Quick answer: for the simplest orange creamsicle drink, pour 1 cup of cold orange soda over ice, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup and 2 tablespoons of cream, and top with whipped cream. For a thicker version, blend orange juice with vanilla ice cream.
1. Creamy orange soda (Italian soda style)
- Ice
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange soda, or sparkling water with 3 tbsp orange syrup
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
- 2 tbsp half-and-half or heavy cream
- Whipped cream to finish
Build it over ice in that order and pour the cream in last. See Italian cream soda for the method and dirty soda for more cream-and-soda ideas.
2. Blended creamsicle smoothie
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, or 1 cup vanilla yogurt and a handful of ice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Blend until smooth and frothy. Add the zest of half an orange for a stronger orange flavor.
3. Creamsicle float
Put two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass and pour orange soda slowly over the top. Finish with whipped cream.
The whipped cream
A swirl of vanilla whipped cream completes the orange-and-cream flavor; see how to make whipped cream. For a party, a whipped cream dispenser tops a row of glasses in seconds.
Tips
- Keep everything very cold.
- Add cream to juice-based drinks at the last moment so it does not curdle.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Frequently asked questions
What is an orange creamsicle drink?
A drink that tastes like the orange-and-vanilla ice cream bar: orange juice or orange soda combined with cream or vanilla ice cream.
Why did the cream curdle in my orange drink?
Orange juice is acidic. Use cold heavy cream or half-and-half, add it last, and serve right away. Ice cream and blended versions do not curdle.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Is there alcohol in an orange creamsicle?
Not in these recipes. Cocktail versions add vanilla or whipped-cream flavored vodka.
