Host an ice cream float party

Fun for all ages

An ice cream float party is a great way to casually get together with friends of all ages to enjoy something sweet and simple. The ingredient list is so short and easy — ice cream and soda — but the customizations are endless.

I love a party where the host can whip a couple of things out of the fridge and then relax as fun (and maybe chaos) ensues! An ice cream float party is just perfect for that, so we gave it a shot with our family and friends, adding a few fun twists along the way.

Sub in sodas of interesting and unusual flavors, add a shot of bourbon or create a stout-based float for the adults. Or stick with a classic root beer float dressed up with a few colorful sprinkles.

To be honest, our kids didn’t need much more than the mention of the word “ice cream” to turn into frenzies of excitement. But those tiny balls of brightly colored sprinkles are so adorable, and they make a plain-Jane ice cream float feel special and festive.

As for the adults, the adventurous among us tried some delicious floats spiked with booze. We especially loved a traditional cream soda float with a shot of bourbon added for a warming, spicy kick. Another adults-only float — made with dark creamy stout beer and chocolate ice cream — was delicious and unique.

There’s something fun for everyone to enjoy at an ice cream float party, whether it's a nostalgic traditional float, colorful sprinkles or an adults-only treat. Enjoy!

Classic root beer float with sprinkles

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 6 to 8 ounces root beer, to fill glass
• Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass.
2. Fill the glass to the top with root beer. Adjust the amount of root beer based on how large (or small) your glasses are.
3. Add a light dusting of sprinkles to the top of the ice cream.

*Recipe variation: Sub in orange soda for a creamsicle float!

Bourbon cream float

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 to 2 ounces bourbon
• Cream soda to fill glass (we used approximately 6 ounces)

Directions:

1. Scoop ice cream into a tall glass. Pour the bourbon over the ice cream.
2. Fill the glass to the top with cream soda.
3. Adjust the amount of bourbon and cream soda based on how large (or small) your glasses are.

Chocolate stout float

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
• 6 ounces stout (beer)

Directions:

1. Scoop the chocolate ice cream into tall glass.
2. Fill glass with 6 ounces of stout. Enjoy!

More dessert ideas

Homemade flavored gourmet marshmallows
S'more dessert pizza
Pie on a stick