Hero Image

A Vacation in the Yucatan and an Ice Cream Float Recipe

  • Desserts
  • Nut Free
  • Vegetarian

Enjoying the sunset during a beach vacation with The International Kitchen.The Yucatan… a land of sun, Mayan ruins, and a cuisine influenced both by Caribbean and European cultures. This beautiful locale is also a wonderful destination when planning a family-friendly culinary vacation getaway. Plus, Mexico makes a great escape during the cold-weather months with its tropical climate. (The temperatures reach at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit nearly all year round!)

A view of the ruins in Mexico at UxmalWith its hot weather climate, the region also has some wonderful ways to cool off, and that’s not just referring to dipping your toes in the crystal clear waters. Ice creams are another delectable way to savor the flavors of the region, and one such recipe — fun to make with your kids — is the Mexican version of an ice cream float. Down in the Yucatan it goes by the name champola.

Originally made in the Caribbean, this dessert was more like a smoothie, made as it was with gaunábana (a tropical fruit), milk, and sugar. When it came to the Yucatan about six decades ago, the recipe was modified and further simplified as a glass of milk with a scoop of ice cream or sorbet, although it was still often made with gaunábana.

Today though don’t be surprised for the champola to be made with horchata, an almond milk, and as our partners in the Yucatan encourage: have fun with the flavors and mix up the kind the ice creams you mix with the horchata!

This recipe is, naturally, super simple, and a great way to cool down after a day of fun in the sun with the kids.

share
share

Recipe for Mexican Ice Cream Float

  • icon for prep time 10 minutes
  • icon for servings 2 servings
  • icon for cooking method Blend, Assemble
Main Image

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup long grain uncooked white rice
  • 1/4 cup blanched, peeled almonds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
  • 3 cups cold water (or 2 cups water, 1 cup whole milk)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups ice cream of choice

Instructions

  1. First make the horchata. Blend the uncooked rice, almonds, and cinnamon stick in a blender or food processor until very fine. Add the sugar and 2 cups of the water, then blend or pulse again. Add the rest of the ingredients. (If you’d like a traditional Mexican horchata, use only water. But if you prefer the slightly creamier version you find in the U.S., feel free to use 1 cup whole milk.)
  2. Chill for 8-10 hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator.
  3. To make one float, pour eight ounces of horchata into a glass. Then add the ice cream right on top of the milk, and enjoy with a spoon and straw – it’s just that easy!
Additional Image

Sign up to Receive Our Newsletter

As well as travel tips, promotions, and information on our best cooking vacations.

Sign Up
Icon for facebook Icon for youtube Icon for Instagram
Image for our newsletter

Featured Trips

image for Culinary Yucatan: Merida Food Tour & Mexico Cooking School Vacation
  • Hidden Gems
  • Best for Winter

Culinary Yucatan: Merida Food Tour & Mexico Cooking School Vacation

Icon for Mexico Mexico
Icon for Nights 4 or 6 nights
from
$2,499
image for Cooking on the Riviera Maya
  • Best for Winter
  • Family Friendly
  • Romantic Getaways

Cooking on the Riviera Maya

Icon for Mexico Mexico
Icon for Nights 5 or 7 nights
from
$1,989
image for Taste of Puebla and Oaxaca Culinary Tour of Mexico
  • Hidden Gems
  • Best for Winter
  • Family Friendly

Taste of Puebla and Oaxaca Culinary Tour of Mexico

Icon for Mexico Mexico
Icon for Nights 6 nights
from
$3,120
image for Magical Mexico City Culinary Vacation
  • Best for Winter
  • Family Friendly

Magical Mexico City Culinary Vacation

Icon for Mexico Mexico
Icon for Nights 4 nights
from
$2,075
View All Mexican Tours

Know What’s Happening At The International Kitchen

And receive a free recipe download!

The most up-to-date source for upcoming TIK events, exclusive offers, recipes, travel tips and newsworthy updates!

    close