Ice Cream Float bar

An Ice Cream Float Bar is the perfect treat for any summer party or gathering! Super easy and quick to put together, great for a few or for a crowd. Plus, there are so many yummy flavor combinations! 

We celebrated a special occasion last weekend, and at the party we had an Ice Cream Float Bar, serving our favorite ice cream floats. It was a huge hit! Ice cream floats have always been a favorite at our house, and it’s one of my go-to ideas for serving a crowd.

One of the best things about floats is that you can be creative, and make different flavor combinations, based on what you like. At this party we served four of our favorites, which I’ll share with you, plus a list of even more ideas. If you want a really fun, easy, and yummy dessert–put these at the top of your list for your next party! Who can resist delicious ice cream? This is how I put it all together…

Ice Cream Float Bar

ICE CREAM FLOAT BAR

  • The lemonade stand we built years ago is still one my most-used and favorite projects, and I can’t even tell you how often we use it! It’s perfect for summer entertaining, and I often serve different types of beverages or desserts on it.
  • To serve the ice cream, I use a galvanized beverage tub, place the ice cream in it, then fill it with ice. Just change out the ice as necessary! Even in 85 degree weather, it keeps the ice cream from melting all over the place.
  • I love the sturdy clear plastic cups for these–they let you see how all the pretty colors, and they hold up well, even through seconds! You can also use tall glasses if you don’t want to use plastic.
  • Striped straws are a must–I’m rather obsessed with them, and they just make everything cuter! I usually put out plastic spoons as well, since some people prefer to use them in addition to or in place of the straws.
  • When feeding a large crowd, I buy the biggest tubs of ice cream I can. But if I’m serving fewer people, I’ll splurge and get one of our favorites. Tillamook ice cream is a favorite brand, as well as Perry’s. When we lived in Texas, Bluebell was our favorite!
Ice Crean Float Bar
  • A chalkboard menu is fun and easy–it gives your guests a recipe and details about each float option.

ICE CREAM FLOAT RECIPES

One of the favorites of the night was the Apple Pie flavor. Ginger ale, apple cider, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel syrup combine for float that feels like fall and summer all at the same time!

Apple Pie Ice Cream Float
Apple Pie Ice Cream Float

Salted Caramel is a delightful combination of root beer, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel syrup. SO yummy!

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Float
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Float

I’ve been having Purple Cows since I was young, and they bring back my childhood! Grape soda, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream will make your dreams come true.

Purple Cow Ice Cream Float

I’ve always loved the combination of orange and vanilla together, and this Orange Creamsicle float tastes just like the classic summer frozen treat. You can serve it one of a couple of ways. The creamier version uses vanilla ice cream and orange soda. A brighter, tarter version includes orange sherbet and lemon-lime soda. Either way, garnish with whipped cream and an orange slice, and you have summer perfection!

Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Float

Root beer floats are a classic float that many people love, so I always make sure to have these basic ingredients on hand regardless of the float recipes I use.

More ice cream float ideas…

  • Chocolate ice cream with lemon-lime soda, whipped cream, chocolate shavings
  • Lemonade, lemon-lime soda, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, lemon slice
  • Strawberry soda, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, strawberry garnish
  • Black cherry soda, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, black cherry garnish
  • PiƱa Colada: Pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, vanilla ice cream, cream of coconut, whipped cream, maraschino cherry for garnish
  • Shirley Temple: Cherry soda, lemon-lime soda, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cherry and lime slice for garnish
  • Mint Chip ice cream, lemon-lime soda, whipped cream, chocolate shavings
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Float

Ice Cream Float Recipes

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Kierste Wade | Old Salt Farm
Prep Time: 5 minutes
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A collection of yummy and easy ice cream float recipes, including Apple Pie, Salted Caramel, Orange Creamsicle, Purple Cow, Shirley Temple, PiƱa Colada, Mint Chip, Chocolate, Lemon-Lime, and more!

Ingredients
 

Apple Pie Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream
  • apple cider
  • ginger ale
  • whipped cream
  • caramel syrup

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream
  • root beer
  • whipped cream
  • caramel syrup

Purple Cow Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream
  • grape soda
  • whipped cream

Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream OR orange sherbet
  • orange soda OR lemon-lime

Chocolate Ice Cream Float

  • chocolate ice cream
  • lemon-lime soda
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate shavings

Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream
  • cherry soda
  • lemon-lime soda
  • whipped cream
  • lime slice & maraschino cherry

PiƱa Colada Ice Cream Float

  • vanilla ice cream
  • pineapple juice
  • lemon-lime soda
  • cream of coconut
  • whipped cream
  • maraschino cherry

Mint Chip Ice Cream Float

  • mint chip ice cream
  • lemon-lime soda
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate shavings

Instructions

  • Start with a couple of scoops of ice cream or sherbet, add soda/ juice, top with whipped cream and any toppings! The amounts are personal preference–some people like more ice cream, and others like more soda.
Course :Dessert
Cuisine :Desserts, Ice Cream
Keyword :chocolate desserts, easy desserts, ice cream, ice cream float, summer desserts, summer recipes
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER! @oldsaltfarm or tag #oldsaltfarm!
Ice Cream Float Bar

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6 Comments

  1. I am known for being a stick in the mud, but these look so good I might just surprise my family with this. Is there a printable version of all the float recipes? Thanks for the great idea.

    1. Hi, Lis! I just created a printable version of all the float recipes, and it’s ready to print-great idea. And YES, you should totally try it and surprise your family, they would love it!!

      1. Wow, you’re fast. Thank you so much. Pinned and printed. Ready for a hot weekend here in BC, Canada = )

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