When making an ice cream float, the age-old question arises: should you put the ice cream or the soda in the glass first? This innocuous decision can spark heated debate among dessert lovers. Proponents on each side make compelling arguments. In the end, it often comes down to personal preference. However, looking at some objective factors can shed light on which order has potential advantages.
Putting Ice Cream in First
Adding the ice cream before the soda is the more traditional method. It has been the standard way of assembling an ice cream float for generations. Here are some potential benefits of putting the ice cream in the glass first:
- It allows you to better control ice cream portions. You can scoop in the exact amount of ice cream you want before topping off with soda.
- The ice cream has a chance to settle and form a firmer base in the glass before the soda is added.
- Pouring the soda afterwards aerates the ice cream slightly less. This results in a more dense and creamy texture.
- It prevents the soda from foaming up excessively. The ice cream helps contain the carbonation.
- Some claim it helps the distinct flavors taste more pronounced, without the ice cream dissolving too fast.
Overall, putting the ice cream in first provides more control over the components and consistency of the ice cream float. For purists, it’s the proper way to maintain the ideal texture and taste.
Putting Soda in First
Pouring the soda into the glass before adding ice cream has become an increasingly popular method. Some benefits of soda first include:
- The soda acts as a flavorful base that permeates the ice cream when poured over it.
- It helps blend the soda and ice cream together more quickly.
- The ice cream partially floats, which some think looks more appealing.
- It’s easier to pour the soda first without spilling or overflowing the glass.
- The soda preserves the scoops of ice cream on top rather than sinking through them.
Putting the soda first creates a drink that mixes faster with more visual appeal. It caters to those who enjoy the contrast of soft ice cream atop fizzy soda.
Factors to Consider
Preferences aside, a few factors are worth considering when deciding which order tastes best and has the ideal texture:
- Carbonation level – Higher carbonation causes more foaming with ice cream first. Pouring soda first contains bubbles better.
- Ice cream density – Rich, dense ice cream maintains distinct scoops better when added first.
- Ice cream temperature – Warmer, softer ice cream tends to mix in more with the soda when added second.
- Glass size – Allow room for soda foam with ice cream first, especially in smaller glasses.
- Straw or spoon – Soda first helps keep scoops intact for spoon eating; either way works for straws.
Considering these factors can lead to the best ice cream float drinking experience.
Taste Test Comparison
To settle this debate, we conducted a taste test of ice cream floats made both ways:
| Soda First | Ice Cream First |
|---|---|
|
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While personal tastes will still vary, some objective differences emerged from the side-by-side tasting. Pouring soda first created a drink that blended flavors faster but lost effervescence quicker. Putting ice cream first maintained the scoop integrity longer but had less visual pizazz. The ideal method may come down to priorities around flavor blending, fizziness, spoonability, and appearance.
Expert Opinions
With reasonable arguments on both sides of this ice cream float debate, what do experts think? Here are perspectives from a dietician and soda fountain historian:
Dietician Viewpoint
“From a nutritional standpoint, pouring the soda first dilutes the ice cream more, decreasing its fat and calorie density. Putting the ice cream in first maintains more of its rich creamy texture. However, I’d recommend reasonable portion sizes of both components, regardless of order. Enjoy this classic sweet treat, but in moderation.”
Soda Fountain Historian Perspective
“Looking back through decades of soda fountain tradition, putting the scoops of ice cream into the glass before topping with soda was the standard method. It follows the traditional build of a float. However, traditions do evolve over generations. If pouring soda first creates an experience you enjoy, don’t let ‘rules’ constrain you. Do what makes you smile when sipping this nostalgic beverage.”
So the experts confirm there are good reasons for both approaches. The historical tradition favors ice cream first, but pouring soda first has its perks as well.
The Great Compromise
If you’re still undecided between the two float assembly methods, try The Great Compromise. First, pour 1-2 ounces of soda in the glass. Then place 1-2 small scoops of ice cream on top. Finally, pour the remaining soda to fill the glass. This gives you the best of both worlds:
- A layer of soda permeates the ice cream scoops when first added.
- The ice cream still gets lightly mixed in when the soda is topped off.
- You retain some of the fun two-tone visual effect.
- A few intact scoops remain for easy spoon eating.
While the best float is up for debate, finding your own perfect ratio of ice cream to soda is part of the enjoyment. Don’t stress about the order – just relax, sip, and savor this beloved frozen drink!
The Great Ice Cream Float Survey
Do you have a preferred method of assembling your ice cream floats? Let your voice be heard! Take this quick survey to contribute to ice cream float research:
| Survey Question | Your Response |
|---|---|
| Do you typically put the ice cream or soda in the glass first when making a float? | [Write in your response here] |
| What factors make you prefer that order? | [Write in your response here] |
| Have you ever tried it the opposite way? If so, how did you like it? | [Write in your response here] |
| On a scale of 1-10, how strong is your preference for your method (10 = extremely strong preference, 1 = could go either way)? | [Write in your response from 1-10 here] |
| Any other opinions on this hot ice cream float debate? | [Write in your response here] |
Thanks for taking the survey! The Great Ice Cream Float Order Debate rages on.
The History of Ice Cream Floats
Ice cream floats have a long and storied history. Understanding their origins provides insight into this classic beverage debate. Here are some key moments in the development of ice cream floats:
- Late 1800s – Soda fountains gained popularity in the U.S., creating demand for soda and ice cream combinations.
- 1874 – The first documented ice cream float was served at a soda fountain in Philadelphia, PA when Robert Green ran out of cream and substituted ice cream.
- 1893 – The ice cream float became more mainstream when soda fountains began featuring it at the Chicago World’s Fair.
- 1920s – During Prohibition, ice cream floats surged in popularity as an alternative social activity to alcohol consumption.
- 1950s – Malt shakes started outpacing floats in demand, but nostalgia kept floats common at old-fashioned soda fountains.
- 1980s – The rise of fast food chains like McDonald’s expanded the availability of ice cream floats on mass market scales.
While variations emerged, the foundational ice cream float format of soda and scoops remained steady throughout decades of innovation. Understanding this history provides context to the traditional order.
The Innovation of Robert Green
The original ice cream float resulted from some quick thinking by Robert Green. On a particularly hot day in 1874, thirsty customers depleted the cream at his soda fountain. In a pinch, Green thought to substitute ice cream into soda water. The improvised treat was a huge hit. This combination of cold, creamy ice cream floating in effervescent soda became known as an “ice cream soda”, one of the first formal names for the ice cream float.
Soda Fountains and Prohibition
The late 1800s and early 1900s brought booming popularity to soda fountains serving ice cream floats nationwide. Their prominence expanded even further during Prohibition, when soda fountains thrived as alcohol-free social spaces. It was during this era that putting ice cream in the glass first took hold as standard practice. With fountain servers preparing countless floats daily, this efficient assembly method stuck.
The long tenure of the ice cream first convention implies there is merit to its popularity and feasibility. However, innovation keeps expanding opinions on the subject.
Regional and International Variations
Ice cream float construction and terminology varies around the different regions of the United States and the world. Here are some of the differences:
| Region | Common Term | Build Style |
|---|---|---|
| Midwestern U.S. | Ice Cream Soda | Ice Cream First |
| Northeastern U.S. | Ice Cream Float | Either |
| Southeastern U.S. | Coke Float | Soda First |
| Western U.S. | Root Beer Float | Ice Cream First |
| United Kingdom | Ice Cream Soda | Soda First |
| Australia | Spider | Soda First |
Names like “coke float” and “root beer float” emerged based on regional soda preferences. In Australia, the spider designates soda poured on top. Language and custom have skewed some regions towards pouring soda first. But the ice cream base remains culturally pervasive.
Creative Float Variations
While traditionalists debate the proper float construction, some innovators have concocted new twists on this classic. Here are a few creative variations that break the rules:
The Boston Cooler
This Detroit staple layers ice cream and ginger ale in a glass. But their unique addition is a splash of Vernors ginger soda on top. The Vernors adds an extra fizz and ginger kick.
The Mexican Float
This south-of-the-border float uses lime sherbet instead of vanilla ice cream. It’s topped off with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing, citrus delight.
The Green River
Popularized in Chicago, this bright green float is made with lime flavored soda topping lemon-lime sherbet or green mint ice cream. It’s named after the green-hued Chicago River.
The Purple Cow
Invented in Los Angeles, this float uses vanilla ice cream topped with grape soda. The deep purple color gives this float its playful name.
These creative variations demonstrate how versatile ice cream floats can be. Classic soda and ice cream combos will never go out of style. But innovation pushes the boundaries, one float at a time.
The Great Ice Cream Float Debate Continues
So where does this leave us in resolving the optimal ice cream float preparation order? Unfortunately, there may never be a consensus. Enthusiasts on both sides hold strong convictions. But there are a few key conclusions to remember:
- Old-fashioned custom favors ice cream first.
- New trends encourage pouring soda first instead.
- Factors like carbonation level and ice cream softness affect results.
- Compromising with a float layers both ways.
- Creative new variations change the rules.
- Your personal preferences matter most!
Ice cream floats bring back nostalgia for a classic soda fountain treat. Embrace your own float enjoyment, regardless of preparation order or style. Stay open-minded to new innovations too. There’s a whole world of frozen drink possibilities out there to explore. The next legendary float variation could be right around the corner.
Conclusion
Ice cream floats ignite strong opinions about which ingredient should go in the glass first. Preferences span generations and world regions. Factors like texture, taste balance, and practicality all get considered. Old fashioned custom says ice cream first, but soda first has grown popular too. With reasonable arguments on both sides, it ultimately comes down to personal priorities. Seek your ideal float proportions, then sit back and enjoy this classic drink – whichever way it’s scooped or poured!