Some drinks are elegant. Some are adventurous. And then there are drinks like the Marshmallow Vodka Float—pure, unfiltered fun in a glass. With the creamy decadence of vanilla ice cream, the nostalgic sweetness of cream soda, and a boozy burst of marshmallow-flavored vodka, this cocktail-dessert hybrid is a celebration of indulgence. It’s like sipping a boozy campfire treat wrapped in velvet and topped with a cloud.
Whether you’re entertaining guests with a flair for whimsy, looking for a playful signature drink for a themed party, or simply want to treat yourself to something outrageous and delicious, the Marshmallow Vodka Float delivers. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of your favorite root beer float—only dreamier, sweeter, and a whole lot more fun.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
There are drinks that surprise you, and there are drinks that delight you—this one does both. Here’s why the Marshmallow Vodka Float is such a hit:
1. Dessert + Cocktail = Perfection
It combines the creamy, indulgent joy of dessert with the kick of a well-crafted cocktail. It satisfies your sweet tooth and your need to unwind, all in one frosty glass.
2. The Fluffy Marshmallow Flavor
Marshmallow vodka is a flavor bomb—soft, sweet, and nostalgic. Whether you opt for Pinnacle Marshmallow, Smirnoff Fluffed, or another brand, this spirit evokes memories of s’mores, campfires, and childhood treats, but with an adult-friendly twist.
3. Show-Stopping Presentation
The moment you crown this drink with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, it becomes aesthetic heaven. It’s a camera magnet for parties and a guaranteed Instagram hit.
4. Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable
Even those who aren’t big cocktail drinkers fall in love with this float. It’s mellow, sweet, and can be made stronger or softer depending on your audience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Incredibly Easy: No cocktail shaker, muddler, or bar tools needed.
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Perfect for Dessert Lovers: It’s a boozy dessert you drink.
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Nostalgic Vibes: Cream soda and marshmallow take you straight back to your childhood—minus the hangover.
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Gorgeous Garnish Options: Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate drizzle—it’s a blank canvas for your imagination.
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A Party Favorite: Great for themed nights (campfire, pajama party, 90s throwback, etc.).
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Flexible Strength: Adjust the vodka content to make it stronger or lighter.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make one Marshmallow Vodka Float:
-
2 oz marshmallow vodka
(Brands like Pinnacle Marshmallow or Smirnoff Fluffed are perfect—sweet, creamy, and aromatic.) -
1 oz white crème de cacao
(This adds a hint of chocolatey depth and elevates the dessert profile.) -
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
(Classic, rich, and creamy. Use premium ice cream for a luxurious mouthfeel.) -
2 oz cream soda (chilled)
(Adds effervescence and that old-fashioned sweet vanilla flavor.) -
Whipped cream (for topping)
(Go wild with it—it’s part of the experience.) -
Mini marshmallows (for garnish)
(Adds texture, visual fun, and theme-appropriate flair.) -
Chocolate syrup (optional drizzle)
(For extra decadence and a flavor layer that echoes s’mores.) -
Ice (optional)
(If skipping the ice cream or if you prefer a colder, lighter drink.)
Preparation (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Your Glass
A classic float or milkshake glass works best for this cocktail. You want something tall and clear to show off the layers, the fizz, and the cream.
Step 2: Add Ice Cream
Place one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into the bottom of the glass. It acts as the creamy heart of the float, chilling and thickening the drink as it melts.
Step 3: Pour the Alcohol
Carefully pour 2 oz of marshmallow vodka directly over the ice cream, followed by 1 oz of white crème de cacao. Pouring slowly prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and keeps the flavors layered.
Step 4: Add Cream Soda
Slowly top the glass with about 2 oz of cream soda. Pour gently to preserve the fizz and create a beautiful foamy cap that floats atop the drink. The carbonation lifts the vodka and cream together in a smooth, luscious swirl.
Step 5: Garnish with Style
Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Scatter a handful of mini marshmallows across the top. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for extra flair.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Insert a straw and a long spoon for scooping the ice cream. Serve cold and fresh—this drink is best enjoyed right away before the ice cream melts too much.
Variation
1. Make It Frozen
Blend all the ingredients with the ice cream and a handful of ice for a milkshake-style frozen cocktail.
2. Use Flavored Cream Soda
Try vanilla cream, cherry cream, or butterscotch soda for added complexity.
3. Add Toasted Marshmallows
Torch a few marshmallows and float them on top for a true campfire vibe.
4. Use Chocolate Ice Cream Instead
This creates a more dessert-forward float with a chocolate-marshmallow twist.
5. Alcohol-Free Version
Skip the alcohol entirely and make a virgin float with cream soda, marshmallow syrup, and ice cream. Still dreamy, still indulgent.
Cocktail Note
The Marshmallow Vodka Float toes the line between cocktail and dessert. It’s rich and sweet, so it’s best served after dinner or as a party treat. Because it’s not overly strong in alcohol content, it’s also approachable for those who don’t typically enjoy harsh spirits. The cream soda lifts the drink, preventing it from feeling too heavy, and the garnish makes it visually exciting and whimsical. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Marshmallow Vodka Float in these fun contexts:
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Dessert Course Replacement: A great alternative to cake or pie at the end of a meal.
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Party Feature Drink: Themed gatherings, bridal showers, birthdays, and pajama parties.
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Movie Night: Pair it with classic films or nostalgic 90s favorites.
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Holiday Sweet Treat: Works beautifully as a winter drink during the holidays with peppermint or gingerbread twists.
Pro Serving Tip: Dip the rim of your glass in chocolate syrup and crushed graham crackers before pouring for a “s’mores float” vibe.
Tips
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Chill your cream soda before mixing to maintain fizz.
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Use premium vanilla ice cream—its quality really stands out here.
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If you’re making multiple floats, scoop the ice cream ahead of time onto a chilled baking tray and freeze until ready to use.
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Serve immediately after pouring to enjoy the frothy cream soda fizz before it flattens.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
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Calories: 340 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Sugar: 29 g
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Protein: 1.5 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~10–12% depending on brands used
FAQs
What vodka brands make marshmallow flavor?
Pinnacle Marshmallow and Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow are two popular, widely available options. Both offer sweet, soft marshmallow flavoring ideal for dessert cocktails.
Can I make this in advance?
Not recommended—this drink is best fresh. The ice cream and soda will melt and lose texture quickly.
Can I serve it in a punch bowl?
You could scale up and serve in a punch bowl, but keep the ice cream on the side for guests to scoop into their glasses individually to avoid sogginess.
Can I skip the crème de cacao?
Yes! The drink will still be delicious, just slightly less rich and chocolatey. Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup to compensate.
Is there a vegan version?
Yes! Use vegan vanilla ice cream, non-dairy whipped topping, and plant-based cream soda. Swap the vodka for a vegan-certified flavored spirit.
Conclusion
The Marshmallow Vodka Float is a whimsical, creamy, candy-inspired dream that doubles as both a dessert and a cocktail. With marshmallow vodka as its fluffy foundation, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for richness, and bubbly cream soda for effervescence, this sweet concoction brings the best of childhood treats and grown-up indulgence into one irresistible glass.
Whether you’re looking to dazzle guests at your next party, sweeten your weekend movie night, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cocktail is your golden ticket. Garnished with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate, it’s more than a drink—it’s an experience.
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Marshmallow Vodka Float
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make one Marshmallow Vodka Float:
-
2 oz marshmallow vodka
(Brands like Pinnacle Marshmallow or Smirnoff Fluffed are perfect—sweet, creamy, and aromatic.) -
1 oz white crème de cacao
(This adds a hint of chocolatey depth and elevates the dessert profile.) -
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
(Classic, rich, and creamy. Use premium ice cream for a luxurious mouthfeel.) -
2 oz cream soda (chilled)
(Adds effervescence and that old-fashioned sweet vanilla flavor.) -
Whipped cream (for topping)
(Go wild with it—it’s part of the experience.) -
Mini marshmallows (for garnish)
(Adds texture, visual fun, and theme-appropriate flair.) -
Chocolate syrup (optional drizzle)
(For extra decadence and a flavor layer that echoes s’mores.) -
Ice (optional)
(If skipping the ice cream or if you prefer a colder, lighter drink.)
Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Glass
A classic float or milkshake glass works best for this cocktail. You want something tall and clear to show off the layers, the fizz, and the cream.
Step 2: Add Ice Cream
Place one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into the bottom of the glass. It acts as the creamy heart of the float, chilling and thickening the drink as it melts.
Step 3: Pour the Alcohol
Carefully pour 2 oz of marshmallow vodka directly over the ice cream, followed by 1 oz of white crème de cacao. Pouring slowly prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and keeps the flavors layered.
Step 4: Add Cream Soda
Slowly top the glass with about 2 oz of cream soda. Pour gently to preserve the fizz and create a beautiful foamy cap that floats atop the drink. The carbonation lifts the vodka and cream together in a smooth, luscious swirl.
Step 5: Garnish with Style
Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Scatter a handful of mini marshmallows across the top. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for extra flair.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Insert a straw and a long spoon for scooping the ice cream. Serve cold and fresh—this drink is best enjoyed right away before the ice cream melts too much.
Notes
The Marshmallow Vodka Float toes the line between cocktail and dessert. It’s rich and sweet, so it’s best served after dinner or as a party treat. Because it’s not overly strong in alcohol content, it’s also approachable for those who don’t typically enjoy harsh spirits. The cream soda lifts the drink, preventing it from feeling too heavy, and the garnish makes it visually exciting and whimsical. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 1.5g