

Bubblegum flavor was accidentally invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer while experimenting with chewing gum recipes at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company. The distinctive pink color and unique flavor—a blend of wintergreen, vanilla, and fruit notes—became so iconic that it inspired countless bubblegum-flavored products, including this playful ice cream. This float combines that nostalgic flavor with the classic American ice cream float tradition dating back to the 1870s, creating a dessert drink that’s pure childhood joy. What makes this recipe special is the unapologetically fun presentation—bright pink ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream clouds, and a cherry on top create an Instagram-worthy treat that tastes just as good as it looks. The lemon-lime soda provides fizzy brightness that balances the intense sweetness while creating that satisfying float reaction that’s been delighting Americans for generations.