Pooja Bavishi’s 15-Minute Strawberry-Rose Syrup Makes Perfectly Festive Ice Cream Floats

Pooja Bavishi’s Strawberry-Rose Ice Cream Floats

Pooja Bavishi, the founder of the Malai ice cream brand, has shared a delightful make-ahead dessert recipe just in time for 4th of July celebrations. Her Strawberry-Rose Ice Cream Floats are the perfect blend of fruity and floral flavours, making them a refreshing treat for the summer season.

Bavishi draws inspiration from her South Asian roots, where rose is a classic ingredient in desserts. She combines this traditional element with the beloved summer fruit, strawberries, to create a unique and vibrant dessert experience. The delicate rose syrup adds a fresh twist to the familiar taste of strawberries, making it a standout choice for a summer party.

According to Bavishi, one of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. The strawberry-rose syrup can be prepared ahead of time, allowing hosts to easily serve a build-your-own ice cream float station for guests. Additionally, any leftover syrup can be repurposed in various ways, such as drizzling it over pound cake or pancakes, or stirring it into oatmeal for a flavourful twist.

For those looking to recreate this delicious dessert at home, here is the recipe for Pooja Bavishi’s Strawberry-Rose Ice Cream Floats:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, plus more for serving
– 2 Tbsp. tap water
– 1½ Tbsp. granulated cane sugar
– 1½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
– 2 tsp. rose water
– 2 (12-oz.) cans chilled seltzer water
– 8 (3-oz.) scoops vanilla ice cream, divided
– 1 cup fresh blueberries, divided

Instructions:
1. Place strawberries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and rose water in a blender; process until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove solids. The strawberry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. In tall glasses, layer the strawberry syrup, ice cream scoops, and blueberries. Drizzle each float with additional strawberry syrup and top with more ice cream and blueberries. Pour seltzer water over each glass and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

This recipe serves 4 and requires just 15 minutes of active preparation time, making it a quick and delightful dessert option for any summer gathering.

Pooja Bavishi’s Strawberry-Rose Ice Cream Floats offer a playful and elegant twist on the classic ice cream float, making them a perfect choice for a festive summer celebration. The combination of fresh strawberries, floral rose syrup, and creamy vanilla ice cream is sure to impress guests and leave a lasting impression with its vibrant flavours. Whether enjoyed at a holiday party or as a sweet treat on a hot summer day, these ice cream floats are a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their dessert menu.