Blueberry Ice Cream Float

This blueberry ice cream float blends fruity blueberry purée, a sparkling citrus base and creamy vanilla ice cream into a sweet and refreshing dessert-like drink.

Also try raspberry hazelnut cookies, blueberry cream pie and berry pavlova. Raspberry truffles and blueberry cream cheese muffins are great too.

Why You’ll Love It

Fast and easy: Simple ingredients and quick prep make this a great last-minute treat.
Fruity and fizzy: The combo of blueberry and sparkling water is light and refreshing.
Fun to serve: Great for parties, summer meals or a sweet ending to dinner.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, ice cream or fruit to suit your taste.

Blueberry Ice Cream Float Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Blueberries: Fresh or frozen berries create a naturally sweet and vibrant purée.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the berries and lime.
Lime: Enhances the berry flavor and adds a bit of tart zing.
Sparkling water: Adds refreshing fizz to each glass.
Lemon juice: Brightens the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream: Creamy and rich, it adds smooth texture and mellow flavor.
Ice: Keeps everything extra cold and refreshing.

How to Make Ice Cream Floats with Blueberries

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the purée: Simmer the blueberries, sugar, lime juice and water, then blend until smooth.
Chill the purée: Cool the mixture to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Prepare the glasses: Add blueberry purée, frozen berries and crushed ice.
Add the fizz: Pour in lemon juice and sparkling water.
Top with ice cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each float and serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Use soda water: Replace sparkling water with lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness.
Swap lime for lemon: If you prefer lemon juice, use that in the blueberry puree instead of lime.
Different fruit: Try raspberries or blackberries for a variation on the purée.
Non-dairy option: Use plant-based ice cream for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

After a meal: Anything from grilled BBQ chicken salad to penne rosa pasta or General Tso shrimp stir fry would be good.
With a blueberry dessert: You can pair it with some blueberry cheesecake ice cream or watermelon blueberry sparklers.

How to Store Blueberry Ice Cream Floats

Store: As these have to be served immediately (otherwise the ice cream and ice cubes will melt) it’s best to only prepare as much as you need. However, you can make the blueberry puree ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days.