INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ¾ cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise

FLOAT:

• 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• Prepared Nuka-Cola soda of choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the heavy cream, half-and-half, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir to combine.
3. Add the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean, the split vanilla bean pod, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the mixture.
4. Bring the mixture to a low boil, making sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.
7. Allow the mixture to cool, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Once chilled, remove the vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and star anise from the mixture.
9. Follow the instructions of your ice cream maker to churn the mixture into ice cream.
10. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and let it freeze overnight.
11. Prior to serving, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make scooping easier.

TO MAKE THE FLOAT:

1. Chill a tall glass in the freezer for 30 minutes.
2. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into the chilled glass.
3. Carefully pour the prepared Nuka-Cola soda of your choice over the ice cream.
4. Give the float a slight stir to combine the ice cream and soda.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your Nuka-Cola float!

Here are a few variations you can try for the Nuka-Cola Float recipe:

1. Chocolate Lovers Nuka-Cola Float:

• Add chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce to the bottom of the glass before adding the ice cream.
• Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
• Top the float with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

2. Fruity Twist Nuka-Cola Float:

• Add a tablespoon of fruit-flavored syrup (such as strawberry, raspberry, or cherry) to the bottom of the glass.
• Use a fruit-flavored ice cream, like strawberry or raspberry ripple.
• Top the float with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or cherries.

3. Coffee Nuka-Cola Float:

• Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool. Use it as the liquid base for the float instead of Nuka-Cola.
• Use coffee-flavored ice cream or a scoop of espresso chip ice cream.
• Top the float with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate-covered coffee beans.

4. Spiced Nuka-Cola Float:

• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the ice cream mixture when making the base.
• Use a spiced ice cream flavor, such as cinnamon or chai.
• Top the float with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

5. Tropical Nuka-Cola Float:

• Add a splash of coconut cream or pineapple syrup to the bottom of the glass.
• Use a tropical-flavored ice cream, such as coconut or pineapple.
• Top the float with toasted coconut flakes or a slice of fresh pineapple.

6. Minty Nuka-Cola Float:

• Add a splash of mint extract or peppermint syrup to the ice cream mixture when making the base.
• Use mint chocolate chip ice cream or a scoop of peppermint ice cream.
• Top the float with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprig of fresh mint.