National Ice Cream Float Day

A joyful child with drips of ice cream floating in the air, dressed in colorful summer clothes, enjoying a sunny park picnic.. — National ice cream float day illustration

Ah, National Ice Cream Float Day! A day filled with creamy deliciousness and fizzy refreshment. It's the perfect excuse to indulge in a classic treat that combines the best of both worlds - ice cream and soda. So, grab your favorite flavor and let's dive into the history of this sweet and bubbly celebration!

When is Ice Cream Float Day?

It's national ice cream float day on the 20th June.

A Match Made in Dessert Heaven

Ice cream floats have been bringing joy to taste buds around the world for decades. The combination of cold, creamy ice cream and fizzy soda creates a truly magical experience that tickles your palate and delights your senses.

While the origins of the ice cream float are not entirely clear, it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century. In those days, soda fountains were all the rage, and inventive soda jerks started experimenting with different flavors.

Legend has it that the first ice cream float was created by accident when a soda jerk ran out of ice for a customer's soda. Without missing a beat, the resourceful jerk scooped some vanilla ice cream into the glass and topped it off with a fruity syrup. Voila! The soda float was born.

A Scoop of Fun Fact

Did you know that the most popular ice cream float flavor is the classic root beer float? It's no wonder - the combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and the rich, slightly spicy flavor of root beer is a match made in dessert heaven. Don't believe us? Give it a try!

History behind the term 'Ice Cream Float'

1874

The birth of the soda fountain

In 1874, the soda fountain machine was invented by a man named Gustavus D. Dows. This machine allowed for the mixing of carbonated water with various flavored syrups, creating a refreshing drink that became popular across America. Soda fountains quickly became the go-to place for people to socialize and enjoy a cool beverage.

1874

The Origin of Ice Cream Soda

The term 'ice cream float' can be traced back to the origins of the ice cream soda. In 1874, Robert McCay Green, a Philadelphia soda fountain owner, invented the first ice cream soda accidentally. Legend has it that one day, Green ran out of flavored syrup for his carbonated water and decided to use vanilla ice cream as a substitute. The combination of the ice cream and soda water created a fizzy, creamy drink that quickly became popular.

1874

The birth of the ice cream soda

In 1874, the ice cream soda was created by Robert McCay Green, a Philadelphia soda fountain owner. His invention quickly became a popular treat, consisting of soda water, flavored syrup, and a scoop of ice cream. Customers were delighted by the combination of the fizzy soda with the smooth creaminess of the ice cream.

1874

The invention of the ice cream soda

In 1874, Robert M. Green, an American entrepreneur, invented the ice cream soda. By combining carbonated water and flavored syrup with a scoop of ice cream, Green created a delightful fizzy treat. It quickly became popular across the United States, especially in soda fountains and drugstores.

1874

Introduction of the ice cream soda

The term 'ice cream float' originated from the early days of the ice cream soda. In 1874, the ice cream soda was invented by Robert McCay Green in Philadelphia. This delightful treat consisted of carbonated soda water, flavored syrup, and a scoop of ice cream. The combination of the foamy soda and creamy ice cream created a refreshing and indulgent drink that quickly gained popularity.

1874

The Birth of Carbonated Beverages

In 1874, the first carbonated beverage, known as soda water, was introduced. Carbonated beverages quickly gained popularity due to their refreshing and bubbly nature. People enjoyed the effervescence and began experimenting with different ways to enhance the flavor of these drinks.

1874

Birth of the carbonated soda.

In 1874, the carbonated soda was introduced by Robert M. Green. This new and bubbly beverage quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among soda lovers.

1874

The First Ice Cream Float

In 1874, the first documented ice cream float, also known as the 'ice cream soda,' was created by Robert McCay Green, a Philadelphia soda vendor. Green had run out of sweet cream for his flavored sodas and was forced to use vanilla ice cream instead. The combination of the fizzy soda and the velvety ice cream created an instant sensation.

1874

The Birth of Carbonated Beverages

In 1874, the first carbonated beverages hit the market, offering a refreshing alternative to plain water. These fizzy drinks were initially infused with flavors like lemon, root beer, and sarsaparilla, captivating the taste buds of consumers. This marked the beginning of a new era for thirst-quenching beverages.

1876

Soda Fountains Enter the Scene

Two years later, in 1876, the first soda fountain was unveiled by Robert McCay Green in Philadelphia. Soda fountains quickly became popular gathering places, serving up cold carbonated drinks to patrons thrilled by this novel experience. The carbonated concoctions were made by combining flavored syrup with carbonated water, producing a delightful effervescence.

1880

Ice Cream Soda Fountains

By 1880, ice cream soda fountains became popular gathering places in America. Soda jerks would mix flavored syrup with carbonated water to create soda and then add a scoop of ice cream on top. These fountains served as social hubs where people could enjoy refreshing ice cream floats while socializing with friends and family.

1876

The Invention of Ice Cream Soda

In 1876, a new and exciting variation of carbonated beverages was invented. Ice cream soda, also known as a float, was created by adding a scoop of ice cream to a glass of soda water. This delightful combination of creamy ice cream and fizzy soda quickly became a sensation, attracting people of all ages.

1876

The accidental float

Two years later, a customer at Robert Green's soda fountain named George Hall became creative with his order. He requested a scoop of ice cream to be added to his already delicious ice cream soda. By mistake, the clerk added the ice cream before pouring the soda water. Surprisingly, the customer loved this unintentional creation and declared it even better than the original ice cream soda. The accidental float was born!

1880

The Birth of the Term 'Float'

The term 'float' was first used to describe the combination of soda water and ice cream. It was derived from the process of floating a scoop of ice cream on top of the soda. Due to its popularity, soda fountain owners across the United States started adding different flavored syrups to create a variety of floats, expanding the concept beyond just vanilla ice cream.

1876

The introduction of ice cream

Two years later, in 1876, ice cream became a common addition to the soda fountain menu. Ice cream parlors began popping up, providing customers with a delightful and indulgent treat. The combination of soda and ice cream soon became a favorite among visitors to the soda fountains.

1880

The evolution of the soda fountain

As soda fountains became increasingly popular in drugstores and soda shops during the late 19th century, creative individuals began experimenting with different soda and ice cream combinations. Inspired by the success of the ice cream soda, people started adding ice cream to various flavored sodas to create new and exciting drinks. This experimentation eventually led to the birth of the 'ice cream float.'

1876

Introduction of the term 'float'

The term 'float' was first used in 1876 to describe the addition of ice cream to soda water. It is believed to have originated from the practice of ice cream scoops floating on top of the carbonated drink, creating a visually appealing and delicious beverage.

1876

Introducing flavored syrup.

Two years later, in 1876, flavored syrup was invented by George Guy. This innovation allowed soda shop owners to add various flavors to their carbonated drinks, providing customers with a wider range of choices.

1893

Transition to 'Ice Cream Float'

The term 'ice cream soda' started to transition to 'ice cream float' in the late 19th century. The main reason behind this shift was the growing temperance movement against soda fountains serving soda with strong alkaline flavorings. The term 'float' was seen as a way to downplay the soda content and focus more on the ice cream, making it more socially acceptable for all ages.

1877

The creation of the ice cream float

It was in 1877 that the term 'ice cream float' was first mentioned in print. An article in a Philadelphia newspaper described the concoction as a mixture of soda water, syrup, and ice cream. The ice cream float quickly gained popularity and became a staple on soda fountain menus throughout the country.

1881

The Term 'Ice Cream Float' Emerges

By 1881, the term 'ice cream float' had emerged as the commonly used name for this refreshing treat. The name perfectly described the visual effect created when the ice cream floated on top of the fizzy soda. This term quickly gained popularity and became widely recognized across various regions.

1878

An Unexpected Delight

In 1878, a creative innovation occurred at a soda fountain in Philadelphia. It is said that a young boy named George C. Scott added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to his carbonated beverage on a whim. The resulting combination was an instant hit, offering a delightful blend of effervescence and creamy sweetness. The ice cream float was born!

1881

Creation of the ice cream soda.

The year 1881 marked the creation of the ice cream soda, a delightful combination of soda water, flavored syrup, and a scoop of ice cream. This delectable treat became immensely popular, particularly during hot summer days.

1893

The soda jerk's creation

The term 'float' was adopted by the soda jerks, the skilled individuals who worked behind the soda fountain counters. These talented mixologists became experts at creating exquisite and visually appealing ice cream concoctions. By carefully floating a scoop of ice cream on top of flavored soda, they would produce a drink that resembled a floating cloud, which was undoubtedly a delightful sight for customers.

Late 19th century

The birth of 'ice cream float'

The term 'ice cream float' gained popularity in the late 19th century as a descriptive name for the delightful combination of ice cream and soda. Featuring various flavors and combinations, ice cream floats became a favorite treat at soda fountains and local ice cream parlors, offering a refreshing and indulgent experience to people of all ages.

1880

Popularization and name change

By the 1880s, word about the delightful combination of soda and ice cream had spread across the United States. Soda shops and ice cream parlors began serving this treat, which eventually acquired the name 'ice cream float.' The term 'float' was given because the ice cream seemed to 'float' on top of the soda, creating a visually appealing and tasty treat.

1881

The Introduction of 'Ice Cream Soda'

Frank Epperson, a confectionery shop owner in California, is often credited with introducing the term 'ice cream soda' in 1881. He trademarked the name and popularized the drink further. The ice cream soda became a beloved treat, especially during the hot summer months when people sought refreshing, cold beverages.

1880

Expanding Flavors and Popularity

As the 1880s rolled in, ice cream floats gained popularity across the United States. Various flavors of ice cream were introduced, allowing for creative and personalized combinations. Classic choices like root beer floats and coke floats became beloved staples, captivating the palates of ice cream enthusiasts nationwide.

Early 20th century

Widespread popularity

During the early 20th century, ice cream floats became a beloved treat across the United States. Soda fountains and ice cream parlors sprouted up in cities and towns, attracting people of all ages who craved the refreshing combination of soda and ice cream. The widespread popularity of ice cream floats solidified the term and established it as a classic American treat.

1904

St. Louis World's Fair

The ice cream float gained nationwide popularity during the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Many ice cream vendors showcased their versions of the treat, attracting a wide audience and leaving a lasting impact on American culture. This event solidified the ice cream float as a well-loved dessert and further spread its popularity.

1880s

Evolution of flavors

As the popularity of ice cream floats grew, soda fountain owners began experimenting with different flavors and combinations. New and exciting variations emerged, such as the root beer float and the orange float. These innovative creations added even more variety to the already beloved treat.

20th Century

Expansion and experimentation

Throughout the 20th century, ice cream floats continued to grow in popularity. The concept of combining ice cream and soda inspired people to experiment with different flavors and variations. From classic combinations like root beer and vanilla ice cream to more creative mixes like orange soda and chocolate ice cream, the possibilities were endless.

1885

Float your way into indulgence.

In 1885, an inventive twist on the classic ice cream soda emerged. The idea of adding a scoop of ice cream to just the soda, without the flavored syrup, resulted in what we now know as the 'ice cream float'. The creamy texture of the ice cream floating in the bubbly soda created a delightful contrast and soon became a beloved beverage among soda fountain enthusiasts.

1893

The Evolution to 'Ice Cream Float'

As the popularity of ice cream sodas grew, variations of the drink emerged. One variation involved replacing the soda water with carbonated root beer, creating a new type of float. It is believed that this led to the term 'ice cream float' being used to describe this specific variation of the drink.

1893

Root beer float hits the scene

In 1893, the root beer float was introduced at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This variation replaced the traditional soda water with root beer, providing a unique and flavorful twist. The root beer float gained popularity and became a classic favorite among both children and adults alike.

20th Century and Beyond

Continued Popularity and Creative Variations

Throughout the 20th century, ice cream floats remained a beloved treat, evolving in flavors and presentations. From the addition of fruits and syrups to alcohol-infused versions for adults, the possibilities for experimentation were endless. Ice cream floats are now cherished as nostalgic beverages, offering a taste of yesteryear while still maintaining a presence in modern dessert culture.

1919

Prohibition and Dry Ice Cream Floats

During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), the consumption of alcohol was banned in the United States. This led to the creation of 'dry' ice cream floats, where no alcohol was used. Some creative soda jerks even styled non-alcoholic concoctions to resemble popular alcoholic drinks, providing customers with an alternative way to enjoy the flavors they missed.

20th century

Ice cream floats gain popularity worldwide.

Throughout the 20th century, ice cream floats gained popularity worldwide. From classic flavors like root beer floats in the United States to unconventional variations like the Coca-Cola float in Japan, people around the globe indulged in these refreshing and delightful treats.

20th century

Expansion and creative variations

Throughout the 20th century, the ice cream float continued to evolve and expand. Many creative variations emerged using different flavors of soda and ice cream. Some popular variations include the Coke float, orange float, and even alcoholic versions for adults. Despite the varied options, the simple pleasure of combining fizzy soda and creamy ice cream remained at the heart of every ice cream float creation.

20th century

Continued popularity

Throughout the 20th century, ice cream floats remained a beloved treat for people of all ages. They became a symbol of nostalgia, evoking memories of carefree summer days and fun outings to the local soda fountain. Today, ice cream floats continue to be enjoyed around the world, with countless flavor combinations and variations.

Present Day

Favored by All Ages

Today, ice cream floats remain a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a staple at ice cream parlors, soda fountains, and even at home. The combination of cold ice cream and fizzy soda creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and indulgent experience.