A Guinness Float is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat, combining rich, creamy vanilla ice cream with bold, malty Guinness stout for a perfectly indulgent adult dessert.
We love a tasty and easy-to-make float recipe in my house. Whether its this adult version Guinness Float perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a Mango Ice Cream Float in the summer time–either way a float is super simple to put together with very few steps. This makes for the perfect adult after dinner dessert.
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—or simply enjoy a unique dessert cocktail—this Guinness Float is a must-try! The contrast of creamy vanilla ice cream and the deep, roasted flavors of Guinness creates an irresistible combination that’s both smooth and slightly bitter, making it a treat you’ll want to enjoy year-round.
This easy two-ingredient drink takes just minutes to make, making it perfect for entertaining or a simple after-dinner indulgence. Whether you’re a stout lover or just looking to try something new, this float is a deliciously unexpected way to enjoy your beer.
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Why this Recipe Works
Effortless and Quick – With just two ingredients, this float comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations.
Balanced Flavor – The richness of vanilla ice cream complements the malty bitterness of Guinness, creating a smooth and satisfying dessert.
Customizable – You can switch up the ice cream flavor, add toppings, or even drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Ingredients
- Guinness Beer – This is the heart of this recipe and a must. If you don’t have Guinness Beer on hand you could use an oatmeal stout or another dark beer.
- Ice Cream – I prefer to use a high quality vanilla ice cream as this is what we prefer. If you are up to it you can even make your own homemade french vanilla ice cream!
How to Make a Guinness Float
Add three scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall (ice cream float) glass.
Next, slowly pour Guinness beer over top. You will only use 1 bottle of beer during the official pouring of the two floats and then top off as you drink the rest. Serve immediately and with a straw!
Guinness Ice Cream Float FAQs
Yes! It doesn’t seem like a normal pairing, but beer and ice cream mixed together can make for the most delicious adult dessert.
This recipe is intended for 2 adults; however, you can easily adjust it for just one or as many as you need fit. All you need is 1 bottle of beer and 1-3 ice cream scoops per person.
Yes, if you love beer you’ll love a beer float. Typically done with just your favorite bottle of beer and a few scoops of high-quality ice cream. It’s definitely an adult treat!
Yes! Swap Guinness for a non-alcoholic stout or a dark root beer for a similar creamy, foamy effect.
A classic pint glass works great, but you can also use a tall soda glass for a fun, retro feel.
Absolutely! Try whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel, or even crumbled toffee for extra texture.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I’ve found helpful when making this recipe.
- Add Additional Liquor – You can add a shot of Baileys Irish Cream or Whiskey to the float.
- Chill the glass – A frosted glass keeps your float colder longer and enhances the experience.
- Toppings – You can add whipped cream or spike freshly made whipped cream mixed with Baileys or Whiskey. A drizzle of chocolate sauce is delicious too.
- Ice Cream – If you don’t have vanilla ice cream on hand you can also use chocolate ice cream or even coffee ice cream. Also, you don’t have to use three scoops of ice cream. That is just wheat we prefer in our household. You can put less or more of the ice cream.
- Glass Size – Depending on the size of your glass will depend on the amount of Guinness Beer you can fit in the glass.
- Pour slowly – Guinness is naturally foamy, so pour it gently over the ice cream to prevent overflow.
If you make my Guinness Beer Float, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Guinness Float
Equipment
- 2 Tall Glasses
- Ice Cream Scoop
Ingredients
- 6 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- 2 – 11.2 ounce Bottles of Guinness Beer
Instructions
- Add three scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall (ice cream float) glass.
- Next, slowly pour Guinness beer over top. You will only use 1 bottle of beer during the official pouring of the two floats and then top off as you drink the rest.
- Serve immediately and with a straw!
Notes
- Add Additional Liquor – You can add a shot of Baileys Irish Cream or Whiskey to the float.
- Toppings – You can add whipped cream or spike freshly made whipped cream mixed or even coffee ice cream. Also, you don’t have to use three scoops of ice cream. That is just wheat we prefer in our household. You can put less or more of the ice cream.
- Glass Size – Depending on the size of your glass will depend on the amount of Guinness Beer you can fit in the glass.
- Calories – Calories are an estimate and should be treated as that. Reach out to a dietician for exact calories.
- 21 and up – This recipe is intended for those who are of legal drinking age, 21 and up in the United States.
icakepops
Great idea! I can’t wait to try it!
ashley - baker by nature
Heck yes! This idea is beyond amazing… and totally happening this weekend.
Katie
Ashely–no excuses for it not to happen… so easy!
Tasha @ ThatsSoYummy
Love this idea, my husband would go nuts over them!!!!
Katie
Tasha they are so good! Surprise him on Sunday!!!
Amy (Savory Moments)
We’ve made Guinness shakes before, but these floats look awesome! Very yummy.
Katie
Thanks Amy! Guinness shakes are next to make in my book!
Jackie @ The Beeroness
I LOVE that your husband homebrews. I want to start someday, when my life is less hectic. I need more homebrew friends! I might just show up at your house someday and ask to take home your spent grains to work on a recipe 🙂
Katie
Jackie–it just takes one day (and then a lot of TLC checking temps, giving ice baths depending on the brew, etc) to homebrew. They made their own water this time from “Germany” and did two different techniques to make a German Dunkle. I believe it was one with the filtered “Germany” water and one with regular water. But I could be wrong. They want to compare which is better. All I know is that I heard a thick German accent coming from the garage and sporadic German music piping out of the laptop. If you ever make it to Florida maybe we can arrange a brew day just for you! p.s. I never thought to create a recipe from the used grains… hmmm. You’ve got my mind thinking now!
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)
How did she make a Guinness shake without it foaming over? I feel like I’ve tried to make soda milkshakes with terrible messy-kitchen results… Anyways, I’ve yet to try Guinness this way but perhaps I should!
Samantha
Joe and I will be making these this weekend… for sure. I love your light bulb moments!
Katie
Awe thanks Samantha! You guys will love them!
addie | culicurious
yum, these look great, Katie. Fantastic idea!