I got these cute leprechaun straws, so I wanted to make a fun drink. My St. Patrick’s Day recipes around here usually default to things that are mint chocolate because that’s one of my favorite flavor combos and, well, it’s green. But everyone knows the infamous “Shamrock Shake” is basically just vanilla ice cream with peppermint and food coloring and I feel like it’s totally been overdone on food blogs, so I wanted something green, but not minty, and something my kids would still like. They’re all about fruity and fizzy and I’m all about coconut and lime-y so I went with that. These Creamy Coconut-Lime Floats would be super easy to whip up for St. Patrick’s day or a warm summer afternoon, and it’s a great one for kids to help with.
Ingredients Needed
This is just a preview of ingredients and method, keep scrolling for full printable recipe.
- Ice
- Half and half – Or cream. I wouldn’t use milk, as the fat in half and half or cream is what helps everything have a cohesive texture.
- Cream of coconut – Cream of coconut is not coconut milk. You can find it in either a can or preferably a squeeze bottle in the section of the grocery store where you find alcoholic drink mixers like pina colada and margaritas, etc. We use cream of coconut in a lot of recipes, so you’ll have plenty of reasons to use the leftovers!
- Lime sherbet
- Lemon-lime soda – Sprite, 7-Up, Sierra Mist, etc.
- Green food coloring – Optional.
- Sweetened whipped cream and gold sprinkles – Optional.
How to Make Creamy Coconut-Lime Floats
- You’ll start with some ice in your blender. Add in some half and half and cream of coconut. If you want to make it green, add a couple of drops of green food coloring. Blend that all up and pour into some glasses.
- Next add a scoop of lime sherbet to each glass, and then pour your favorite lemon-lime soda over the top.
- op with a little whipped cream, and if you like- some flecks of gold to attract those sneaky little leprechauns.
Storing and Other Tips
- These are best enjoyed fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Not very. Your lime sherbet will be the only green thing in there!
I haven’t tried this in a punch bowl, but you could certainly try it out! I would assemble it immediately before serving. In a punch bowl, I imagine it would work best to add your lemon-lime soda first, then your blender ingredients, and top off with scoops of sherbet!
Creamy Coconut Lime Floats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice crushed
- ½ cup half and half
- 4 tablespoons cream of coconut
- lime sherbet
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- green food coloring optional
Instructions
- Place ice, cream of coconut, and half & half in a blender and blend until smooth. Add green food coloring if desired.
- Divide mixture between 2 large glasses or 4 small ones. Scoop in one large scoop of sherbet into each glass. Top with about ½ cup soda in each glass (That’s if you’re making 2 servings. If you’re making 4 small glasses, use about ¼ cup soda in each glass).
- Top with whipped cream and gold sprinkles if desired.
Questions & Reviews
I don’t get the mustache thing either! Glad I’m not the only one! We usually do shakes with mint chocolate chip ice cream for St. Patrick’s Day. I like your float idea! Different from all the chocolate/mint combos!
What other recipes do you use the cream of coconut, bc that looks amazing!!!
You have to try the mango coconut smoothie from the cookbook–it’s awesome!
I always have some cream of coconut in my fridge for pina coladas (with or without the alcohol). I just throw some ice, fresh pineapple, and a couple of squeezes of cream of coconut into my blender and blend ’til I have the consistency I want. I’ve even put in some fresh strawberries (or other fruit) for a delicious twist.
i wonder the same thing!! i bought the cream of coconut specifically for this recipe 🙂 but now i want to eat it straight from the bottle!! i need to use it up in something yummy..
If you love it from the bottle, try my coconut turnovers in the dessert section- you’ll love them!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one wondering about the whole mustache thing. I joined the Pinterest party a little late and thought, “Did I miss something?” Apparently my wedding wasn’t awesome because we didn’t have a photo booth with big lips and mustaches.
Ditto on the ice comments. I love that you included a close-up picture of those little pellets just to show it off and make us all wish we were as cool as you are.
hahah! My thoughts exactly! We are so jealous of your ice! =)
I agree with Qwendykay! I would promise to finish my dinner if I could have a cup of your ice afterwards. It’s a good thing I’m not your neighbor. I’d be at your house constantly asking to “borrow” some ice. Good job on the green non-minty yumminess!
I have been wondering the exact same thing about the mustache craze. I just don’t get it! That said, your orange mustaches in these pictures are the perfect prop. 🙂
Love it! Thanks for a great idea!
My brother informed me that it’s Mustache March. I don’t know if it’s real or not but he’s growing a mustache just the same. I just think that the mustache is making a comeback. One of my brothers can’t really grow a mustache (comes in really blond) so he started wearing the stick on mustaches. It’s a joke in our house. I don’t really know why it’s so popular right now but they are.
No, Mustache March I get. I’m wondering about “Mustache 2012” haha.
You are so just taunting us with your fancy ice! I am kicking myself for not putting an ice machine in my kitchen when we remodeled two years ago.
I’m totally trying these, we love Lime!
RE: the *fancy* ice! If you have a Sonic near you, you can buy a bag there for about $1.79!
i’m totally making these! “minty” is not really my thing 🙂 and i’m super jealous of your ice maker!!!