Guinness Float Recipe: A Surprisingly Delicious Summer Treat
Dark beer meets vanilla ice cream for a fizzy, indulgent twist on a summer classic.
A Guinness Float in June? Why Not!
If you think Guinness is only for St. Patrick’s Day and cozy Irish pubs, think again. This creamy, fizzy, and altogether surprising dessert drink—the Guinness float—is a delicious treat that deserves a spot on your summer menu just as much as root beer or soda floats do. What starts as skepticism—“beer with ice cream?”—quickly turns into delight once you take your first sip. The Guinness float is a grown-up twist on a childhood classic, and once you try it, you might just wonder what took you so long.
What is a Guinness Float?
A Guinness float is a playful, adult variation of the beloved ice cream float. Instead of pairing cream soda, root beer, or cola with vanilla ice cream, this version uses Guinness stout—rich, dark, and malty—poured over a generous scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream. The result is a frothy, creamy, not-too-sweet dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to drink.
Why Try a Guinness Float Any Time of Year?
The Guinness float is traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s Day, when Irish flavors take center stage. But there’s no rule saying you can’t enjoy it in June, July, or any other month. In fact, the cooler, fizzy nature of the drink makes it a refreshing choice for warm weather. It’s a conversation starter, a dessert with personality, and a treat that will have your friends and family asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bottle of Guinness stout (or any good stout beer)
- 2 large scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or even caramel)
- Optional: Whipped cream for topping
How to Make a Guinness Float: Step-by-Step
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra-cold, refreshing experience, frost your mug or glass. Simply run it under cold water (inside and out) and let it sit in the freezer until frosty.
- Add Ice Cream: Drop in two large scoops of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment—chocolate, coffee, or caramel all pair beautifully with Guinness.
- Pour the Guinness: Slowly pour the cold Guinness over the ice cream. Pour carefully, as the interaction of carbonated beer and creamy ice cream will create a lively fizz—too fast, and you’ll have a foamy overflow!
- Top It Off: If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream to finish your float.
- Serve and Enjoy: Provide a tall spoon and a straw for maximum sipping and scooping enjoyment. Share, savor, and repeat as necessary.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
At first glance, a Guinness float might sound like a strange, even “grody” concoction—especially if you’ve never tried it. But once you take that first sip, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The stout’s roasty, chocolatey malt flavors are mellowed by the creamy sweetness of the ice cream, resulting in a complex, well-balanced drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The carbonation from the beer adds a playful fizz, making every bite and sip a delightful, creamy-bubbly experience.
Customization and Variations
Part of the fun of the Guinness float is its versatility. Here are some ideas for making it your own:
- Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is traditional, chocolate and coffee ice cream both complement the malty stout beautifully. Caramel is another intriguing option, adding a buttery sweetness to the mix.
- Beer Selection: Though Guinness is the classic choice, feel free to try other stouts or even porters. Each beer will bring its own unique character to the float.
- Toppings: Whipped cream is a natural addition, but you could also try a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
The History and Appeal of Beer Floats
Beer floats aren’t just a novelty—they’ve been enjoyed for decades as an adult take on the ice cream float. The combination of creamy ice cream and effervescent beer creates a playful contrast that’s irresistible. The origins are murky, but the idea likely emerged as a creative way to enjoy two favorite indulgences at once. Today, beer floats are especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, but their appeal is truly year-round.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Guinness Float
To elevate your Guinness float from a fun experiment to a memorable dessert, keep these tips in mind:
- Chill Everything: Both the beer and the ice cream should be very cold for the best texture and flavor.
- Go Big: Use generous scoops of ice cream for a creamy, luxurious drink.
- Pour Slowly: The carbonation in Guinness reacts quickly with the ice cream. Pour gently to avoid overflow and to maintain a creamy head.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your float right away, before the ice cream melts and the fizz settles.
What others are reading
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with a Guinness Float
A Guinness float is a dessert in its own right, but if you want to create a themed menu, consider these pairings:
- Irish Classics: Shepherd’s pie, corned beef, or bangers and mash.
- Sweet Treats: Chocolate Guinness cake, Irish soda bread, or shortbread cookies.
- Savory Snacks: Salted nuts or pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation can make your Guinness float even more special. Here are a few ideas:
- Glassware: Use a classic soda fountain glass or a sturdy beer mug for a fun, retro vibe.
- Garnish: Top with a cherry, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a dusting of espresso powder for extra flair.
- Sharing: Make a large batch for a summer party and let guests customize their own floats.
What People Say About Guinness Floats
The reaction to a Guinness float is almost always surprise, followed by delight. Those who are skeptical at first often become converts after one taste. It’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and novel—a perfect way to end a meal or to celebrate a special occasion, no matter the season.
How Does a Guinness Float Compare to Other Floats?
| Float Type | Base Beverage | Ice Cream Flavor | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Beer Float | Root Beer | Vanilla | Sweet, creamy, nostalgic |
| Coke Float | Coca-Cola | Vanilla | Sweet, fizzy, classic |
| Guinness Float | Guinness Stout | Vanilla, chocolate, coffee, caramel | Creamy, malty, complex, less sweet |
Guinness Float FAQs
Can I make a Guinness float with other beers?
A: Absolutely! While Guinness is the classic choice, you can experiment with different stouts, porters, or even ales for a variety of flavors. Each beer will bring its own unique profile to the float.
Do I have to use Guinness?
A: Not at all. Any good stout or dark beer will work, though Guinness is especially popular for its creamy texture and balanced flavor.
What’s the best ice cream to use?
A: Vanilla is traditional, but chocolate, coffee, and caramel are all excellent choices. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is this too sweet?
A: Not at all. The maltiness of the stout tempers the sweetness of the ice cream, resulting in a dessert that’s rich but not cloying.
Can kids have this?
A: Since this recipe contains alcohol, it’s best reserved for adults. For kids, stick to the classic root beer or soda float.
How do I keep it from overflowing?
A: Pour the Guinness slowly and in stages, allowing the foam to settle between pours. A chilled glass also helps control the fizz.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
A: For a non-alcoholic option, try using root beer, cream soda, or a non-alcoholic stout if you can find one.
Why This Recipe Works Year-Round
There’s no wrong time to enjoy a Guinness float. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, sure, but this unique dessert is just at home on a hot summer day or as a special treat after dinner. The combination of cold, creamy ice cream and effervescent Guinness is a match made in dessert heaven—no matter the season.
Recipes That Pair Well with a Guinness Float
If you’re planning a themed menu, consider serving your Guinness float alongside these dishes:
- Guinness Chocolate Cake: Rich, moist, and chocolatey, with a hint of stout flavor.
- Irish Stew: Hearty and comforting, a perfect contrast to the cold, creamy float.
- Cheese Platter: The sharpness of Irish cheddar pairs beautifully with the sweet, malty notes of the float.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: A decadent, bite-sized treat to enjoy alongside your drink.
Conclusion: Give the Guinness Float a Try!
If you’re looking for a unique, memorable, and downright delicious dessert, the Guinness float is a must-try. It’s a fun conversation piece, a nod to Irish culinary tradition, and a treat that’s as versatile as it is tasty. Whether you serve it up on St. Patrick’s Day, at a summer BBQ, or just because, the Guinness float is proof that sometimes, the best things come from the most unexpected combinations. So grab a cold Guinness, scoop some ice cream, and pour yourself a float—you won’t be disappointed.
References
- https://www.homeandplate.com/blog/2016-irish-stout-ice-cream-float/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/guinness-or-any-beer-float/?print=1%2F
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a12008/guinness-float-in-june/
- https://glaszart.com/rachael-rays-guinness-float-recipe/
- https://thelostogle.com/2017/07/20/5-of-the-pioneer-womans-worst-laziest-and-most-questionable-recipes
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g38767545/irish-desserts/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
