If you’re looking to elevate your summer gatherings or simply indulge in a delightful treat, the Homemade Strawberry Vodka with Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe transforms fresh, juicy strawberries into a beautifully infused vodka that becomes the secret star when combined with creamy vanilla bean ice cream and strawberry juice to craft irresistible spiked strawberry shortcake ice cream floats. It’s the perfect blend of fruity freshness, silky sweetness, and a spirited kick that will have you savoring every sip and scoop with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential for crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role: fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and sweetness, vodka acts as the bold infusion base, and vanilla ice cream adds that luscious creaminess needed to complete your float.
- 16 ounces strawberries (hulled and sliced): Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Approximately 2 cups Everclear (190 proof): This high-proof spirit extracts maximum flavor from the strawberries for a clean, potent infusion.
- 1 3/4 cup filtered water: Adds balance when creating the simple syrup, ensuring a smooth sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that perfectly complements the strawberry flavors.
- 1/4 cup simple syrup: Sweetens the vodka infusion without overpowering the fresh strawberry essence.
- Vanilla bean ice cream: The creamy base of the ice cream floats, adding richness and cooling contrast.
- 1 cup strawberry juice (or a berry blend juice): Adds bright fruitiness to the float while helping to lighten the alcohol.
- 3 ounces Strawberry Shortcake Vodka: The deliciously infused vodka that brings everything to life with a spirited touch.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Vodka with Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Strawberry Vodka
Start by washing, hulling, and slicing your fresh strawberries to release their sweet juices. Place them in a large, clean jar, then carefully pour in the Everclear. Seal the jar and give it a gentle shake. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 48 hours, allowing those bright berry flavors to fully infuse into the vodka. This patient step is key to capturing the pure essence of strawberries in every drop.
Step 2: Prepare the Simple Syrup and Blend
While your vodka is infusing, make a simple syrup by combining 1 3/4 cup filtered water with 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat and let it cool. After infusion, strain the vodka to remove strawberry solids, then stir in the simple syrup and vanilla extract. This mixture balances the flavor, adding smooth sweetness and aromatic warmth to your homemade strawberry vodka base.
Step 3: Assemble the Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats
Grab your favorite tall glasses and scoop a generous amount of creamy vanilla bean ice cream into each. Pour over a shot (around 3 ounces) of your infused strawberry vodka, followed by about 1/4 cup fresh strawberry juice or berry blend juice. The floating ice cream melts slowly into the fruity spirit, creating an indulgent, creamy cocktail that’s both refreshing and decadent. Give it a gentle stir and get ready to dive into summer bliss!
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Vodka with Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding a few strawberry slices or a sprig of fresh mint on top of each float. A light dusting of crushed vanilla wafers or shortcake crumbs sprinkled over the ice cream will bring that authentic strawberry shortcake vibe to your glass. These little details make each serving feel like a festive celebration in a glass.
Side Dishes
This boozy, creamy treat pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think a platter of assorted fresh fruits, buttery shortbread cookies, or even a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette. These sides complement the sweetness of the floats and keep the experience balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your spiked strawberry shortcake ice cream floats in mason jars or vintage milkshake glasses. Add fun, reusable straws or colorful paper umbrellas to bring a playful, nostalgic feel. You might even rim the glasses with crushed shortcake or sugar to add a delightful crunch at every sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade strawberry vodka will last for several weeks when stored in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled and tightly covered to preserve freshness and flavor. Once infused, it’s ready whenever you want to whip up a special treat without starting from scratch.
Freezing
While the vodka itself doesn’t freeze well due to its alcohol content, your prepared floats can be assembled halfway and frozen for a short time. For example, you can scoop the ice cream into glasses and freeze them separately to speed up serving later, then just add the vodka and juice fresh.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t recommended. The creamy ice cream melts perfectly at room temperature or when chilled just right, so keep everything nice and cool for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use regular vodka instead of Everclear?
Absolutely! While Everclear provides a stronger infusion and clearer flavor extraction, you can use regular vodka if you prefer a milder spirit. Just note that the infusion time might be a little longer to achieve a similar intensity.
How long does the infused strawberry vodka last?
Stored properly in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator, your strawberry vodka can last up to 4 weeks. The flavor might mellow over time, but it remains delicious and perfect for cocktails throughout.
What other ice cream flavors work well in the floats?
While vanilla bean is classic and delicious, you can experiment with strawberry, cream cheese, or even a light lemon sorbet to add a different but complementary twist to your floats.
Is the simple syrup necessary?
The simple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of strawberries and the strength of alcohol. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or substitute with honey syrup for a unique flavor.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Definitely! Skip the Everclear and vodka and instead use strawberry juice or sparkling water with a splash of vanilla extract. The floats will still be creamy, refreshing, and bursting with strawberry goodness—perfect for all ages.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Homemade Strawberry Vodka with Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats Recipe is a showstopper you’ll want to make over and over again. It beautifully blends fresh, natural flavors with a boozy kick and creamy indulgence, making it a perfect companion for warm afternoons, celebrations with friends, or whenever you’re craving something truly special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite summer tradition!
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Homemade Strawberry Vodka with Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2880 minutes (48 hours infusion)
- Total Time: 2885 minutes (48 hours and 5 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful homemade strawberry vodka that’s infused with fresh strawberries and vanilla, perfect for mixing into delicious spiked strawberry shortcake ice cream floats. This recipe yields a smooth, flavorful vodka that incorporates the natural sweetness of strawberries, enhanced by simple syrup and vanilla extract to create a luscious adult treat.
Ingredients
For Strawberry Vodka
- 16 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups Everclear (190 proof)
- 1 3/4 cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
For Ice Cream Floats
- Vanilla bean ice cream (quantity as desired)
- 1 cup strawberry juice (or berry blend juice)
- 3 ounces homemade Strawberry Shortcake Vodka
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Vodka: In a large jar or container, combine the sliced strawberries with the Everclear and filtered water. Stir gently to mix. Seal the container tightly and let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 48 hours (2 days) to extract the strawberry essence fully.
- Strain and Flavor: After infusion, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove strawberry solids, pressing gently to extract all liquid. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and simple syrup until fully incorporated, adjusting sweetness to taste. Refrigerate the vodka until ready to use.
- Make Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Floats: In each serving glass, add 2-3 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. Pour 1 cup of strawberry juice and 3 ounces of the homemade strawberry vodka over the ice cream. Serve immediately with a spoon and straw for a refreshing adult dessert float.
Notes
- Use high-proof Everclear for best infusion results and purity of flavor.
- Infusion time can be extended up to 72 hours for a stronger strawberry flavor, but do not exceed 3 days to avoid bitter notes.
- Simple syrup can be adjusted according to your desired sweetness level.
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and ripe for optimal flavor.
- Store your strawberry vodka in a sealed container in the refrigerator, consume within 2 weeks for best taste.
- Ice cream floats are best enjoyed immediately to prevent melting.
