As Valentine’s Day approaches, the excitement of crafting memorable moments with loved ones fills the air. Imagine this: you’re hosting a small gathering, the scent of fresh flowers drifts in, and laughter is echoing. Just when you think things couldn’t get any better, you unveil a showstopper that delights everyone—Cupid Floats, the perfect 3-ingredient Valentine’s Day drink!

Combining creamy vanilla ice cream with bubbly cherry soda, this enchanting beverage is not only fun to make but also visually stunning. Picture the fizzy soda gently cascading over the ice cream, creating a colorful masterpiece in your glass. Ready in under 30 minutes and incredibly kid-friendly, these floats bring joy to the table and charm to the heart.

So, whether you’re surprising your kids with a festive treat or impressing guests at a Valentine’s Day bash, these Cupid Floats are the answer to elevating any gathering without all the fuss. Let’s indulge in this delightful drink that captures the essence of love and sweetness!

Why will you love this Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink?

Delightful Simplicity: This recipe features just three ingredients, making it incredibly easy for anyone to whip up!

Quick and Sweet: With a prep time of under 30 minutes, you’ll have a festive drink ready to serve in no time.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love the colorful presentation and the joy of sipping through a fun red licorice straw!

Versatile Twist: Feel free to swap the cherry soda for different flavors—strawberry or grape can add a unique touch!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for Valentine’s Day gatherings or simply to brighten up a winter day, these floats are sure to impress! Just imagine the smiles as you serve them to your family and friends!

Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink Ingredients

• Get ready to create something magical!

For the Float

Vanilla ice cream – Provides a creamy base that complements the fizzy soda; swap with dairy-free ice cream for a lactose-free version.
Cherry soda – Adds delightful sweetness and fizz; Cherry 7-Up is a great option!

For the Fun Factor

Red licorice – Use this as a fun straw to enhance the festive look of your drink; consider candy straws for a different twist.

Enjoy crafting your Cupid Float Valentine’s Day drink with these simple yet delightful ingredients!

How to Make Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink

Scoop Ice Cream: Start by adding a generous scoop or two of creamy vanilla ice cream into a glass or mug. This will be the foundation of your delightful float!
Pour Soda: Carefully pour the cherry soda over the ice cream until the glass is nearly full. Watch the fizz bubble up and delight in the visual display of colors.
Add the Straw: Grab a piece of red licorice, cut the ends to your desired length, and place it in the glass as a fun straw. This not only looks great but adds an extra layer of fun to your drink!
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Cupid Float right away while the ice cream is still partially frozen, allowing for the ideal mix of creaminess and fizz.

Optional: Garnish with some sprinkles on top for added festive flair!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Cupid Floats are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during festive celebrations! You can prep the components up to 24 hours in advance by scooping the vanilla ice cream into individual cups and covering them tightly with plastic wrap to keep their creaminess intact. Similarly, chill the cherry soda in the refrigerator overnight to ensure it’s nice and fizzy when you’re ready to serve. However, it’s best to wait until serving to add the red licorice, as it helps maintain the drink’s fun presentation and adds to the float experience. When the moment arrives, simply pour the chilled soda over the ice cream, insert your licorice straw, and enjoy your delightful Cupid Float at a moment’s notice!

Storage Tips for Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink

Best Enjoyed Fresh: Cupid Floats are best served immediately after preparation. The freshness of the ice cream and fizz of the soda create the perfect taste experience.
Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftover floats, place them in the fridge for up to 30 minutes to keep them cold, but be aware that the soda will lose its fizz.
Do Not Freeze: Avoid freezing the drink once prepared, as this will alter the texture and flavor, making it less enjoyable.
Reheat Alternatives: Instead of saving the float, consider making small batches to avoid waste. If using ice cream for a different dessert, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

What to Serve with Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink?

As you sip on these delightful floats, think about how to create a complete Valentine’s Day experience filled with flavor and warmth.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats are a classic pairing that adds a romantic touch, perfect for sharing while enjoying your floats.
Heart-Shaped Sandwiches: Cute and easy to make, these sandwiches filled with assorted fillings add a charming element to any Valentine’s meal.

Indulge in the whimsical combination of sweet and savory!

Vanilla Cupcakes: Light, fluffy cupcakes with a light frosting complement the float’s sweetness while adding a delightful texture contrast.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh, colorful fruit skewers provide a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the ice cream and fizz of the cherry soda.
Sparkling Water: Enhance the fizz of your celebration with sparkling water, giving guests a refreshing option that’s still festive.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels; the dip brings an interactive and exciting element to the gathering!
Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized delights blend creamy texture and a hint of tanginess with the sweetness of the Cupid Float.
Red Velvet Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies filled with cream cheese frosting bring an extra layer of festive fun to your spread.

Create a cheerful atmosphere by serving these delicious pairings alongside your Cupid Float Valentine’s Day drink!

Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Cupid Floats! Each variation adds a unique flavor or fun twist to this delightful drink.

Strawberry Soda: Swap cherry soda for strawberry soda for a fresh, fruity flair that still feels festive.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free ice cream to create a lactose-free version that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing creaminess.
Whipped Topping: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and an inviting presentation.
Festive Sprinkles: Top your float with heart-shaped sprinkles to amplify the Valentine’s Day theme and make it visually dazzling.
Fresh Berries: Toss in a few fresh strawberries or raspberries for added flavor and a pop of color. They also make a delightful garnish!
Candy Straw Swap: Instead of red licorice, use a candy straw to stir and sip; look for colorful options to brighten your drink.
Fizz & Heat: Mix in a splash of ginger ale or a dash of chili powder for an unexpected spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for a rich touch, combining sweet with a hint of cocoa indulgence.

With these variations, your Cupid Floats can be just as unique as the love you’re celebrating!

Expert Tips for Your Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink

Chill Soda First: Always ensure the cherry soda is chilled before pouring; this helps maintain the fizziness and prevents a flat float.
Clear Glasses Shine: Use clear containers to showcase the stunning colors of the drink. It makes the presentation more appealing to your guests.
Avoid Soggy Straws: Serve immediately after preparation to prevent the ice cream from melting too much and the licorice straw from becoming soggy.
Mix Flavors Safely: Experiment with different flavored sodas, but remember the focus is on the Cupid Float Valentine’s Day drink. Be cautious of combining too many flavors.
Extra Garnish: Add sprinkles or whipped cream to elevate the festive appeal and create a more visually stunning drink.
Prep in Advance: You can scoop ice cream into glasses ahead of time, just add soda and the licorice when ready to serve!

Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink Recipe FAQs

Which cherry soda should I use for the Cupid Float?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using Cherry 7-Up, as it adds just the right amount of sweetness and fizz. However, feel free to experiment with any favorite cherry-flavored soda for a personal twist!

How should I store any leftover Cupid Floats?
Cupid Floats are best enjoyed fresh right after making! If you happen to have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to 30 minutes, but keep in mind that the soda will lose its fizziness and may not taste as delightful.

Can I freeze the Cupid Floats?
I don’t recommend freezing the prepared Cupid Floats, as this will change the texture and flavor. However, you can store any leftover vanilla ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for other delicious desserts.

What if my ice cream is too soft before making the float?
No worries! If the ice cream is too soft, simply place it in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes to firm up before scooping it into your glass. This will ensure that your Cupid Float remains perfectly creamy when you add the soda.

Is this recipe suitable for children with allergies?
Yes, you can tailor this drink! For those with dairy allergies, swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free variety. Just be sure to check the labels on your cherry soda and licorice straw for any potential allergens.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Very! To save time, you can scoop the ice cream into glasses beforehand and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Just add the cherry soda and licorice straw when you’re ready to serve for a fun and festive experience!