A Fun & Delicious Ice Cream Float Bar

Put together an ice cream float bar for dessert at your next party. A fun, easy and delicious outdoor entertaining idea!

Welcome to week two of the Outdoor Extravaganza! If you missed last week, be sure to check out my log and succulent centerpiece, as well as the other beautiful and clever gardening ideas from this year’s participants.

This time around, it’s all about OUTDOOR DECORATING & ENTERTAINING…

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, I like to plan ahead and make it as simple as possible. Having a dessert station where it’s self-serve means I’m able to enjoy my guests rather than run around getting this and doing that.

Being frazzled while entertaining is never a good thing. Been there?

Plus, it’s far more fun for everyone to come up with their own float combinations, whether they fall on the Plain Jane side of things or are more of a Risk Taker. I’m somewhere in the middle. What about you?

Vanilla ice cream is always a favourite, but adding other flavours (or even gelato or sorbet) to mix things up is fun too.

The same goes for the carbonated beverages. I like to include options that aren’t the standard root beer or cola. Lemon lime and cream soda are popular choices. You could even use sparkling juice, such as peach.

You’ll also need tall glasses (or jars), spoons and straws. Oh, and don’t forget a bottle opener and scoop.

Float Toppings

Want to take your ice cream float bar one step further? Provide a selection of toppings to boost the taste and make the floats look even more scrumptious. Plus, a little fruit ups the health factor, right ;)

I opted for fresh mint, blueberries and strawberries. Oranges, cherries and raspberries would be delicious too.

Of course, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles are classic float toppings. Select flavours that pair well with your soda selection.

Float Bar Tips

For best results, set it up out of direct sunlight and place your ice cream and drinks over ice. Buckets or bowls work well.

I transferred my ice cream to a glass jar since the waxed cardboard tubs tend to get squishy over time and this looks so much better.

I used our outdoor bar cart to set everything up, but any table will work. Chances are it will get messy, so opt for something that isn’t too precious or cover it with a waterproof table cloth to be safe. You could also use a large tray.

Keep a kitchen towel handy and some napkins too.

Ice cream floats are perfect on a hot summer day! (It was 28°C when I took these photos. Oh, how I wanted to dive right in!)

Ice Cream Float Combinations

What kind of float would you create? This one is blood orange Italian soda with vanilla ice cream and mint. So tasty and refreshing!

I’d love for you to share your favourite ice cream float ideas in the comments!

Set up an ice cream float bar for birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, Father’s Day, Canada Day (or Fourth of July) or any other celebration, indoors or out! Have some fun :)

Be sure to pin this fun summer dessert idea for later!

Come back next Thursday, May 24th to see our Outdoor Paint & Build-it projects. Wishing my Canadian friends a happy Victoria Day!

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