12 must-try summer ice cream float recipes for adults

On a hot summer day, there‘s nothing better than cooling off with some ice cream. That’s why we put a grown-up twist on a childhood classic with our list of 12 boozy ice cream float recipes.

Blood Orange Soda Float
Blood Orange Soda Float

Pour blood orange soda and a shot of gin into a glass filled with a scoop of orange sherbet. Top with whipped topping and garnish with an orange slice sprinkled with ground ginger.

Kalimotxo (Red Wine) Float
Kalimotxo Red Wine Ice Cream Float

Pronounced cali-MO-cho, residents in the Basque Country have been sipping on this cocktail for decades. An extra sweet take on red sangria, this cocktail is traditionally made of two components — red wine and coke. For our Kalimotox (Red Wine) float, we’ve combined equal parts red wine with cherry coke and a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Ditch the red wine for a sweet mock-tail version.

Mimosa Float
Mimosa Float Recipe for Adults

More of a traditional brunch enthusiast? We didn't forget about you! Combine vanilla ice cream, orange juice, and champagne for the perfect early afternoon cocktail. For a mock-tail version, lose the champagne. 

Peaches and Crème Float
Peaches and Crème Float

One quick sip of this boozy ice cream float will have you feeling peachy keen. To make this fruity treat, pair one scoop of vanilla ice cream with peach lambic beer. Top your ice cream float with a whoosh of Reddi-wip® and garnish with a grilled peach slice. For a mock-tail version, just substitute peach soda for peach lambic beer.

Affogato Float
Affogato Float Recipe for Summer

Spike up an Italian coffee house classic with this Boozy Affogato Float. To make each float, put two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream into a heavy, heatproof glass. Add ½ cup of hot coffee or espresso and 1 ounce of hazelnut liqueur to each drink. Serve immediately. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the hazelnut liqueur.

Frozen Fruit Bar Float
Frozen Fruit Bar Float for Adults

This boozy float is essential for summertime picnics and outdoor block parties. To enjoy one of our favorite summer adult drinks, add a frozen raspberry fruit bar to your glass of spiked lemonade and get to sippin'. Keep this float family friendly by placing a frozen fruit bar into any non-alcoholic lemonade or fruit juice.

Mojito Float
Mojito Ice Cream Float

Since we won’t be making it to Havana this summer — the birthplace of the mojito — we decided to bring the island into the kitchen. Inspired by a Cuban favorite, this Mojito Float recipe will have everyone at your next get-together raving. To make: top fresh spearmint with ice, a scoop of lemon sorbet, and a shot of rum. Finish it off with lemon lime soda and whipped topping. Garnish with a fresh lime slice and enjoy. For a mock-tail version, omit vodka. 

Pina Colada Float
Pina Colada Float for Summer

Escape with this Pina Colada Float made with pineapple juice and a shot of tequila poured over a scoop of pineapple coconut ice cream. Finish it off with whipped topping, shaved coconut and a slice of pineapple.

Boozy Root Beer Float
Boozy Root Beer Float for Summer

Did you think we would make 12 boozy ice cream floats and not include a classic? This Boozy Root Beer Float consists of one scoop of vanilla ice cream, root beer, and a shot of vanilla vodka. For a kid-friendly favorite, omit the vanilla vodka.

Hard Apple Cider Float
Hard Apple Cider Float

Turn this harvest party favorite into a summertime treat by pouring your favorite hard apple cider over vanilla ice cream. Top your boozy float off with a whoosh of Reddi-wip and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. For a mock-tail version, substitute apple cider.

Sangria Float
Boozy Sangria Float

Raspberry sorbet + slices of fresh fruit+ red sangria = summertime. Now, if only every other equation was as easy!

Raspberry Bellini Float
Raspberry Bellini Float

Get your brunch on with this Raspberry Bellini Float, just top frozen raspberries with a scoop of raspberry sorbet and Prosecco. For a mock-tail version, substitute Prosecco with carbonated water.