The Aussie Classic
Ice Cream + FizzWhat Is a Spider Drink? — the Australian ice cream float, explained by Barossa 50's Diner, Tanunda
The old milk-bar favourite, explained — and still made the proper way at our counter in Tanunda.
The Short Answer
A spider is Australia's name for an ice cream float: a scoop of ice cream dropped into a glass of fizzy soft drink. The ice cream reacts with the bubbles to throw up a thick, creamy froth — you eat the top with a spoon and drink the rest through a straw. It's been a milk-bar staple for generations.
Why "Spider"?
The most popular explanation is right there in the glass: as the ice cream hits the soft drink, the froth creeps up and over the rim in thin, web-like trails. However the name started, it stuck — generations of Australians grew up ordering spiders at the local milk bar, long before anyone here called them "floats".
At the diner we make ours the same way those milk bars did — a generous scoop of ice cream, your choice of fizzy drink poured over the top, served as the froth is still climbing. Order one at the counter alongside a burger, or on its own as an afternoon treat from the ice creamery.
Creaming Soda Spider
The pink milk-bar classic — creaming soda and vanilla ice cream, pure nostalgia in a glass.
Lime & Lemonade Spiders
Sharp, fizzy and bright green or cloudy white — the schoolyard favourites that never went away.
Coke Spider
Australia's take on the American coke float — Coca-Cola over ice cream, frothing straight up the glass.
Spider Drink FAQs
- What is a spider drink?
- A spider is the Australian and New Zealand name for an ice cream float: a scoop of ice cream dropped into a glass of fizzy soft drink, such as creaming soda, lemonade or Coca-Cola. The ice cream reacts with the fizz to make a thick, frothy foam you eat with a spoon and drink through a straw.
- Why is it called a spider?
- The most popular explanation is the look of the drink itself — as the ice cream fizzes, the froth creeps up and over the glass in thin, web-like trails. The name has been part of Australian milk-bar culture for generations, from long before ice cream floats were common here under any other name.
- Where can I get a spider drink in the Barossa Valley?
- Barossa 50's Diner makes spiders the old milk-bar way at Shop 3 / 119 Murray Street, Tanunda — a scoop of ice cream in Coca-Cola, Fanta, raspberry, lemonade or your choice of soft drink. No bookings needed; walk in during opening hours (lunch every day except Tuesday, dinner Thursday to Sunday).
Reading about one isn't the same as drinking one. Come and try a spider made the old milk-bar way at the diner in Tanunda.
Come On Down
Visit Us
Right in the heart of Tanunda on Murray Street. Whether you're a local or driving up from Adelaide, we're worth the trip.
Address
Shop 3 / 119 Murray Street, Tanunda SA 5352
Phone
(08) 8563 2371No Bookings
Just walk in during opening hours.
Seating
Indoor dining & outdoor seating available.
Coming from Nuriootpa or Angaston? See our guides for visitors from Nuriootpa, Angaston and the wider Barossa Valley.