The Raspberry Wine Float is a playful and refreshing dessert cocktail that brings together creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh raspberries, and sparkling Moscato wine. It’s a sweet, bubbly treat with a fruity edge and a nostalgic nod to classic soda floats only this one’s made for grown-ups. Light, aromatic, and fun to serve, it’s perfect for summer evenings, brunches, or as a whimsical dessert drink at your next gathering.
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Tasting Notes
The Raspberry Wine Float blends creamy vanilla with light fruit notes and sparkling wine for a dessert-style drink that’s both refreshing and smooth. The sparkling Moscato adds a gentle sweetness and bright floral aroma, while the fresh raspberries bring just enough tart contrast to cut through the richness of the ice cream. As the ice cream melts, the drink takes on a milkshake-like texture, creating a sweet, fizzy treat perfect for sipping slowly. It’s approachable and satisfying, with flavors that balance fruit and cream in a light, celebratory format.
Equipment and Glassware
You won’t need any complicated bar tools for this drink. A standard ice cream scoop, a wine glass, and a spoon will do the job. A long-handled bar spoon or iced tea spoon helps guests stir as the ice cream softens. Using a wide-bowled wine glass or a stemless glass gives enough room for the ice cream scoops and prevents overflow as the sparkling wine is added. Chilling the glass beforehand keeps the drink cooler and slows the melting of the ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 6 oz sparkling Moscato wine
- 5 fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a wine glass.
- Drop in the raspberries, nestling them gently among the ice cream.
- Slowly pour the sparkling Moscato over the top, allowing the bubbles to rise without overflowing.
- Serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Chill the wine glass beforehand to keep the float cold longer
- Pour the Moscato slowly along the inside of the glass to reduce fizz
- Use fresh raspberries for best texture and flavor
- Swap in raspberry sorbet for a fruitier twist
- Choose a sweet Moscato—dry styles won’t pair as well with the ice cream
- Freeze raspberries briefly before serving for added chill
- A splash of raspberry liqueur can deepen the berry notes
- Serve with a long spoon and straw for sipping and scooping
When to Serve
This Raspberry Wine Float is perfect for brunches, summer gatherings, or as a dessert substitute at dinner parties. It works well on warm days when a cold, sweet drink is more appealing than a traditional dessert. It’s also a fun option for bridal showers or backyard celebrations where lighthearted drinks are welcome. Its casual presentation and sweet profile make it accessible to a variety of guests, and it’s easy to scale up for a group.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Sparkling Moscato:
- Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato
- Cupcake Moscato d’Asti
- Ruffino Moscato d’Asti
- Gancia Moscato
- Martini & Rossi Sparkling Moscato
Similar Cocktails
- Red Wine Float
- Pink Moscato Grapefruit Spritzer
- Raspberry Bourbon Smash
- Rum and Coke Float
- Boozy Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 6 oz sparkling Moscato wine
- 5 fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a wine glass.
- Drop in the raspberries, nestling them gently among the ice cream.
- Slowly pour the sparkling Moscato over the top, allowing the bubbles to rise without overflowing.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chill the wine glass beforehand to help the float stay cold longer.
- For added color, use golden raspberries or a mix of berries.
- Drizzle a touch of raspberry syrup over the ice cream for extra sweetness.