Happy Birthday, USA!
It’s Independence Day, stateside, and we have plans to swat mosquitos whilst leisurely bike riding. There will be cocktails, and grilled foods, and pups, and sparklers, and probably some other pyrotechnics.
Good, explosive, summer fun!
In celebration I made these easy soda floats including good, old American Whisky. We have TWO sauces, one deep, dark chocolate sauce with bitter notes from espresso, and one bright, sweet, and complex double cherry sauce. Both sauces benefit from a little of the whisky, making these floats decidedly adult. I used George Dickel Whisky in these floats — with it’s caramely notes and buttered popcorn finish, it’s a good match for the vanilla-chocolate-cherry situation, but really any booze you prefer will definitely do! These floats combine fiery whisky, rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, tart-sweet cherry, bubbles, and a bit of smokey salt — making these floats hit all kinds of flavors…kinda like an explosion…kinda like fireworks…see what I did there?
Anyway, I hope my fellow American’s are celebrating their independence in style, sipping drinks with pals, sharing meals, lounging like pros, and of course, hopefully lighting at least one thing on fire…like ya do. {Oh, and be safe…duh!}
Whisky Cherry Chocolate Soda Floats with Smoked Salt
This recipe is an easy, assembly job, just make the syrups ahead of time, layer with ice cream, and top with soda!
I used George Dickel Whisky, which was provided to me by their nice PR rep, Joseph. I was not compensated for using George Dickel in this recipe, I just liked it, and as always, all opinions are my own.
Whisky Chocolate Sauce (recipe below)
Whisky Cherry Sauce (recipe below)
Vanilla Ice Cream
Soda Water
Whisky
Whipped cream
Smoked Sea Salt (optional)
Layer sauces and ice cream in glasses. Add a shot of whisky and top it off with soda water. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of smoked salt.
Whisky Chocolate Sauce
Liberally adapted from The Perfect Scoop
You can use all sweetened condensed milk here, all maple, or even corn syrup if you prefer.
1 cup water
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 ounces chopped chocolate
2-4 tablespoons whisky
1/8 teaspoon smoked salt
In a saucepan whisk together water, espresso, cocoa, condensed milk, and maple. Heat over medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate until melted and combined. Whisk in the whisky, to taste, and salt. Cool completely before using.
Whisky Cherry Sauce
I used two kinds of cherries, sour and dark. I like the sweet-tart situation, but use whatever you like or have on hand.
1 cup sour cherries
1 cup dark, sweet cherries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons whisky
In a saucepan heat cherries and sugar over medium high until cherries release their juices and sugar dissolves. Continue to cook, bring to a boil, and simmer a few minute (5ish) until the juices become syrupy. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
Whipped Cream
You probably don’t need a recipe for this, but here it is anyway!
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
In a mixing bowl using a whisk or electric mixer, beat cream and sugar until medium peaks form. Serve immediately.
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Megan
I love this! I’d like to float away this holiday.
Too bad there aren’t sparkler straws, right?!
cindy
for real!
Tieghan
Yes! These are completely awesome and beautiful! Perfect for americas B-day!
Happy 4th of July!
cindy
thanks, Tieghan! have a fantastic holiday!
Eileen
I can’t say I would mind sipping one of these all afternoon! Sounds so perfect for the holiday. 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
So fun and festive!! Love all the colors and yes, we need sparkler straws. For real 😀
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
So fun!! These sound awesome!
Sarah
Your photos are heaven, as per usual! And I love a boozy choc-cherry milkshake. Always makes me act like Uma Thurman from Pulp Fiction.
Billy
I NEED SOME OF THOSE EDIBLE GOLD STARS IN MAH LIFE. AAAAAND SOME OF THOSE FLOATS RIGHT NOW.
cindy
hell yeah you do! hit up that craft store, yo!
Erika
OH-EM-GEE YES!! I could drink this everyday…
cindy
hell yeah! thanks, girl!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
Holy mega deliciousness! I’m officially craving one (or 5) of these floats.
cindy
yes! thanks, Amanda!
Christina @ Scaredy Cat Kitchen
Anything with whisky in it gets my vote!
Kasey
I hope you had a wonderful 4th! These definitely look like the right way to celebrate (though I think I’d have one AFTER my bike ride haha).
cindy
definitely post bike ride fare!
Nicole
Let’s count up our mosquito bites after the weekend, shall we? I have a million, you? 🙂 These soda floats are the prettiest! Whiskey Cherry and Whiskey Chocolate — YUM. I bought some George Dickel over the weekend and I haven’t had a chance to try, but I can’t wait to!
cindy
um, yeah…I have about the same amount. ha! I’m glad yo found some George Dickel! you’ll have to tell me what you think.
Meghan
I just was gifted some Dickel and was wondering what to do with it! Thanks for the inspiration!
cindy
nice! my husband really enjoyed it!