I revisit the retro Creamsicle Drink, combining orange soda, vanilla vodka, and a cloud of whipped cream into a clever adult take on a childhood favorite.

Jump to Recipe

I always test dumb ideas at home and this orange creamsicle cocktail surprised me. Bright, bold and oddly refreshing, it hits like a soda float for grown ups.

I used vanilla vodka and orange soda to keep the vibe simple, but somehow it reads nostalgic and a little wild at the same time. Think Creamsicle Drink and Fruity Cocktail Recipes Vodka energy, but not exactly what you expect.

I kept one secret garnish I wont reveal here so the first sip gives that little whoa moment. If you like surprises, you shouldnt wait long to try it.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Vanilla vodka: clear spirit, adds boozy vanilla flavor, no fiber, low protein, high alcohol calories.
Orange liqueur: sweet, citrusy, adds orange depth and sugar, more carbs than straight vodka.
Orange soda: fizzy and sweet, packed with sugars and carbs, gives bright citrus fizz.
Heavy cream or ice cream: makes it creamy-rich, adds fat and calories, small protein.
Whipped cream: light topping, more sugar and fat, just a fun sweet finish on top.
Maraschino cherry: sugary garnish, adds color and tiny sweetness, almost no nutrients besides sugar.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vanilla vodka (about 60 ml)

1/2 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec (15 ml, optional)

3 to 4 oz orange soda (Fanta, Crush, or similar; about 90-120 ml)

1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half (30 ml) or 1 small scoop vanilla ice cream

Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Ice cubes

Orange slice for garnish (optional)

Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Chill a Collins or highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or at least add a couple ice cubes to cool it down.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes.

3. Add 2 oz vanilla vodka and 1/2 oz orange liqueur if you’re using it.

4. For the creamy version add 1 oz heavy cream or half and half to the shaker. If you want the real creamsicle vibe use one small scoop of vanilla ice cream instead but dont put the ice cream in the shaker.

5. If you added cream, shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and a little frothy. If you used ice cream, skip the shake and just spoon the ice cream into the chilled glass.

6. Strain the shaken mix into your glass over fresh ice. If you used ice cream, leave room at the top.

7. Slowly top with 3 to 4 oz orange soda so it fizzes up a bit and stays bright. Give it one gentle stir so the cream and soda combine but dont kill all the bubbles.

8. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top if you want it extra dessert like.

9. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, pop a straw in, and serve right away while it’s fizzy and cold.

10. Quick tips: use cold vodka and cold soda, dont overdo the cream or it’ll flatten the fizz, and if you want a frothier texture blend briefly for a couple seconds instead of shaking.

Equipment Needed

1. Collins or highball glass, chilled youll want it very cold
2. Cocktail shaker with lid
3. Jigger or measuring shot glass for the 2 oz and 1/2 oz measures
4. Strainer (or use the shaker’s built in strainer)
5. Long bar spoon for gentle stirring
6. Ice scoop or tongs and plenty of ice cubes
7. Small scoop or spoon for adding the ice cream and whipped cream
8. Paring knife and small cutting board for the orange slice and cherry

FAQ

Q: Can I make this non alcoholic? A: Yes, just swap the vanilla vodka for a vanilla flavored non alcoholic spirit or a splash of vanilla syrup, and skip the orange liqueur. You still get that creamsicle vibe.

Q: Is there a difference between using cream and using ice cream? A: Yes. Heavy cream gives a silky smooth cocktail and stays mixed. Ice cream makes it thicker and more dessert like, and it will slowly melt into the soda.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Not really. Once you add the soda it gets flat, so mix vodka and cream ahead and keep chilled, then add soda right before serving.

Q: What if I dont have vanilla vodka? A: Use plain vodka plus 1/4 to 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 oz vanilla syrup. Taste as you go, you dont want it too sweet.

Q: Any good garnish ideas? A: Orange wheel, maraschino cherry, or a little whipped cream. A tiny zest of orange on top adds extra aroma.

Q: Can kids have this version with ice cream? A: No, this recipe contains alcohol so keep it adult only. Make a kid friendly float by using vanilla soda or orange soda with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and no booze.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vanilla vodka: swap for plain vodka plus 1 4th tsp vanilla extract, or use vanilla rum, or a sweet vanilla liqueur like Licor 43
Orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec): use Grand Marnier, orange curaçao, or skip it and add an extra 1 2 oz orange soda or 1 oz fresh orange juice
Orange soda: replace with equal parts fresh orange juice and club soda for a fresher creamsicle, or use cream soda for a sweeter, richer drink
Heavy cream or vanilla ice cream: use full fat coconut milk or coconut cream for dairy free, or try whole milk plus 1 2 tsp simple syrup if you want it lighter

Pro Tips

– Keep everything icy cold. vodka, soda, and the glass. Warm stuff kills the bubbles fast so chill stuff ahead and the drink stays bright longer.

– Pour the soda slowly, down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it fizzes up but doesnt go flat right away. A gentle stir, not a hard mix, keeps the carbonation.

– If you use ice cream, skip shaking and spoon it into the chilled glass, or blitz the mix in a blender for 1 or 2 seconds for froth. dont blend long or it turns to milkshake and loses the soda sparkle.

– Watch the cream to soda ratio, a little cream gives silkiness but too much will flatten the fizz. If it seems too sweet or heavy, cut back on orange liqueur or use a less sugary soda, or add a tiny squeeze of lemon to brighten it.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I revisit the retro Creamsicle Drink, combining orange soda, vanilla vodka, and a cloud of whipped cream into a clever adult take on a childhood favorite.

Servings

servings

Calories

323

kcal

Equipment: 1. Collins or highball glass, chilled youll want it very cold
2. Cocktail shaker with lid
3. Jigger or measuring shot glass for the 2 oz and 1/2 oz measures
4. Strainer (or use the shaker’s built in strainer)
5. Long bar spoon for gentle stirring
6. Ice scoop or tongs and plenty of ice cubes
7. Small scoop or spoon for adding the ice cream and whipped cream
8. Paring knife and small cutting board for the orange slice and cherry

Ingredients

2 oz vanilla vodka (about 60 ml)
1/2 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec (15 ml, optional)
3 to 4 oz orange soda (Fanta, Crush, or similar; about 90-120 ml)
1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half (30 ml) or 1 small scoop vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Ice cubes
Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

Directions

Chill a Collins or highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or at least add a couple ice cubes to cool it down.
Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes.
Add 2 oz vanilla vodka and 1/2 oz orange liqueur if you're using it.
For the creamy version add 1 oz heavy cream or half and half to the shaker. If you want the real creamsicle vibe use one small scoop of vanilla ice cream instead but dont put the ice cream in the shaker.
If you added cream, shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and a little frothy. If you used ice cream, skip the shake and just spoon the ice cream into the chilled glass.
Strain the shaken mix into your glass over fresh ice. If you used ice cream, leave room at the top.
Slowly top with 3 to 4 oz orange soda so it fizzes up a bit and stays bright. Give it one gentle stir so the cream and soda combine but dont kill all the bubbles.
Add a swirl of whipped cream on top if you want it extra dessert like.
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, pop a straw in, and serve right away while it's fizzy and cold.
Quick tips: use cold vodka and cold soda, dont overdo the cream or it'll flatten the fizz, and if you want a frothier texture blend briefly for a couple seconds instead of shaking.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.