Frangelico Float Drink Recipe

The Frangelico Float is an ice cream based cocktail. The dominant flavor is chocolate, followed by strong notes of hazelnut.

This is a perfect dessert drink for obvious reasons, but it’s also great for parties. You can blend several servings’ worth and pour for a number of guests at once. The taste of the alcohol is almost undetectable, making it a hint with light drinkers.

Tasting Notes

This drink tastes like a grown-up chocolate milkshake. The texture is thick and creamy thanks to the ice cream and milk.

The first flavor you’ll notice is rich chocolate from the creme de cacao and syrup. Then the hazelnut comes in with a smooth, nutty finish from the Frangelico. It’s sweet, but not cloying.

A dash of whipped cream on top adds a light, fluffy contrast to the dense base. Grated hazelnuts bring a toasty crunch that helps break up the creaminess. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over it if you want.

Equipment & Glassware

You don’t need much, but using the right tools helps with texture and presentation.

• Blender: A standard countertop blender works. A high-speed model will make it extra smooth. Use pulse and short blends to avoid melting the ice cream.
• Highball glass: Tall, clear glass shows off the layers and whipped cream topping. A chilled glass is even better.
• Straw: Wide straws work best with thick shakes.
• Microplane or fine grater: To grate hazelnuts or chocolate over the whipped cream.

When to Serve

This drink is a true dessert in a glass, so it’s perfect after dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and feels special, making it a great closer for a cozy night at home or a small get-together.

It’s just as good at parties. You can blend a big batch and pour for guests without a lot of fuss, which makes it ideal for birthdays, holidays, and casual gatherings. Since the alcohol taste is soft, it’s a crowd-pleaser for folks who prefer lighter drinks.

Movie nights and summer cookouts are also great settings for it. It’s basically a milkshake with a little kick, so it fits right in with popcorn and snacks or as a cool treat on a hot evening. For date night, it’s sweet, shareable, and easy to dress up with a fancy garnish.

If you want to pair it with food, keep it simple: chocolate cake, tiramisu, brownies, hazelnut biscotti, or shortbread all play well with the drink’s chocolate-hazelnut vibe. Vanilla pound cake with berries is another solid match if you want something lighter alongside this rich float.

Pro Tips

• Pop the glass, milk, and even the liqueurs in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Colder ingredients mean a thicker float.
• Blend just until smooth. Overblending warms the mix and thins it out.
• If it’s too sweet, reduce chocolate syrup to 1/2 ounce and add a pinch of salt. If it’s not sweet enough, add 1/2 teaspoon sugar or another drizzle of syrup.
• Use full-fat ice cream and whole milk for the best body. Low-fat versions can taste icy or thin.
• Lightly toast hazelnuts before grating. Just 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven, then cool.
• Add 1/2 ounce vodka for more kick without changing the flavor much.
• Swap whole milk for 2% milk and reduce ice cream to 3/4 cup. Keep the blend quick to avoid ice crystals.
• For a vegan option, use a rich plant-based ice cream (oat or coconut) and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Check that your chocolate syrup is dairy-free.
• Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring. Add a tiny sprinkle of cocoa powder on the whipped cream.
• Multiply the recipe and blend in two rounds to avoid overfilling the blender. Keep the pitcher in the fridge between pours.

Related Cocktails

If this drink hits the spot, try these next:

• Satin Angel
• Grasshopper
• Brandy Alexander
• Godiva Chocolate Martini
• Nutty Irishman
• Mudslide
• Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cocktail