Name: Homemade Grape Juice Ice Cream Float
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 scoops vanilla ice cream; 3 tablespoons frozen grape juice concentrate; carbonated water

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Transport yourself back into an old-fashion ice cream shop with this delicious grape juice ice cream float made at home with simple ingredients.

Every summer I go on the search for new old-fashioned soda fountain type recipes. I love these kinds of desserts. They remind me of sitting at my grandma’s counter watching her make me a chocolate malt using her vintage malt maker.

I also loved as a kid going to a little retro style ice cream shop in Branson Missouri when we’d take vacations there, often with my grandparents. There is just something so fun about old-fashioned ice cream shops and treats.

Over the years I’ve made some fun recipes and I’m shocked that I just keep finding more and more. It’s sad to me that we don’t see these in ice cream shops much anymore. Regular ice cream and shakes are great but we are really missing out by not having all these other fun treats.

This ice cream float was a fun one to try and I was surprised how good it is. It only requires a few ingredients and turns out really pretty.

This recipe was originally called a Grape Frostee and came from a 1950s magazine. I’m not sure I can really call it that anymore given Wendy’s ice cream treats so let’s call it a grape juice ice cream float, it’s very descriptive at least.

Old-Fashioned Grape Juice Ice Cream Float

I love ice cream floats, I’m not sure why you can’t find them often anymore. There are so many fun variations but this is the first time I’ve come across one that used fruit juice.

Because this drink uses fruit juice the flavoring is natural and so is the pretty color. So if that’s important to you this is a great recipe option.

Like so often with vintage recipes, this recipe was written like you were giving it to a friend and not terribly detailed. I tested it out and figured out how all the details needed so you can easily create this recipe at home.

Now to the fun part, the actual recipe. You only need a few ingredients for this recipe. You can also scroll down if you’d prefer to skip the printable recipe card.

Grape Juice Ice Cream Float Ingredients

Frozen Grape Juice Concentrate – You can find this at most grocery stores. I recommend getting one of the concord grape versions and that is what I tested but it would possibly work with white grape juice as well, it will just be very mild.
Carbonated Water – I make this at home using a SodaStream but you can also buy it or use club soda, seltzer water, or sparkling mineral water. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may have slight differences in taste and mineral content.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Use whatever vanilla ice cream you enjoy. You can also use homemade vanilla ice cream just make sure it’s frozen to be solid so you can scoop it and it won’t melt too fast.

That’s all you need! I made this recipe even easier on myself by ordering my ingredients from Instacart. I love being able to get groceries delivered to my door so I can do other things while they are shopped for. Just always remember to be kind to your shopper and tip.

How To Make a Grape Juice Ice Cream Float

There are just a couple of steps to this recipe so you can whip these up in no time for a fun summer time treat. Kids can also help make their own.

Prepare the Carbonated Water: If you are making your own carbonated water be sure to do that first using the instructions with your machine. I love my SodaStream and have used it for years for recipes like this if you want to buy one for recipes like this. The one I have is the SodaStream Art, it has a vintage look and I love it.
Put Ice Cream in Your Glass: Add a large scoop of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
Top With Frozen Grape Juice Concentrate: You’ll add some of your juice to your glass, don’t stir.
Add Carbonated Water: Filling the glass just 3/4 full, add your carbonated water.
Add More Ice Cream and Juice: You’ll add another scoop of ice cream and more juice concentrate.
Fill the Rest of the Glass: Fill any remaining room with carbonated water.
Enjoy: I like to serve this in an old-fashioned soda fountain glass for a real vintage feel.

That’s all! As your drink mixes it gets even more delicious.

Even More Old-Fashion Soda Fountain Style Drinks to Try

If you also enjoy old-fashion soda fountain drinks I’ve got a bunch of good recipes for you try at home.

You can also get these recipes sent to your inbox with 6 Days of Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Recipes.

Yield: 1 Ice Cream Floats