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Two tall Creamsicle Fizz glasses with drifting cream swirls beside a pitcher of orange base and a cruet of vanilla syrup
Jorj Morgan

Creamsicle Fizz

Creamy, citrusy, and wonderfully nostalgic, this sparkling refresher captures the flavor of those orange ice cream truck treats from childhood. Bright orange, sweet vanilla, and a silky splash of cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 large orange (removed in wide strips with a vegetable peeler)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise)
Creamsicle Fizz
  • 1/2 cup Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup chilled fresh orange juice
  • 2 cups chilled sparkling water
  • 1/2 cup cold half-and-half
  • Ice
Garnishes
  • Orange wheels
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Colorful paper straws

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Large glass pitcher
  • Tall glasses

Method
 

Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  1. Combine the sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring just to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat.
  2. If using a vanilla bean, add it now and allow the syrup to steep for 20 minutes. If using vanilla extract, stir it in after the syrup has cooled slightly.
  3. Strain out the orange zest (and vanilla bean, if using). Cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Preparation
  1. Fill four tall glasses halfway with ice.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup, fresh orange juice, and sparkling water. Stir gently to preserve the bubbles.
  3. Pour into the prepared glasses, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  4. Slowly pour about 2 tablespoons of half-and-half into each glass, allowing it to swirl naturally through the bubbles to create the signature creamy effect.
  5. Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry. For an extra-special treat, finish with a small swirl of whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Create a Creamsicle Fizz Bar with bowls of orange slices, maraschino cherries, whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, festive paper straws, and fun drink stirrers. Young guests will love decorating their own drinks before gathering around the table—or heading outside to catch the ice cream truck if they're lucky!