Red Wine Float

The Red Wine Float is a creative cocktail-dessert combination that turns an ordinary glass of wine into something playful and memorable. Creamy raspberry ice cream melts slowly into bold red wine, creating a mix of sweet and rich flavors with every sip. A splash of fizzy seltzer lightens the drink, adding a refreshing sparkle that keeps it from feeling too heavy. To make it even more special, the glass is lined with chocolate sauce, giving each taste an indulgent touch. Fun, slightly boozy, and full of flavor, the Red Wine Float is perfect for parties, celebrations, or casual evenings.

---

Tasting Notes

This Red Wine Float blends rich, fruity, and creamy elements in one playful drink. The red wine brings a dark berry depth that contrasts beautifully with the tart sweetness of raspberry ice cream. The chocolate sauce adds a dessert-like touch, giving each sip a smooth cocoa finish. Seltzer lightens the body, preventing it from becoming too heavy. As the ice cream melts, it transforms the drink into something closer to a grown-up milkshake with notes of red fruit, cream, and chocolate. It’s sweet, fizzy, and just slightly boozy perfect for dessert or casual celebrations.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a hurricane glass, bar spoon (or long spoon), and an ice cream scoop. The hurricane glass provides enough room for layering the ice cream, wine, and seltzer without overflowing. An ice cream scoop ensures a clean, generous portion of raspberry ice cream. A bar spoon is helpful for gently pouring and stirring if needed. Use a chilled glass to help keep the ice cream firm and slow the melt, which keeps the drink’s texture more balanced as it’s enjoyed.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz chocolate sauce (for lining the glass)
• 1 large scoop dark chocolate raspberry ice cream
• 3 oz red wine
• 2 oz seltzer

Instructions

• Drizzle chocolate sauce along the inside of a chilled hurricane glass.
• Add one large scoop of dark chocolate raspberry ice cream to the glass.
• Pour in red wine gently to avoid overflow.
• Top with seltzer and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Use chilled wine and seltzer to keep the float colder longer.
• Slowly pour wine down the side of the glass to minimize foam.
• Choose a bold red wine like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon for richer flavor.
• For a sweeter drink, use a red blend or dessert wine.
• Try freezing your glass ahead of time to help the ice cream hold up.
• Add shaved chocolate or raspberries on top for extra flair.
• Use sparkling red wine in place of seltzer for a twist.
• If layering cleanly is a priority, use a spoon to help control each pour.

When to Serve

The Red Wine Float fits perfectly as an after-dinner treat, especially when you’re skipping dessert but still want something sweet. It’s also great for Valentine’s Day, wine nights with friends, or outdoor patio sipping in the warmer months. Its playful presentation and mix of familiar flavors make it a hit at casual celebrations, date nights, or wine and chocolate-themed gatherings. It’s a fun conversation starter, and its unexpected ingredients give it a unique flair that suits more relaxed settings.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Red Wine
  • Apothic Red
  • 19 Crimes Red Blend
  • Layer Cake Shiraz
• Chocolate Sauce
  • Ghirardelli Premium Chocolate Sauce
  • Hershey’s Special Dark Syrup
  • Torani Chocolate Sauce

Similar Cocktails

• Red Sky Sour
• Sunset Sangria
• Cranberry Pineapple Sangria
• Red Moon Over Manhattan
• Purple Royale