Pineapple Soda Floats
Way back in March, the New York Times ran an article about Nora Ephron that contained a delicious description of her favorite pineapple milkshake. It sounded so absolutely amazing that I bought a can of pineapple the very next time I went to the store with big plans to make the milkshakes at home.
I must have thought about them a million times, but that can of pineapple sat there until last week.
Milkshakes are heavy and rich and seem like they need a special occasion. And, honestly, all that dairy makes my stomach hurt. Not worth it.
Then I saw some ridiculously beautiful strawberry soda floats on Pinterest and I knew what I was going to do with that can of pineapple: make homemade pineapple soda to use in floats.
Light and refreshing, these pineapple soda floats are the perfect way to say goodbye to summer. (Or do what I plan to to and drink them all fall, in complete denial that summer is over.)
The key to these floats is homemade pineapple soda, which is full of bright flavor without being too sweet.
Start by making pineapple simple syrup – just boil equal parts water and sugar, then add some pineapple and let it steep. You’ll end up with a thick, sugary syrup with a super-concentrated flavor.
Add carbonated water or seltzer and there you go: soda! It couldn’t be easier, and the syrup keeps great in the fridge, so you can make the soda right when you want to drink it. It also makes it really easy to adjust the ratio of syrup to water to your liking.
You can drink the soda just like that, but for the floats just add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. A little goes a long way, so don’t add too much!
You can also add spiced rum if you want a more adult beverage. (Hint: You do.)
Pineapple Soda Floats
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 can 14 ounces pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 liters club soda or plain seltzer
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- Optional: 3/4 cup spiced rum
Instructions
- Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and add pineapple. Cover and let sit 30 minutes. Strain, squeezing/smashing the pineapple to get as much liquid out of it as you can – you should end up with 1 cup of pineapple syrup. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of pineapple syrup into each glass. Add 8 ounces of club soda and stir gently. Add rum, if desired. Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I love pineapple, and I would definitely have mine with the spiced rum 😉
Pineapple soda sounds so awesome. And perfect for a summery float. Nice job!
Those sound and look amazingly refreshing, Lauren! And I am with you on the addition of rum. Even more delicious!
This sounds incredible! Love me some pineapple
That looks wonderful! I haven’t had a float since I was a child. My mum used to make me lemonade or cola float. This is far more sophisticated! I am now craving a float!
Yum, this does sound fizzy, sweet, and delicious
Boy! This drink surely is going to be popular! I love pineapple soda. I used to drink it as a kid when I visited my grandma. I’ve not seen it where I live, but with a little recon, I know I can find some. And sip on this to finish the summer!
Maybe it’s because my stomach isn’t playing nice right now, but these sound amazing at 10:46 am haha I can only imagine the possibilities with different fruits. Bet you could add some coconut water and make a pina colada version.
ooh, coconut ice cream might be a nice swap for the vanilla! You could make them non-dairy then, too!
I love, love anything pineapple! And much less guilt downing one of these instead of a milkshake 🙂
Yes, I most definitely think I do want that rum! Love homemade sodas, they are just so much tastier than anything from a can. Plus floats are just so much fun.