Ice Cream Float Bar & Recipe Ideas (2024)

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

• 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!

• 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!

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

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.

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!

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
• Piña 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

Favorite items for ice cream float bar:

• Galvanized beverage tub
• Striped straws
• Chalkboard
• Rainbow banner
• Rainbow party supplies, polka dot napkins

Make floats for Father’s Day…with an adorable printable mustache!