WHAT’S FOR A SWEET SIP?
Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
5 min
SERVINGS
3-4 servings
Just when you thought summer couldn’t get any sweeter, this Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float shows up! It’s got creamy vanilla ice cream, fizzy lemonade, and the easiest homemade strawberry sauce that’s so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. It’s fun, fruity, and the perfect drink for hot summer days with kids.
Nothing says summer like a tall, fizzy float. This strawberry ice cream float with lemonade is creamy, fruity, bubbly, and totally reminds me of my childhood. Vanilla ice cream gets layered with a simple homemade strawberry sauce (made with fresh strawberries and a little sugar) then topped off with cold, sweet lemonade. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that’s so refreshing on a hot day, and my daughter absolutely loves it!
As a mom, I’m always looking for fun treats that also give a little boost of fuel which is much needed when she’s super active during the season. That’s why I love using real dairy. Milk and dairy products help keep her energized during long summer days, and they’re a great source of protein and nutrients she needs. When the temps climb and we’re bouncing between camps, pool days, and playgrounds, I know a treat like this can cool her off and still keep her going!
Most people think of floats as a scoop of ice cream with a can of pop (yep, I’m from the Midwest and we say pop!). But there are so many ways to build a float, and this one might be my favorite. The homemade strawberry sauce adds a fresh, sweet layer that’s just so good, and the lemonade brings a bright, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy ice cream. It’s the kind of beverage that makes you slow down and enjoy the sweetness of summer!
And if you really love the refreshing taste of lemonade, you’ll love this Two Ingredient Creamy Lemonade, and these adorable Lemonade Donuts!
Why Make Strawberry Lemonade Float This Summer?
Homemade strawberry sauce is made with just two ingredients and has a naturally sweet and fruity flavor that beats anything from a bottle.
Protein from dairy gives this float a little staying power, thanks to the creamy vanilla ice cream made with real milk.
Sweet, tart, and fizzy all in one glass, it’s like your favorite lemonade stand treat with lots of texture and flavor.
Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients and five minutes of your time.
Perfect for any summer moment, whether it’s backyard barbecues, poolside parties, or quiet afternoons on the porch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberries – Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness, bright flavor, and that classic berry taste that makes this float feel like summer.
Sugar – Just a little sugar helps draw out the juices from the strawberries and turns them into a syrupy sauce that’s perfect for topping the lemonade.
Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy base of the float adds richness and helps balance the tartness of the lemonade and strawberries.
Lemonade – Adds a fizzy, tangy twist that brings the whole float to life. You can use classic lemonade or even pink lemonade for a fun color pop.
Fresh Strawberries and Lemons (for garnish) – Not just pretty, they give the float a fresh, summery look and a little extra pop of flavor on top.
How To Make A Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Float
Make the strawberry sauce: In a small saucepan, add the sliced strawberries and sugar. Turn the heat to medium and stir often as the strawberries begin to heat up. Use a wooden spoon to gently mash the berries as they soften and release their juices. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a sweet, chunky sauce. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Cool the sauce completely: Once the strawberry sauce is thick and syrupy, remove it from the heat. Let it cool completely before assembling your float so it doesn’t melt the ice cream right away. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
Scoop the ice cream: In a tall glass, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to the bottom.
Layer with strawberry sauce: Spoon a layer of the cooled strawberry sauce over the ice cream. Add another scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with more strawberry sauce.
Pour in the lemonade: Slowly pour cold lemonade into the glass, filling it to the top. Pouring gently helps preserve the layers and keeps the float from bubbling over. Stir gently with a long straw.
Garnish and serve: Top with a lemon slice and a fresh strawberry. Serve with a straw or a long spoon and enjoy right away while it’s cold and bubbly.
Expert Tips
Use ripe, bright red strawberries for the sauce. This gives you the best flavor and natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.
Let the strawberry sauce cool fully before layering or it’ll melt your ice cream the second it hits the glass.
Keep your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling if you want an extra frosty float.
Mash the strawberries while they cook but leave a few chunky pieces for texture.
Pour the lemonade in slowly along the side of the glass to avoid too much fizz or overflow.If your lemonade is super sweet, you can squeeze in a little lemon juice to balance things out before assembling.
Use a tall spoon or milkshake straw so you can reach all the layers, especially that strawberry sauce at the bottom.
Make the strawberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge so it’s ready to go when you need it.
If you’re making floats for a group, prep the strawberry sauce and scoop the ice cream into glasses ahead of time, then pour in the lemonade just before serving.
Add the ice cream in scoops rather than pressing it down so the lemonade can flow around and mix with the layers naturally.
Ways To Customize
Use strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla for a double berry flavor.
Swap in pink lemonade for a slightly sweeter colorful twist.
Use pineapple juice instead of lemonade for a tropical spin that pairs beautifully with the strawberry sauce.
Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to lemonade for a fizzy float that’s a little less sweet but still refreshing.
Use lemon sorbet instead of vanilla ice cream if you want a dairy-free option.
Stir in a few crushed mint leaves to the strawberry sauce while it cools for a refreshing layer of flavor.
Use frozen strawberries to make the sauce when fresh aren’t available. Just cook them a little longer to break them down.
Add a scoop of whipped cream on top just before serving for an old-school soda fountain feel.
Turn it into a float bar by setting out different sodas, juices, and ice cream flavors so everyone can build their own custom combo.
How To Store and Serve
Storing: This creamy float is best served immediately after assembling so you get that perfect balance of creamy ice cream, fizzy lemonade, and sweet strawberry sauce. If you’re prepping ahead, you can make the strawberry sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep your ice cream frozen until just before serving, and chill the lemonade in the fridge so everything is extra cold and refreshing.
Serving: For serving, use tall glasses to show off the pretty layers and add a straw or long spoon for easy sipping and scooping. If you’re hosting a group, scoop the ice cream into glasses ahead of time and pop them in the freezer, then add the sauce and lemonade right before serving for a quick and fun presentation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries to make the sauce?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well, just simmer them a little longer to let the extra moisture cook off and the sauce thicken properly.
What type of lemonade works best for this float?
Fresh-squeezed or store-bought lemonade both work great. Use one that’s cold and not too sweet to balance the richness of the ice cream.
How do I keep the float from overflowing when I pour the lemonade?
Pour the lemonade slowly down the side of the glass to control the fizz and keep everything from bubbling over.
Will the strawberry sauce be smooth or chunky?
The sauce will have some texture unless you blend it. If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can pulse it in a blender once cooled.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and pair it with lemon sorbet or fruit juice for a vegan version.
What if my strawberry sauce is too runny?
Let it simmer a few minutes longer so the liquid reduces and the natural sugars thicken it into a more syrupy consistency.
More Summer Strawberry Recipes
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
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Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float
Summer is officially here with this delicious Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float! Hiland Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream, real strawberries and yummy lemonade.
Ingredients
12 fresh strawberries, sliced
1 Tablespoon sugar
Vanilla Ice Cream
Lemonade
Fresh Strawberries and Lemons to garnish
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, add the strawberry slices and sugar. Turn to a medium heat and as the strawberries heat up, start to stir and mash the strawberries with a wooden spoon. Continue to do this until the strawberries are soft and have created a sauce. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
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To assemble the floats, place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of a glass and then top with a spoonful or two of the strawberry sauce. Repeat with another scoop of vanilla ice cream and more strawberry sauce.
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Slowly pour the lemonade in the glass over the ice cream and strawberry sauce until the glass is full. Use a straw or spoon to mix together a bit.
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Garnish with fresh lemons and strawberry slices and enjoy!
Notes
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