Ice cream floats are a timeless treat, typically combining fizzy soda with a scoop of ice cream to create an effervescent, creamy concoction. While the classic root beer float has long been a staple in American culture, younger consumers are now craving new combinations that are bold, colourful, and highly shareable.
According to Pinterest’s 2025 trend predictions, interest in nostalgic drinks is rising fast: searches for “cream soda aesthetic” have soared by 105%, while searches for “soda drink recipes” are up by 90%. Pinterest has dubbed this revival the “Rebel Float”, a nod to the way these drinks lean on nostalgia while embracing new and bold flavour combinations.
This trend isn’t just about taste — it’s about creativity and visual appeal, particularly for Gen Z consumers who value aesthetic presentation and shareable moments.
Why ice cream floats are back on the menu
The modern ice cream float is far more than just a fizzy drink with a scoop of vanilla. Today’s float is a creative canvas, blending nostalgia with personalisation and bold flavour trends to create one striking, satisfying treat. Here’s why the drinks are resonating so strongly with younger audiences:
- A visual feast: Gen Z loves anything aesthetic, and drinks are no exception. A well-crafted float is a visual experience: pastel-hued sodas, fizzy bubbles, and creamy textures layered in tall glasses and topped with playful garnishes. Think candy floss, sprinkles, or edible glitter, all with whipped cream and a cherry on top. These drinks are ideal for sharing with others, both in person and online.
- Customisation is key: Personalisation is a priority for Gen Z. Floats can be fully customised, from the soda base to the ice cream flavour and toppings, turning every order into a unique experience.
- Fruit flavours in focus: Searches for “fruit soda” are up by an impressive 185%, signalling a clear demand for fresh, fruity, and tropical flavours. Mango, hibiscus, passionfruit, guava, and even botanical flavours like elderflower pair beautifully with vanilla or coconut-based ice creams. These fruity combinations are a chance to bring seasonal variety and a more global edge to your menu.
- Nostalgia, but reinvented: Modern consumers love a throwback, especially if it’s been reimagined to suit modern tastes. By combining classic ingredients in unexpected ways, you create an emotional connection and a product that feels fresh, yet familiar.
- An alternative to alcohol: Gen Z consumers are spending less money on alcohol compared to previous generations (Mintel). Many are seeking out fun, flavourful alternatives when dining out, and ice cream floats offer a premium non-alcoholic option that still feels celebratory and indulgent.
How hospitality businesses can nail the trend
So, how can you turn this fun, fizzy idea into a profitable menu addition? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Diversify your drink options
Go beyond the big-brand basics. Stock a selection of fruit sodas, botanical-infused fizzy drinks, or even small-batch, artisanal beverages. Better yet, consider creating your own house sodas using soda syrups and carbonated water — a great way to showcase your unique brand.
Get serious about ice cream
Ice cream is the star of the show, so it’s worth investing in quality and variety. While vanilla is a staple, try introducing more adventurous flavours like lavender, pistachio, miso caramel, or even matcha for something unexpected.
To ensure your floats are consistently high quality, reliable equipment is key. Investing in a high-performance commercial ice cream machine gives you flexibility to experiment with flavours, ensures service runs smoothly, and helps you meet demand during peak hours. A great ice cream machine also opens the door to developing your own signature flavours, helping your floats stand out from the competition.
Leverage social media
This trend is tailor-made for social sharing, and a beautifully presented float is all the incentive people need to post. Encourage guests to post their creations using a branded hashtag. You could even run a “float of the month” competition to drive engagement.
Promote the experience
Ice cream floats are not just drinks; they’re an experience. Present your floats in unique glassware like mason jars, soda shop-style glasses, or take-home branded tumblers. Add fun straws, paper umbrellas, or unexpected garnishes to infuse a little drama into every serve.
Offer vegan and dairy-free options
Inclusivity matters, especially to younger consumers. Offering plant-based ice cream options made with coconut or almond milk allows you to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences. These dairy-free options pair especially well with fruity or botanical sodas and can be just as creamy and satisfying as traditional versions.
“The reimagined ice cream soda is more than a nostalgic treat, it’s a customisable, social media-ready beverage experience. Today’s younger consumers are drawn to something they can snap, share, and talk about, and these fun-filled fizzy drinks definitely fit the bill.
“For hospitality businesses, the float offers a high-impact way of bringing something fresh and on-trend to your drinks menu. By investing in the right equipment, experimenting with new flavour combinations, and leading into presentation and personalisation, you can tap into this trend and create something that’s truly memorable for your customers.” -Guy Cooper, Managing Director at Mitchell & Cooper