Hey y'all! If zesty, refreshing, and creamy desserts make your heart skip a beat, you're in for a treat with these Lemonade Ice Cream Floats. Bursting with cool lemonade, velvety vanilla ice cream, and fizzy bubbles, they're perfect for family BBQs, pool parties, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Let's get cooking and make some frosty magic!
Why You'll Love This Lemonade Ice Cream Floats Recipe
- Super quick and easy – ready in just 10 minutes!
- Perfectly balances tangy lemonade with rich, creamy vanilla ice cream.
- A delicious, kid-friendly treat that's fun for all ages.
- Customizable with endless flavor twists and toppings.
- Ideal for cooling off on hot summer days or impressing guests at any gathering.
Ingredients for Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
- 4 cups cold sparkling lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 pint (2 cups) premium vanilla ice cream
- 1 lemon, sliced into wheels (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for a citrusy kick)
How to Make Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
Step 1: Prep Your Glasses
Chill four tall glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This keeps your Lemonade Ice Cream Floats extra cold and refreshing.
Step 2: Scoop the Ice Cream
Place two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in each chilled glass. For easy scooping, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the Lemonade
Slowly pour 1 cup of cold sparkling lemonade over the ice cream in each glass. The lemonade will fizz up, creating that classic float effect—pour gently to avoid overflow!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top each float with a lemon wheel, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately with a wide straw and long spoon.
Notes for the Best Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
- For homemade lemonade, check out this Perfect Lemonade Recipe.
- Try Italian sparkling lemonade for extra fizziness and flavor depth.
- Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Lemonade Ice Cream Floats Variations
- Berry Lemonade Floats: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries before pouring the lemonade.
- Pink Lemonade Ice Cream Floats: Substitute pink lemonade and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Limeade Cream Floats: Use limeade instead of lemonade for a tangy twist.
Required Equipment for Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
- Ice cream scoop
- 4 tall glasses
- Wide straws and long spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board (for lemon garnish)
Storage Instructions for Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
Lemonade Ice Cream Floats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the lemonade and keep it chilled for up to 3 days. Once assembled, floats should be consumed immediately as the ice cream melts quickly.
Serving Recommendations for Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
- Pair with grilled burgers or hot dogs for a classic summer meal.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit skewers for a light dessert spread.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemonade Ice Cream Floats
- Chill your glasses well ahead of time to keep floats icy cold (see more chilling tips here).
- Use high-quality ice cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Slowly add lemonade to avoid excessive foaming or overflow (learn more about carbonation and pouring techniques from Serious Eats).
Lemonade Ice Cream Floats FAQ
- Can I use non-dairy ice cream?
- Absolutely! Coconut milk or almond milk ice creams work great for a dairy-free version.
- Can I make these in advance?
- Lemonade Ice Cream Floats are best assembled just before serving to prevent melting and dilution.
- What lemonade works best?
- Homemade or high-quality store-bought sparkling lemonade delivers the best tangy, fresh flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 floats
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold lemonade
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Crushed ice (optional)
Instructions
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1Chill four tall glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes or until frosty.
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2Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
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3In a pitcher, combine cold lemonade, fresh lemon juice, and honey or simple syrup. Stir until well mixed.
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4Pour the lemonade mixture evenly over the ice cream in each glass.
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5Top each float with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish.
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6Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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