These Pink Panther drinks are an 80s/90s classic mocktail! Super easy to make, pink lemonade ice cream floats.
I remember ordering Pink Panther mocktails as a treat when I was a child in the 1990s. They felt impossibly grown-up and theatrical – sometimes arriving with a little sparkler or a paper umbrella – though those extra flourishes are unlikely to be allowed today. The drink itself is simple, nostalgic, and best served ice-cold: a pink, fizzy lemonade float made with vanilla ice cream and raspberry cordial.
When my friend Katie, pregnant with her second child, mentioned she fancied a Pink Panther, neither of us could recall the exact recipe. A little experimenting in the kitchen led to this version that matched our memories: cold vanilla ice cream, a hit of raspberry cordial, and lemonade to top it off. It’s an easy mocktail to throw together and perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a Valentine’s Day treat.
These floats use just a few basic ingredients and take only minutes to prepare. You can skip the whipped cream if you like, but it does make the drink feel extra special. Below are ingredient notes, a step-by-step method, and a printable-style recipe card so you can recreate the drink at home.
Scroll to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and a clean printable recipe, or read on for tips and step photos.
Pink Panther Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream – Plain vanilla ice cream works perfectly. I suspect some older versions may have used cream, but ice cream gives the float its classic chilled, creamy texture. No need for premium ice cream; a standard vanilla will do.
- Lemonade – Use any fizzy lemonade you prefer. I’ve made these with clear lemon-lime soda as well as brand-name lemonades; both deliver the fizzy lift that makes this drink a float.
- Raspberry cordial – Raspberry cordial or syrup adds the color and a sweet berry flavor. Grenadine is an alternative, but raspberry cordial is easier to find in many places. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Whipped cream (optional) – A spoonful of whipped cream on top makes the drink look extra festive. Use homemade or canned for convenience.
How to Make a Pink Panther Drink
Begin by placing one or two large scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Pour about a tablespoon of raspberry cordial over the ice cream—this gives the drink its pale pink hue and fruity kick.
Add a small splash of lemonade and stir. A long spoon or even a fork helps to break up the ice cream so the cordial blends evenly and the drink becomes smoothly pink.
Top up the glass with more lemonade. The mixture will froth; if you prefer less foam, scoop a little away and add more lemonade to fill the glass.
Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and, if you like, a sprinkle of decorations. Traditional versions were often served simply with cream and a paper pick; adding sprinkles or sugar hearts makes the drink a sweet party treat.
The sprinkles and extra decorations aren’t essential, but they are fun—especially for occasions like Valentine’s Day when pink and red toppings make the drink extra festive.
More Recipes You May Like…
- Nutella Milkshakes – Delicious chocolate-hazelnut milkshakes with options for a decorative rim.
- Coffee Milkshakes – An energizing coffee milkshake that’s both creamy and bold.
- Mocha Milkshakes – Coffee and chocolate combined into a whipped, indulgent shake.
- White Chocolate and Raspberry Fudge Slice – Creamy white chocolate fudge with biscuit pieces and raspberry bursts.
Pink Panther – Raspberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream (per glass)
- 2 tablespoons raspberry cordial (total; about 1 tablespoon per glass)
- 1 can lemonade (330ml, or enough to top up 2–3 glasses)
- Whipped cream, to finish (optional)
Instructions
- Place one large scoop of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass. Add 1 tablespoon of raspberry cordial over the ice cream in each glass.
- Add a small splash of lemonade and stir with a fork or long-handled spoon until the ice cream has broken up and the cordial is well combined.
- Top up each glass with more lemonade. If there is too much froth, skim a little off and add more lemonade to fill the glass.
- Spoon a little whipped cream on top and add sprinkles or decorations if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
One 330ml can of lemonade will usually make 2–3 Pink Panther drinks depending on glass size. Raspberry cordial strength varies, so taste and adjust the amount to get the color and sweetness you prefer. I use Schweppes raspberry cordial.
Enjoy your Pink Panther floats—cold, sweet, and a little bit nostalgic. They’re easy to adapt (try different fruit cordials or soda flavors) and always a hit with kids and adults who remember the original mocktail craze. Cheers!