Pumpkin Beer Floats (aka Hup Floats)

A few weeks ago, in what has turned into my non-existent cyclocross season, a friend had an idea to make beer floats to hand out at cyclocross races (hat-tip Chris!). For those of you that are saying 'what the hell is cyclocross?!', watch the video below and become enlightened. To paraphrase Rapha (yes, I am using a clothing/ lifestyle company to quote history), cyclocross was created in the greater Benelux region as a way for cyclists to stay in shape over the winter months and enhance their bike handling skills. Cross racing can be summarized in a couple of words, mud, cold weather, and beer.

So, in the spirit of 'cross season, going with a seasonal beer was a must. Tons of companies put out fall beers but I needed one that could blend well with sweet ingredients. Thinking of various fall beers Sam Adams Octoberfest, Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, and Saranac Pumpkin Ale all came to mind. After some digging, I found that Saranac was discontinued, which was a real disappointment- last years batch was probably one of my favorites. Continuing through the list, I had a tough time thinking that Sam Adams would be good with ice cream so I was left with Smuttynose and Dogfish Head. So, after pulling together a choice group of cyclists; taste testing ensued. Smuttynose along with the ice cream came across a tad bitter/sour tasting- a far departure from the deliciousness of the beer by itself. Next came the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale which we thought was the best match. Initially, before the ice cream started to melt into the beer, we found that having a spoonful of ice cream with a swig of beer was not that awesome. It didn't blend well and had a mouth feel similar to Mentos and Diet Coke. But, like a root beer float, once the ice cream melted and thoroughly mixed in, it was glorious!

The winner!

Directions
1 to 1 1/2 scoops of pumpkin ice cream
1 bottle of Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

Pour the beer into a pint glass and add ice cream. Let it sit for a minute or two (this will be a test of your patience) and then enjoy! You'll know it's ready when the beer becomes opaque.

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