Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fun and easy Halloween beverage combining bright orange soda with creamy vanilla ice cream and a spooky black licorice twist. This desserts-inspired halloween ready in about 5 minutes brings together chilled Sunkist orange soda for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 4 Desserts cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In four tall glasses, evenly divide 3 scoops (about 1 1/2 cups) of vanilla ice cream, placing it gently at the bottom.
  2. Step 2: Slowly pour 1/2 cup chilled Sunkist orange soda into each glass over the ice cream, allowing the soda to fizz and create a creamy float.
  3. Step 3: Garnish each glass with one or two 2-inch pieces of black licorice stick, standing upright for a spooky effect.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately with a straw and spoon for a refreshing Halloween party treat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish?

Refrigerate any leftover spooky sunkist orange float with black licorice garnish in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spooky Sunkist Orange Float with Black Licorice Garnish?

Desserts halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.