The internet’s latest sweet-and-boozy obsession involves two unlikely partners: Ice cream and red wine. What began as a curiosity on TikTok and Instagram has now become a full-blown dessert experiment, filling feeds with swirling glasses of Merlot cascading over scoops of vanilla.
Clips tagged with #redwineicecream began popping up in early fall 2025, showing users dropping ice cream into glasses and pouring wine on top and if you’re initially taken aback, you’re not alone. But by all accounts, this is a ‘don’t knock it ‘til you try it’ type of trend.
Where It Started
It’s hard to pinpoint when and where this trend started but it’s not new. A simple search for ‘red wine floats’ will bring up articles from years ago. But if you missed it the first time around, like most trends, this one is back and gaining momentum. Over the last few months, several TikTok creators have begun experimenting with the concept and bringing it back into the spotlight. It’s essentially a cross between a traditional ice cream float and a wine pairing. Historically, dessert wines, like port or muscat, have been paired with creamy desserts but this version removes the formality and adds a dose of chaos. It kind of reminds me of when Tom Hanks told his story about ordering a Diet Coke and throwing some Champagne in it and I sort of felt like the world had turned upside down. But then I tried it. And it was good! And so the Diet Cokeagne was born.
But back to red wine and ice cream: The appeal is as much about the visual as it is about the taste: deep red liquid cascading over soft white cream, slowly melding into a mauve-tinted dessert drink. It’s dramatic, it’s messy and it’s entirely Instagram-ready.
How to Make Your Own Red Wine and Ice Cream Float
Thankfully, making one is simple and chances are, you have the ingredients at home already. Start by placing a scoop (or two) of ice cream in a wine glass. Then pour red wine over the top, slowly, to avoid splashing. The ice cream will float and begin to melt, creating a creamy swirl through the wine.
The key is balance: Don’t drown the ice cream completely and don’t overfill the glass. Let the melting happen naturally as you sip or spoon your way through it. For garnish, a few berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can add a touch of elegance.
Here’s a great video demonstration:
The Right Wine (and the Wrong One)
Not all red wines are created equal when it comes to dessert experiments. You want a fruity, medium-bodied wine, something that can stand up to the sweetness without overwhelming it.
Try:
Merlot (soft, round, berry-forward)
Pinot Noir (light, fresh, with red-fruit notes)
Grenache or Garnacha (slightly spicy and jammy)
Sparkling reds like Lambrusco (adds effervescence and contrast)
Avoid:
Heavy, tannic reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Bordeaux; they can taste harsh and bitter against creamy sweetness.
Overly oaky wines, which may clash with ice cream’s simple dairy notes.
Very dry, austere styles, which can feel thin or sour when diluted.
Remember: The fat in ice cream softens tannins but a wine with some natural fruit sweetness will make for a smoother pairing.
Vanilla Is the Classic … But Not the Only Option
Vanilla is the default choice because it lets the wine’s fruit and acidity shine. Many viral videos use classic vanilla as the canvas.
But adventurous eaters are mixing it up. Here are some other options to consider:
Strawberry ice cream amplifies red-berry notes in rosé or Pinot Noir.
Chocolate or mocha can pair with deeper reds, though the combo risks bitterness if the wine is too dry.
Salted caramel or hazelnut adds nutty richness that complements Merlot’s round fruit.
Just avoid anything with strong artificial flavors or heavy mix-ins (like cookie chunks), which can make the drink muddy.
Fun or Foolish?
So, is the red-wine-and-ice-cream trend a culinary discovery or just internet whimsy? The answer lies somewhere in between.
On the plus side, supporters say it’s genuinely tasty when balanced right. The wine’s acidity cuts through the ice cream’s fat, while its fruit character adds depth. It’s also endlessly customizable and just plain fun to make.
On the other hand, wine purists will call it heresy. And if your pour is off, the result can taste like melted dessert soup. It’s not meant to replace traditional pairings but rather to play with them.
The Verdict
Think of wine floats as the culinary world’s latest dare: A little silly, a little sensual and surprisingly drinkable. They’re not for the faint of palate, but for the curious, they deliver a fresh way to experience wine beyond the glass.
If you’re tempted to give this food trend a go, start simple: A scoop of vanilla, a pour of Merlot and an open mind. After all, the best food trends are the ones that you love, not the critics.
Dining and Cooking