“It’s like Mountain Dew, but squishier.”
The Spruce Eats / Ashley Abramson / Zack Angeline
Back in my college days, I was a familiar face in the Taco Bell and McDonald’s drive-thrus. And while I spend more time in my own kitchen than ordering McNuggets or gorditas these days, I still have a special place in my heart for these beloved dining establishments. That’s why I was so curious to try the latest TikTok trend: a float that combines Mickey D’s soft serve with a Taco Bell Baja Blast.
If you’re not familiar, Baja Blast is Mountain Dew, but with a tropical lime flavor. You can buy it in bottles and cans, but it’s especially popular at Taco Bell. The idea is to dip a McDonald’s cone into the drink, creating a citrusy, creamy float. Could this be the best fast food hack of the year? I had to try it and find out.
How I Made TikTok’s Baja Blast Float
Luckily, I have a McDonald’s and a Taco Bell nearby—and they’re right down the block from each other. I went to the McD’s drive-thru first and got the cones (only because it was more convenient the way I was driving). Then, I hit T-Bell and ordered a large Baja Blast.
I buzzed home as quickly as I could so I could whip up my concoction. It wasn’t as easy as the videos make it seem. The McDonald’s cashier put my ice cream cone upside down in a cup, so it was hard to dip the cone in the drink as intended. I did my best and scooped some of the soft serve into the drink, then stirred. Mine didn’t get as creamy as the TikToks I’ve seen, because my ice cream was already melting by the time I got it home.
All the trouble was well worth it—if not only for the McDonald’s and Taco Bell nostalgia. The flavor and texture was way better than I thought. It kind of reminded me of one of my favorite treats, the Frosted Lemonade at Chick-Fil-A—creamy, citrusy, and a little tart (but way sweeter, as you can imagine, thanks to the sugary Baja Blast).
I let my husband and kids try it, and they liked it, too. My nine-year-old said, “It’s like Mountain Dew, but squishier” and my six-year-old, who’s normally a little pickier, gave two enthusiastic thumbs up. My sweet-tooth husband’s satisfied reaction also wasn’t surprising—he said it was better than he thought it was going to be.
Is the Viral Baja Float Worth the Hype?
The short answer? Yes. If you want to try a unique ice cream treat and it’s convenient to stop by two fast-food spots, the Baja float is definitely worth a try. I’d do a few things differently next time to optimize the experience. I would definitely go to Taco Bell first to prevent the ice cream from melting, and I’d maybe even make the float in the McDonald’s parking lot rather than taking it home. (I thought I’d make it because I live close, and I didn’t want to make a mess in my car.)
My family and I agreed that like many of the best indulgences, the Baja float is a once-in-a-while treat to enjoy when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and a little bit sour—and it’s probably best shared, since drinking a whole one might be hard depending on your appetite. Either way, I shouldn’t be surprised that once again, TikTok—and two of my favorite fast food joints—delivered.
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Read the original article on The Spruce Eats.
