I’ve been meaning to try a hard cider float, and today was the day!  I’ve always thought a float would be best with a dark & sweet cider, and chose Spire Mountain Dark & Dry.  Woodchuck Barrel Select was a runner up, and yes I still have a six pack of that, and 2 or 3 six packs of Woodchuck Winter Chill!  I image folks who like spiced cider (I don’t) may like their float with spiced cider.  I looked for an all natural vanilla ice cream.  Unfortunately I couldn’t find any local Vanilla ice cream at Fred Meyer (only vanilla gelato, vanilla custard, and flavored ice cream), but Hagaan Dazs worked just fine.

Ingredients Required:
cider, chilled (approx. 6 oz)
vanilla ice cream (approx. half a cup)
tall glass
long spoon
(straw optional)

Instructions:
Scoop some ice cream into the glass (small chunks are easier)
Slowly pour cider (it may foam quite a bit)
Enjoy!

Bonus:
You likely have some extra cider left to drink afterwards!

The Verdict:
Quite tasty!  Very easy to make too.  I could barely tell there was any alcohol involved.  It looked just like a root beer float, and was kinda similar, although the foam was less sweet and the liquid tasted different.  I think I was spot-on with choosing Spire Dark & Dry.  I may have to try Woodchuck Barrel Select next, or maybe even Woodchuck Winter.  At the end of the day though, as much as I love cider, I may still prefer a root beer float.  Fun idea though!

Update:  I tried Woodchuck Barrel Select, and have to say it was even better!  For some reason the flavor worked even better, maybe due to the richness of the barrel aging?  Highly recommended to try a float with Barrel Select.  Unfortunately its a winter “Private Reserve” release from Woodchuck (that I stockpile along with Woodchuck Winter).