Dead Man’s Float Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving a playful twist on a summer classic, the Dead Man’s Float cocktail is hard to beat. It’s a mix of root beer, ice cream, and a splash of booze—sweet, easy, and honestly, just a fun dessert drink to whip up.

You don’t need to be some expert bartender to make this for yourself or a couple of friends. It’s one of those cocktails that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

I really like how this recipe doesn’t try too hard, but still feels a little special. If you’re into floats and you enjoy a good cocktail, this is pretty much the best of both worlds.

Perfect for a chill evening or a laid-back gathering. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Dead Man’s Float at home.

Dead Man’s Float Cocktail Recipe

This drink is bright, a bit tropical, and honestly, it does look a little spooky in the glass. I like using unique spirits, fresh juices, and a simple float to build layers of flavor.

Equipment

• Shaker: I use this to mix and chill everything together.
• Strainer: Keeps the ice out when I pour.
• Measuring jigger: Helps me get the amounts just right.
• Mai Tai glass: The classic choice for this cocktail.
• Bar spoon: Lets me float the liqueur on top gently.
• Ice: Crushed ice is my favorite—it blends the flavors and chills the drink fast.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Cazcabel Tequila (for some smoky vibes)
• 1 oz Coconut Rum (brings a tropical note)
• 1 oz Chinola Liqueur (sweet, passion fruit flavor)
• 1/2 oz Licor 43 (vanilla-citrus goodness)
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup (almond richness)
• 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 oz Grenadine (for color and a touch of sweetness)
• 3 dashes Ms Betters Bitters (adds depth)
• Crushed ice (enough to fill your glass)

Instructions

• Fill your Mai Tai glass with crushed ice.
• Add the tequila, coconut rum, Chinola, Licor 43, lime juice, lemon juice, orgeat, pineapple juice, and bitters to a shaker.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain everything into your prepared glass.
• Gently float grenadine on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
• Throw on a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, or cherry if you’re feeling fancy. Serve right away.

Notes

Fresh lime and lemon juice really do make a difference—bottled stuff works in a pinch, but it’s never quite as zippy.

Sometimes Chinola liqueur isn’t available, so I just grab whatever passion fruit liqueur I can find. For a little drama, I reach for a clear or slightly smoky tequila like Cazcabel.

Floating the grenadine looks cool and adds a sweet first sip, then the tart and tropical flavors come through. Not into sweet drinks? Just use less grenadine or skip the garnish.

This recipe fits nicely in a Mai Tai glass, but honestly, any sturdy cocktail glass will do.

Dead Man’s Float Cocktail Recipe

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A spooky-sweet float cocktail perfect for Halloween or any night you want dessert in a glass. Made with tequila, coconut rum, fruit liqueurs, citrus juice, and finished with grenadine over crushed ice, this layered drink brings tropical depth with a fun, eerie twist.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Mai Tai or tall cocktail glass
• Bar spoon
• Ice (preferably crushed)

Ingredients

• 1 oz Cazcabel tequila
• 1 oz coconut rum
• 1 oz Chinola liqueur or any passion fruit liqueur
• ½ oz Licor 43
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz orgeat syrup
• ½ oz pineapple juice
• ¼ oz grenadine
• 3 dashes Ms Betters Bitters or your favorite aromatic bitters
• Crushed ice to fill the glass
• Garnish: pineapple wedge lime wheel, or cherry (optional)

Instructions

• Fill a Mai Tai glass with crushed ice.
• In a shaker, combine tequila, coconut rum, Chinola liqueur, Licor 43, lime juice, lemon juice, orgeat, pineapple juice, and bitters.
• Add ice and shake well for 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
• Slowly float grenadine on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
• Garnish with a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, or cherry if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the spooky layers!

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Tasting Notes

When I take a sip, the first thing I notice is the creamy texture from the ice cream. It’s smooth and cold—really comforting.

Then the chocolate and coffee notes pop up. They blend together for a rich, sweet taste, but it never feels too heavy.

I appreciate the hint of rum in there; it adds some warmth and a gentle kick. It’s not overwhelming, but you’ll definitely notice it.

There’s also a light fizz from the soda that keeps things lively and fun. The combo of creamy and fizzy textures makes each sip interesting.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like I do, this cocktail is a treat. Even as the ice cream melts, the flavors stick around and don’t get lost.

Must Have Ingredients

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Substitute

Sometimes, I want to whip up a Dead Man’s Float but realize I’m missing a key ingredient or two. No big deal—here’s what I do instead.

If I’m out of root beer:

• I’ll grab cola, cream soda, or even sarsaparilla if it’s lurking in the fridge.
• They’re all sweet and fizzy enough to keep the vibe right.

For ice cream options:

• If there’s no vanilla ice cream around, chocolate or coffee ice cream can make things interesting.
• My dairy-free pals swear by coconut milk ice cream; honestly, it’s pretty great.

For the alcohol:

• When spiced rum’s missing, I’ll just use white rum or even bourbon.
• If the herbal liqueur feels a bit much, I’ll go for amaretto or Irish cream—depends on my mood, really.

Equipment

• Spoon
• Tall glass
• Measuring cup

Ingredients

• 1 scoop alternative ice cream (whatever flavor you’ve got)
• 1 oz substitute spirit (rum, bourbon, or liqueur)
• 1 cup substitute soda (cola, cream soda, or whatever fits)

Instructions

• Drop the ice cream into your glass first.
• Gently pour in the spirit.
• Top it off with your chosen soda.
• Stir it up softly and dive in right away.