Floats.  Ice cream and soda.  So simple yet in my mind one of the most exciting vintage icons.

When I think of floats my mind transports to the basement of my great grandmother’s house.  I would walk down the green carpeted steeps to find a refrigerator stocked with root beer and birch beer (a clear, mild form of root beer) and she would make me a float.

Cloyingly sweet soda topped with foamy ice cream - I felt so important sipping on my fancy “mixed” beverage.

Many years later and the charm has yet to wear off.  I still get just as excited, and occasionally revert entirely to an adolescent state of immaturity and blow bubbles through my paper straws to watch the foam rise high above the rim of my glass.  That is what summer is for right?  Reverting to a state of carefree puerility which under normal circumstances is socially unacceptable.

These floats are something special.  Full of the flavors of summer and fresh raspberries yet maintaining the classic appeal which we cherish.

This is for you.  To drink, to remember, and to blow bubbles into - because deep down, we’re all dying to.  

Sincerely,  

   Pedantic Foodie

Raspberry Floats

recipe adapted from Bon Appetit / makes 6 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz fresh raspberries 
• 1 liter club soda or sparkling water
• 1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream 

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring often.  

Divide syrup and raspberries among glasses and mash gently.  Scoop about 1/2 cup ice cream into each glass and top with soda.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!