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A Guinness Float is a fun twist on a classic beer ice cream float, combining rich, malty Guinness with creamy ice cream for a smooth, slightly bitter-sweet treat. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, it’s an easy and indulgent dessert that’s perfect any time.
If you’re making a Guinness float for St. Patrick’s Day, round out your meal with more single serving Irish-inspired recipes. Try Irish Stew, Colcannon, and Irish Soda Bread—all perfectly portioned and full of traditional Irish flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Just a scoop, a pour, and a drizzle—ready in minutes!
- Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy ice cream blends with the bold, malty Guinness for a rich and satisfying treat.
- Totally Customizable: Stick with classic vanilla or switch it up with chocolate, caramel, or coffee ice cream.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fun dessert, this beer float is always a hit.
I’ve been to the Guinness factory in Dublin a few times, and it’s an experience that really makes you appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic beer. Guinness has been brewed since 1759, and visiting the brewery gives you a deep dive into its rich heritage—from the original brewing process to the famous St. James’s Gate. Walking through the factory, you see massive copper kettles, learn about the perfect pour, and take in the deep roasted aroma that fills the air.
A Guinness float takes that bold, malty richness and turns it into a fun and unexpected dessert. The creamy ice cream swirls into the stout, creating a contrast of sweet and bitter that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re a die-hard Guinness fan or just love a good beer ice cream float, this is one recipe you don’t want to miss.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Guinness ice cream float recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is my go-to for this float. Leftover ice cream? Try it in a Shamrock Shake.
- Guinness Stout: Any variety works, but I recommend Extra Stout for its deep, rich flavor. If you have extra, use it in our Irish Stew.
- Whipped Cream: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade whipped cream adds a richer flavor.
- Chocolate Syrup: Added to the glass before adding the beer and a little more over the whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these Guinness float variations:
- Chocolate Float: Use chocolate ice cream and drizzle with extra chocolate syrup for a richer flavor.
- Caramel Float: Swap vanilla ice cream for caramel ice cream and top with caramel syrup.
- Coffee Stout Float: Use coffee ice cream for a bold, slightly bitter contrast to the stout.
- Irish Cream Float: Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur for extra creaminess.
- Mocha Guinness Float: Stir in a splash of Crème de Cacao for a smooth chocolate flavor that complements the stout.
How To Make A Guinness Float
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
To make a Guinness float, start by adding a few scoops of ice cream to a tall glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream, then slowly pour the Guinness into the glass, allowing the foam to rise and settle before adding more. Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup for a rich, decadent touch.
Expert Tips
- Chill the Glass: A cold glass keeps your float colder longer.
- Pour Slowly: Pour Guinness against the inside of the glass to control foam.
- Adjust to Taste: Use more or less beer and ice cream to suit your preference.
- Go Heavy on the Chocolate: It brings the flavors together.
- Serve Right Away: Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pour slowly against the inside of the glass and let the foam settle before adding more.
Yes, you can use a non-alcoholic stout or swap the beer for root beer or a rich chocolate soda.
In a tall, chilled glass with a spoon and a straw for easy sipping and scooping.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this Guinness ice cream float or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Guinness Float
Equipment
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup -divided
- 12 ounces Guinness stout or another stout
- 2-3 tablespoons whipped cream
Instructions
- Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass, leaving enough room for the Guinness to foam up without overflowing.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup over the ice cream.
- Slowly pour the Guinness into the glass, letting the foam settle before adding more. Once the foam subsides, pour in the remaining Guinness.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with the remaining chocolate syrup. Add extra syrup if you love a richer chocolate flavor.
Notes
- Chill the Glass: A cold glass keeps your float colder longer.
- Pour Slowly: Pour Guinness against the inside of the glass to control foam.
- Adjust to Taste: Use more or less beer and ice cream to suit your preference.
- Go Heavy on the Chocolate: It brings the flavors together.
- Serve Right Away: Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Might have 2 – don’t want to waster the rest of the Guinness can.
Made one for myself tonight. Wonderful. Thank you.
Best dessert ever!!
OMG. It’s the grown-up version of a root beer float. I can’t wait to try one.