Strawberry Moscato Float

This Strawberry Moscato Float is all about mood, not complicated steps or fancy techniques. I first made one on a warm afternoon when I wanted something sweet but did not want a full dessert. It landed right in the middle. It felt fun, light, and just rich enough to feel like a treat without going overboard.

What makes this drink work so well is how familiar the ingredients are. Moscato, fresh strawberries, and vanilla ice cream are all easy to recognize, but together they feel playful and a little unexpected. I like this cocktail because it keeps things relaxed. It is simple to make, easy to enjoy, and always gets a good reaction when it hits the table. This Strawberry Moscato Float fits a lot of moments. It works for brunch, summer parties, bridal showers, birthdays, or low-key nights when you want something sweet without much effort.

Why You Will Love This

The Strawberry Moscato Float is designed to be fun first. It is sweet, bubbly, creamy, and simple in the best way.

• Combines dessert and cocktails in one glass
• Sweet without feeling heavy
• Easy to make with minimal prep
• Great for wine lovers
• Crowd friendly and visually appealing
• Perfect for warm weather gatherings

Once you serve it, people usually stop mid sip to comment on how fun it is. That reaction alone makes it worth keeping.

Ingredients

This cocktail works because each ingredient supports the others without overpowering the drink. The balance between wine, fruit, bubbles, and cream is what makes it shine.

• 2 oz pink Moscato
• 1 oz strawberry liqueur
• 1 oz strawberry soda
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• Strawberry for garnish

Pink Moscato provides gentle sweetness and light body. Strawberry liqueur adds depth and reinforces the fruit flavor. Strawberry soda brings bubbles and keeps the drink from feeling too rich. Vanilla ice cream gives the float its creamy texture and dessert appeal. The garnish adds freshness and makes the drink feel finished.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Because this cocktail is light and sweet, quality does not need to mean expensive. Choose options that taste good on their own.

• Barefoot Pink Moscato for an easy and affordable choice
• Stella Rosa Pink Moscato for extra sweetness
• DeKuyper Strawberry Liqueur for a classic profile
• Bols Strawberry Liqueur for a brighter fruit note
• Sparkling strawberry water instead of soda for less sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet drink, choose a drier Moscato and reduce the strawberry liqueur slightly. For an alcohol free version, sparkling grape juice works well.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail does not require much equipment, which makes it great for casual entertaining.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Spoon
• Wine Glass

A clear glass works best so you can see the layers. A wider glass also gives the ice cream room to sit without overflowing.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together quickly and is best assembled just before serving.

1. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a glass.
2. In a shaker, combine the strawberry soda and strawberry liqueur. Shake gently to mix.
3. Pour the strawberry mixture over the ice cream in the glass.
4. Top with pink Moscato and, if desired, add an additional scoop of ice cream.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and serve immediately.

Serve right away so the ice cream stays cold and the bubbles stay lively.

Pro Tips

These tips help keep your Strawberry Moscato Float balanced and picture ready.

• Chill all liquid ingredients before assembling
• Use good quality vanilla ice cream
• Pour slowly to avoid overflow
• Shake gently to preserve carbonation
• Serve immediately for best texture
• Use ripe strawberries for garnish
• Choose a glass with enough room

Once you get comfortable, adjusting ratios can help you tailor sweetness and strength.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to customize depending on preferences and occasion.

• Make it alcohol free with sparkling strawberry soda and grape juice
• Use strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla
• Add a splash of lemon soda for brightness
• Swap Moscato for rosé wine
• Add whipped cream on top for extra dessert flair

Each variation keeps the playful dessert feel while offering something new.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Strawberry Moscato Float works best when things are relaxed and social. It is not meant to be rushed.

Serve it at brunch, summer parties, bridal showers, birthday gatherings, or casual evenings with friends. It also works well as a dessert replacement.

• Light pastries or scones
• Fresh fruit platters
• Shortbread cookies
• Other wine based cocktails

Keeping food simple lets the float stay the focus.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail should always be made fresh. Ice cream floats do not hold well once assembled.

If prepping for a group, chill all ingredients and scoop ice cream just before serving. Assemble each drink individually for best results.

FAQs

Is this cocktail very sweet?
It leans sweet, but the soda and wine keep it light.

Can I use regular Moscato instead of pink?
Yes. Pink Moscato adds color, but regular works fine.

Can I make this ahead of time?
No. It should be assembled right before serving.

What glass works best?
A large wine glass or float glass works well.

Can I skip the ice cream?
You can, but it will no longer be a float.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Strawberry Moscato Float, here are a few other fun dessert style cocktails to try next.

• Blue Raspberry Vodka Lemonade
• Tao’s Bubbles & Berries
• Peppermint Mudslide
• Strawberry Avenue
• Tropical Rainbow Colada