Coconut Cold Brew Float (Printable)

Creamy coconut cold brew crowned with vanilla bean ice cream and toasted coconut — a quick, cooling summer treat.

# What You Need:

→ Cold Brew Base

01 - 1 cup coconut cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
03 - 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or coconut syrup, to taste
04 - Ice cubes, as needed

→ Float

05 - 2 generous scoops vanilla bean ice cream (approximately two 1/2-cup scoops; dairy or plant-based)

→ Garnishes (optional)

06 - Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish
07 - Shaved dark chocolate, for garnish
08 - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
09 - Chocolate syrup, optional drizzle

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a pitcher or large measuring cup, combine the coconut cold brew coffee, full-fat coconut milk and simple syrup. Stir until thoroughly blended and taste; adjust sweetness as needed.
02 - Place two large glasses (at least 12 fl oz each) on the counter and fill each glass halfway with ice cubes.
03 - Pour the coconut cold brew mixture evenly between the two glasses over the ice, leaving room at the top for the ice cream.
04 - Carefully add one generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream into each glass so the ice cream sits atop the cold brew, creating the float.
05 - If desired, finish with toasted coconut flakes, shaved dark chocolate and a mint leaf; optionally drizzle chocolate syrup. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon so the float can be enjoyed as the ice cream melts into the coffee.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No one expects their afternoon coffee to taste like a dreamy coconut ice cream sundae, but this does just that.
  • It's a practically effortless treat that's crowd-pleasing and easy to riff on based on what you find in your fridge.
02 -
  • Once, I tried using thin coconut milk and the float turned oddly watery—never again.
  • Adding the syrup after tasting avoids making it overly sweet from the start.
03 -
  • Pour the coffee base slowly over the ice to avoid splashes and keep everything layered.
  • Use a deep spoon to guide the ice cream into the glass so it floats, not sinks.
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