The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Floats are coming back in a big way! If you know you’ll crave something sweet and sour this spring or summer, here’s my quick and easy Lemonade Float recipe that’s perfect for warm weather.
This float costs approximately $1.08 to make and makes one serving.
If you love the taste of lemon, then you must check out my Lemon Cream Pie Cheesecake Dip.
Lemonade Float
In today’s post, I’m thinking beyond the classic root beer float and making an ice cream treat that fits right in with other warm-weather flavors. I always associate lemonade and other citrus-based ingredients with spring and summer, so I decided to use those in a float!
But this just isn’t any lemon soda float…this is a twist on lemon cream pie. It’s vanilla ice cream and lemonade mixed together into a refreshing drink that’s both sweet and tangy. Kids and grown-ups will both enjoy this addicting little drink after a long day in the sun or while out on a picnic. I know this from personal experience!
(By the way, I LOVE the straw that I used in the picture. It’s thicker than normal straws, which makes them perfect for floats and milkshakes. I know it might seem silly, but the little touches can make a float all the more fun and worthwhile. Nothing like trying to suck up a shake through a tiny straw, like at a fast food restaurant.)
If you love the flavors of lemon cream pie as I do, then you must check out my crowd-pleasing lemon cream pie cheesecake dip. I’ve also made entire lemon-themed dessert parties before with this “drink” and amazing snacks like lemon bars, lemon lush, and lemon sherbet.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $1.08
Recipe Cost: $1.08
- ⅔ cup 7Up: $0.54
- ⅓ cup lemonade: $0.30
- ½ cup vanilla ice cream: $0.24
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in April 2023.
How To Make A Lemon Float
***Please see the recipe card below for complete recipe instructions.
After learning to make this lemon float, you can apply it to almost any kind of ice cream float you like!
To make an ice cream float:
- In a large glass, pour in the 7Up.
- Once the bubbles subside, add the lemonade.
- Add a scoop of ice cream.
- Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and sliced lemon.
Yes, that’s it. No need to do anything special here. Those delicious floats you remember as a kid are that easy. Switch out the soda and lemonade for your favorite drinks and the ice cream for any flavor you like to customize this recipe!
Storage & Serving Tips
SERVE: You’ll want to serve your float immediately, so it doesn’t melt too much.
STORE: Again, floats are best eaten/sipped on immediately! You don’t want to leave it on the counter or even in the fridge, or you’ll get a watery mess.
FREEZE: I don’t recommend freezing these floats unless you want to make popsicles. If so, you can put this recipe in a popsicle mold for later.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe is more of a guide. I like more fizzle to my float, so I opted for more soda than lemonade. Feel free to adjust the amounts of ingredients to your liking.
Some of my favorite additions include…
● Lemon wafers
● Lemon cream sandwich cookies
● Graham crackers
You can also substitute…
● Sprite, San Pellegrino, etc for the 7up
● The lemonade for hard lemonade if you want a grown-up drink for yourself!
● Lemon-flavored ice cream or sherbet for the vanilla
More Dessert Recipes
- Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
- 3 Ingredient Fudge
- Copycat Dole Whip – Dairy Free!
- Lemon Pudding Cookies
- Buttermilk Pie
Lemonade Float
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup 7Up chilled
- ⅓ cup lemonade
- ½ cup vanilla ice cream
GARNISHES:
- Whipped Cream
- Lemon slice
Instructions
- In a large glass, pour in the 7Up.
- Once the bubbles subside, add the lemonade and a scoop of ice cream.
- Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a sliced lemon.
Mai Tran says
A lemon drink with cream? That’s such a brilliantly new idea!
Laura says
Such an easy treat to make. My kids love them!