It’s known as the ‘Holiday Flip,’ and once people taste it, they’re obsessed—no glass ever gets left behind!

This pomegranate bliss float is one of those easy little treats that feels a bit fancy without asking much of you in the kitchen. It’s a playful twist on old-fashioned ice cream floats we grew up with in the Midwest, but dressed up for the adults’ table with a splash of bourbon and jewel-toned pomegranate juice. The result is a deep ruby-red drink with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream bobbing on top, tiny bubbles from ginger ale dancing around the edges. It’s the kind of dessert-cocktail you bring out after a casual dinner with friends or a cozy date night at home—simple, pretty, and just indulgent enough to feel special without being fussy.

Serve this pomegranate bliss float as a light, fun dessert after a simple meal—think grilled chicken or burgers, a big salad, and maybe some roasted potatoes or corn on the cob. Because the float is sweet and rich, it pairs nicely with salty snacks on the side, like a bowl of kettle chips, spiced nuts, or a cheese and cracker board if you’re entertaining. If you’re making these for a small gathering, you can set out a little toppings tray with pomegranate arils, maraschino cherries, or extra vanilla ice cream so guests can dress up their float just the way they like it. For family nights, you can easily offer a non-alcoholic version for the kids (or anyone skipping the bourbon) and serve everything with a plate of simple butter cookies or shortbread to dunk into the creamy top.

Servings: 2

1 cup chilled pomegranate juice

Chill your glasses: Place two clear glasses in the freezer for 5–10 minutes while you gather ingredients. This helps keep the float frosty and lets the ruby-red color really shine through.