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  • Makes 1
  • 5 minutes
  • Difficulty Easy
  • 5 Ingredients

88 Comments

The good old-fashioned spider drink is an Aussie classic that every kid loves making and every parent feels nostalgic about. And if you fancy whipping some up for movie night or a birthday party, scroll down for a simple recipe that tastes just like the ones you had growing up.

What exactly is a Spider drink?

A Spider is a type of fizzy-slash-creamy beverage made using soft drinks and scoops of ice cream. Also called an ‘ice cream float’, it’s usually served in a tall glass and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles or a cherry on top.

Basically, Spiders have all the yumminess of a milkshake, but with the added fun of fizz!

The story goes that the famous drink dates back to 1874 when a quick-thinking vendor use ice cream in his drinks when he ran out of ice. Customers went crazy for the wacky drink, and the vendor ended up offering a host of different flavoured syrups for people to try.

What’s in it?

Ice cream float drink

In Australia, the traditional Spider drink recipe calls for Coke and vanilla ice cream, but the imagination is the limit with how you make yours. You might try Fanta with chocolate ice cream for all the Jaffa vibes, or maybe raspberry soda with strawberry ice cream for a next-level pink party drink. All you need to do is let your taste buds lead the way.

Why is a Spider drink called that?

It’s a very good question and the good news is that it actually has less to do with creepy crawlies and more to do with webs. You see, Spiders are so-called because when the fizz (or carbonation) of the soda combines with the ice cream, it froths up and creates a web-like effect.

The webby frothiness is quite short-lived, though. Once little (or big) hands start stirring the drink, it quickly becomes more of a murky soup!

How to make a Spider:

Whether you’re treating the kids to their very first Spider, or just want to take a trip down memory lane, this recipe contributed MoM Member, Rebecca, will have you sorted in a matter of minutes. All you’ll need is some ice cream, your choice of soft drink and a tall glass. Enjoy!

Spider drink recipe by Rebecca
Spider drink recipe contributed by Rebecca

 


Ingredients (makes 1 Spider Drink)

  • 1 can coke/lemonade/passiona/solo (your soft drink of choice)
  • 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (or your favourite flavour)
  • optional chocolate ice cream topping (or caramel/strawberry etc)
  • optional sprinkles
  • 1 paper straw

Method

  1. Scoop ice cream into a tall glass, add a swirl of chocolate topping if you choose.
  2. Fill slowly with soft drink. Be careful not to over fill.
  3. Top with sprinkles and serve with straw and spoon.

Planning a party? Take a look at these recipes contributed by our members:

 
  • Definitely a summer time favourite

    Reply

  • I have introduced my kids to this classic and they love it! So nostalgic!

    Reply

  • What a great memory! Spider drink wow

    Reply

  • Not sure about this. Never had a spider drink.

    Reply

  • such a classic drink – love making them !

    Reply

  • I remember getting a spider at Pancake Parlour and then making them at home. My kids love to make their own at home now.

    Reply

  • Wow, I haven’t had a spider for I dont know how long! I used to love them when I was younger

    Reply

  • I loved having these when I was young. Certainly brings back lovely memories.

    Reply

  • I loved spiders as a kid. I recently made one for my boys and they weren’t too sure at first. I don’t think they were super keen but they did request for me to make another one a few days later

    Reply

  • I miss spiders so much! Used to have them as a kid all the time ????

    Reply

  • Brings back memories and also everyone loves them.

    Reply

  • Yes!! What a great idea- I used to love these growing up!

    Reply

  • I haven’t had these in years, takes me back to Pizza Hut when I was growing up!
    My kids would love one of these now!

    Reply

  • OMG, take me back! I loved a spider drink as a child. And then my son did too. It’s been a while!

    Reply

  • I’ve never tried one of these – the blue one looks amazing!

    Reply

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