If you’d like, sprinkle a few tiny raspberry specks on top (either finely chopped fresh raspberries or crushed freeze-dried raspberries) for a pretty, speckled finish.
Serve immediately while the ice cream is still holding its shape but just beginning to melt into the drink, creating that creamy, glossy texture and soft layers of pink and white.
For a lighter version, swap one of the scoops of vanilla ice cream for a scoop of raspberry sorbet to boost the fruit flavor and make the drink a bit less rich. If you’re serving someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, simply skip the gin and add a little extra raspberry juice and tonic water—the result will still be a fun, fizzy float that feels special. For a sweeter tooth, use a cream soda or lemon-lime soda instead of tonic water; just know it will be less bitter and more dessert-like. If you have picky guests who aren’t crazy about strong raspberry flavor, you can mix half raspberry juice and half lemonade for a softer, more familiar taste. To dress it up for a party, rim the glasses with a bit of sugar: rub the rim with a raspberry or a little water, dip it in granulated sugar, then build the drink as directed. You can also play with garnishes—add a small mint sprig, a skewer of fresh raspberries, or a thin lemon slice to make each glass feel a bit more festive.
