Val Hacks: Bringing You the (Ice Cream) Scoop

In this edition of Val Hacks, Ivy Haight ’25 brings two recipes that turn the classic frozen dessert into a tasty drink.

Val Hacks: Bringing You the (Ice Cream) Scoop
Ivy Haight ’25 offers two dessert ideas that take Val’s new ice cream station to the next level in this week’s Val Hacks. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

Now that Val has a new hard ice cream station, locally sourced from Northside Creamery, daily dessert options at the dining hall have multiplied. Since heat shows no signs of stopping, this week I turned to two quick ice cream hacks to cool down.

The first is a classic root beer float, to which you can add a pump or two of flavored syrup to take it to the next level. The next is a super simple milkshake that only needs some stirring and creativity in the toppings. The customization options are endless — pick your choice of the mix-ins available next to the ice cream station.

Directions (Root Beer Float)

  • Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream to a clear cup.

Fill the rest of the cup with root beer.

  • Add a pump or two of vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or other flavor of your choice! They are located at the drinks station.

Directions (Chocolate Chip Milkshake)

  • Add two scoops of ice cream, of any flavor, to a clear cup.
  • Scoop a hefty amount of chocolate chips or other mix-ins, like sprinkles or shredded coconut, into the cup.
  • Fill with milk of your choosing (up to the top of the first scoop).
  • Stir with a spoon until it reaches a milkshake consistency.
Haight’s milkshake recipe can be customized to suit every taste. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.