Cornflake Cola Float Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Cornflake Cola Float is a non-alcoholic drink that captures the retro charm of a 1950s diner.

It’s creamy and indulgent with just two ingredients. First up, you’ll need to make some Cornflake Ice Cream. The best part is you don’t need an Ice Cream Maker.

This drink requires a bit of prep, so it’s best to plan for two days. You’ll refrigerate the Cornflakes and Whipped Cream overnight, strain it, and then freeze your newly Cornflake-infused Ice Cream for another night. Ready to mix? Let’s get started!

How To Make a Cornflake Cola Float

What You’ll Need

• Large Spoon
• Sieve
• Large Glass Bowl
• Medium Sized Glass Bowl
• Electric Egg Beater/Whisk
• Large Glass Container (with a lid)
• Ice Cream Scoop
• Tall Drinking Glass
• Drinking Straw

How to Mix

Day one – preparing the cream

1. Take a Large Glass Bowl and pour in half a liter of Whipping Cream (e.g. 40% fat).
2. Add 50 g of Cornflakes and stir the mixture thoroughly.
3. Put the Bowl in the refrigerator overnight.

Day two – preparing the ice cream

1. Remove the Bowl from the fridge.
2. Use a Sieve to strain the mixture into a Medium-Sized Bowl, pressing down on the Cornflakes with a spoon to extract all the Cream.
3. Use an Electric Eggbeater to whisk the Cream until it becomes fluffy with stiff peaks.
4. Pour in half a liter of Condensed Milk and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a Large Glass Container and freeze overnight.

Day three – making the drink

1. Remove your Cornflake Ice Cream from the freezer.
2. Take a Tall Drinking Glass and fill it ¾ full with Cola.
3. Use an Ice Cream Scoop to add one scoop of Cornflake Ice Cream into the glass.
4. Place a Drinking Straw in the glass and stir.
5. Sip and enjoy!

What is the Cornflake Cola Float?

The Cornflake Cola Float is a non-alcoholic beverage made with two ingredients – homemade cornflake ice cream and cola. 

What Does a Cornflake Cola Float Taste Like?

Creamy, indulgent and reminiscent of the kind of floats or milkshakes you’d find in a 1950s American diner. Cornflakes, creamy milk with the distinct caramel-like notes of cola, the Cornflake Cola Float is heavenly.

The History of the Cornflake Cola Float

While the exact history of the Cornflake Cola Float is unknown, the Cola Float is thought to have been invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, back in 1874. 

Legend has it that a soda fountain operator ran out of flavored sodas and decided to combine ice cream with the leftover soda water, thus inventing the first ice cream float.

The Cornflake Cola Float was made for an episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico in the spring of 2025.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cornflake Cola Float

Use your favorite Cola
Got a favorite brand of Cola? Then, that’s the one to use! When you’re making a drink with just two ingredients like this one, the quality of your ingredients will be the difference between an amazing drink and a so-so drink. 

Variations of the Cornflake Cola Float

Traditional Cola Float
A classic Cola Float uses Vanilla Ice Cream instead of Cornflake Ice Cream. It’s a recipe that has been used for over one hundred years.

Short on time? Use store bought Vanilla Ice Cream, and you can whip up a Cola Float in seconds! 

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Cornflake Cola Float

Serve the Cornflake Cola Float in a Milkshake Glass with a straw for that classic 1950s diner vibe.