Brown Cow

Aug 25, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

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A classic Brown Cow is a cold dessert float featuring cola and vanilla ice cream, served chilled in a tall glass.

Prep 2 min

Cook —

Total 2 min

Servings 1

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

8.0 fl oz (240.0 ml)cola
2.0 scoopsvanilla ice cream
½ tsp (2.5 ml)pure vanilla extract

Make it at home

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Instructions

Pour the cold cola into a tall glass.
Gently add the vanilla ice cream scoops and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract on top without stirring to keep the float layers distinct.
Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.

Tips

Use a sturdy straw and spoon to enjoy both the soda and creamy ice cream layers. For a change, try using diet cola to reduce sweetness.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make brown cow?

Plan on 2 minutes of prep. The recipe makes 1 serving.

Can I make brown cow ahead?

Best enjoyed right away. Freeze leftovers in ice-pop molds, or blend them again with a splash of milk.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (2.5 ml). You can swap in the seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder instead.

A classic Brown Cow is a cold dessert float featuring cola and vanilla ice cream, served chilled in a tall glass.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 1 serving this recipe makes.

397 Calories / serving

15.4g Fat

60.1g Carbs

4.9g Protein

55.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (1 serving): ~397 cal · 15g fat · 60g carbs · 5g protein · 56g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 397 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 75 min·4.4 mi·~8800 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 54 min·2.7 mi·~5400 steps
Moderate cycling 40 min·8.0 mi
Swimming laps 56 min
Jogging 39 min·3.3 mi·~6250 steps
Stair climbing 37 min·~3350 steps
Dancing 65 min
Bodyweight circuit training 40 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 92 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

Browse available VanillaGoods products below. Check each product's origin and form against the ingredient list; these recommendations do not change the recipe's quantities or preparation method.