Dead Man’s Float Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

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

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

Dead Man’s Float Cocktail Recipe
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
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

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!

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

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:

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

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.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

Similar Posts

  • |

    Coconut Cream Tequila Breeze Tequila Cocktail Recipe

  • |

    Chocolate Tequila Martini Cocktail Recipe: Sip Your Way to Dessert Paradise

  • |

    Tequila & Soda Cocktail Recipe

  • |

    Pumpkin Paloma Cocktail Recipe

  • |

    Lavender Paloma Cocktail Recipe

  • |

    Tequila Punch Cocktail Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating