Summer celebrations just got better with the iconic Dairy Queen Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float! Bursting with patriotic red, white, and blue layers, this chilled treat is perfect for backyard BBQs, July 4th parties, or anytime you crave a splash of fun. The signature swirl of slush and silky vanilla soft serve brings back memories of DQ runs on hot days — but now, you can make it right at home.
This copycat recipe is surprisingly easy and entirely customizable. Capture that eye-catching layered look with classic flavors, all in about 10 minutes. Whether you’re a slushie fanatic or just want to surprise the family, you’ll love how quick and festive this drink is. Check out our other patriotic drinks and cool treats for even more summer fun!
Table of Contents
How to make Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float
To recreate Dairy Queen’s magical float, you’ll layer cherry and blue raspberry slushies with creamy vanilla ice cream or soft serve. The trick is to build each layer gently, using a spoon or piping bag for clean lines and that picture-perfect effect. A quick shot of whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles on top takes it over the top!
Nutrition facts
This homemade Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float is lighter than the drive-thru version, especially if you use light ice cream or reduced-sugar syrups. Each serving (about 16 oz) contains roughly:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 52g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 57g
Nutrition values will vary if you swap out ingredients for lighter or dairy-free options.
Ingredients
- 1 small packet cherry drink mix (e.g., Kool-Aid or Crystal Light) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 small packet blue raspberry drink mix — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, to taste) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 cups cold water (divided) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 cups ice (plus more as needed) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream or soft serve — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Whipped cream, for topping — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tools you’ll need
- Blender or food processor
- Tall clear glasses
- Ice cream scoop
- Spoon or piping bag (for layering)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Straws
Instructions
- Make Red Slush: Blend cherry drink mix, water, sugar, and ice until smooth and slushy. Pour or spoon a 1.5-inch layer into glass bottoms and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Layer Ice Cream: Scoop vanilla ice cream or soft serve on top of the red slush to create a white middle layer. Smooth gently with a spoon.
- Make Blue Slush: Repeat slushie process with blue raspberry drink mix and layer on top of the ice cream. Freeze a few minutes more for neat layers.
- Top & Garnish: Finish each float with whipped cream and patriotic (red, white, and blue) sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve Immediately: Insert a straw, serve with a spoon, and enjoy your frosty masterpiece!
What to serve with
Drinks
- Pair your float with classic summertime beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea from our drinks category.
Sides
- These floats are the ultimate dessert, but if you want more treats, try cookies, brownies, or snack on salty popcorn for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Main Dishes
- Serve alongside grilling favorites like burgers and hot dogs, or visit our burger section for inspiration.
Variations
- Flavor Swap: Use grape, watermelon, or orange drink mixes for unique color and flavor combinations.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based ice cream for a vegan float.
- Adult Version: Add a splash of vodka or coconut rum to the slush for a spirited summer cocktail.
- Extra Toppings: Try maraschino cherries, edible glitter, or mini marshmallows on top.
- Mini Floats: Serve in small cups for party-ready individual treats.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Cherry Drink Mix
- – Substitute strawberry, raspberry, or cranberry drink mixes.
- Blue Raspberry Drink Mix
- – Use blueberry, grape, or a drop of blue food coloring in lemonade.
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- – Swap for frozen yogurt, dairy-free vanilla ice cream, or homemade soft serve.
- Sugar
- – Try honey, agave, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for lower calories.
- Whipped Cream
- – Use coconut whipped topping or omit for a lighter treat.
- Patriotic Sprinkles
- – Substitute rainbow sprinkles or colored sugar crystals.
- Ice
- – Use frozen fruit pieces (like strawberries or blueberries) for an extra punch of flavor and color.
Ingredients
1 small packet cherry drink mix (e.g., Kool-Aid or Crystal Light)
1 small packet blue raspberry drink mix
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
2 cups cold water (divided)
2 cups ice (plus more as needed)
4 scoops vanilla ice cream or soft serve
Whipped cream, for topping
Patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
Blend 1 packet cherry drink mix, 1 cup water, 1 cup ice, and half the sugar until slushy. Pour into the bottom of two tall glasses. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
Add two scoops vanilla ice cream or soft serve to each glass, gently smoothing for a clean white layer.
Repeat slush process with blue raspberry mix, remaining sugar, water, and ice. Layer on top of the ice cream. Freeze briefly again.
Top each float with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Serve immediately with straws and spoons.
