Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float Twist

A tall dessert glass filled with creamy vanilla soft-serve made from Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, sparkling pink berry soda, and layers of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Finished with a swirl of ice cream and a mint sprig, this refreshing British summer dessert drink is beautifully styled on a bright wooden table. Recipe and image by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Beat the heat with this Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float “Twist” — a creamy, fizzy, and fruity dessert made using Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix 2 L. This irresistible treat layers smooth vanilla soft-serve with homemade sparkling berry soda and fresh summer berries for a colourful, café-style finish that’s perfect for BBQs, garden parties, or weekend indulgence.

The Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix gives you a luxuriously creamy texture that holds its shape longer — ideal for floats and sundaes served in warm weather. Paired with a fizzy blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, this recipe delivers a refreshing burst of flavour in every sip and spoonful.”.

Course Beverage, Dessert Drink

Cuisine British (with a modern twist)

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix, British ice cream recipes, Ice cream float recipe UK, Sparkling berry soda recipe, Vanilla Berry Ice Cream Float

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Servings People

Calories 248

Ingredients

For the Soft Ice Cream:

600 ml 600 ml Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Homemade Sparkling Berry Soda (makes 400 ml):

100 g strawberries, chopped
50 g raspberries
50 g blueberries
2 tbsp caster sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp lemon juice
250 ml sparkling water (chilled)
Ice cubes (optional)

For Assembly:

Fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries (about 1 cup total)
4 mint sprigs for garnish
4 tall dessert glasses
Paper straws

Instructions

Make the Sparkling Berry Soda

Add strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan.
Simmer on low-medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the berries release their juices and soften.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract as much syrup as possible.
Allow the syrup to cool completely, then mix with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
Optional: Adjust sweetness with a little more syrup or sugar to taste.

Prepare the Ice Cream

Pour 600 ml of Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix into your soft-serve machine and churn until thick and creamy.
No machine? Freeze the mix in a shallow container for 1–1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches soft-serve texture.

Assemble the Floats

Add a few fresh berries to the bottom of each glass.
Pour in about 100 ml of the homemade sparkling berry soda.
Add one large swirl (or scoop) of soft ice cream.
Top with more berries and a mint sprig.
Add a straw and serve immediately — watch the fizz bubble up beautifully!

Notes

Recipe Notes – Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Float Twist

Use quality ice cream mix: The Arla Slower Melt Soft Ice Mix 2 L creates a rich, creamy texture that holds its shape longer — perfect for floats, sundaes, or summer dessert drinks.

Homemade berry soda: Fresh berries, lemon juice, and sparkling water make a naturally flavoured soda that’s lighter and more refreshing than store-bought versions.

Best served fresh: Assemble just before serving to keep the fizz lively and the soft-serve texture silky.

Chill everything: Keep the glasses, soda, and serving spoons cold to prevent premature melting.

Customise flavours: Swap berries for mango, peach, or cherry for different seasonal twists.

Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free soft-serve alternative and ensure your sugar and soda are vegan-friendly.

Make ahead: The berry syrup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh mint, edible flowers, or a drizzle of berry coulis for a professional café-style finish.

Nutrition