Try the Guinness Timer ⏱️
A perfect pour takes 119.5 seconds — the rest, two minutes, gives the stout time to settle. Time your own pint and see if you wait long enough.
Some Irish recipes are all about patience and tradition. This is not one of them. The Guinness and Jameson ice cream float is pure, gleeful indulgence — a grown-up twist on the classic soda-fountain float that pours two of Ireland’s most famous exports over a scoop of good vanilla ice cream. It went viral a few years back for a reason: it takes about ninety seconds to make, needs no cooking, and tastes like a stout affogato that wandered into a whiskey bar.
Why it works
Guinness isn’t just a beer here — it’s the flavour engine. Its roasted barley gives it deep notes of coffee and dark chocolate, and those play beautifully against cold, sweet vanilla. Add a measure of Jameson and you get a gentle warmth and a triple-distilled smoothness that ties the whole thing together. Think of it as an adult ice cream float: creamy, bittersweet, and just boozy enough to feel like a treat.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 4 scoops of good vanilla ice cream (2 per glass)
- 1 bottle or can of Guinness (about 440ml), very well chilled
- 50ml Jameson Irish whiskey (25ml per glass)
- Chocolate sauce, to drizzle
- Optional: a crumbled chocolate flake or a little grated dark chocolate to finish
How to make it
- Chill your glasses first. A cold glass keeps the float thick and stops it collapsing too fast. A tall sundae glass or a straight pint glass both work.
- Add the ice cream. Two scoops of vanilla into each glass.
- Pour over the Jameson. 25ml over the ice cream in each glass.
- Top slowly with Guinness. Pour it gently down the side of the glass and let the head build and settle before topping up. The stout will foam up dramatically against the ice cream, so take your time — this is the fun part.
- Finish. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and scatter over a crumbled flake.
- Serve straight away with a long spoon and a straw, while the ice cream is still holding its shape.
Tips for the perfect float
- Use the best vanilla ice cream you can — it carries the whole dessert.
- Chill everything: the glass, the Guinness, even the whiskey. Warm stout foams over the top.
- Pour the Guinness the way you would a proper pint — slow, in stages, letting it settle.
- No alcohol? No problem. Use Guinness 0.0 and leave out the whiskey for a family-friendly stout float that still tastes brilliant.
Make it your own
- Swap vanilla for salted caramel or chocolate ice cream.
- Add a shot of cold brew coffee for a boozy affogato.
- Use Baileys instead of — or alongside — the Jameson for something even more decadent.
If you love this kind of boozy Irish twist, don’t miss our recipe for the perfect Irish coffee.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Guinness float taste like?
Creamy vanilla against roasted, gently bitter stout, with the warm smoothness of Irish whiskey running through it — a bit like an affogato made with Guinness instead of espresso.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Use Guinness 0.0 and skip the whiskey. You still get the roasted-malt flavour and the dramatic foamy pour, just without the kick.
What ice cream should I use?
A good, rich vanilla is the classic choice. Salted caramel or chocolate both work well if you want to change things up.
Love Irish food and drink? Get a new taste of Ireland in your inbox every morning — subscribe to the free Love Ireland newsletter.
Thinking about it seriously?
If you’ve started actually planning a move, our complete the full Move to Ireland guide walks through every step, every cost, and the paperwork that catches most people out.
Tours & experiences you might love
Powered by Viator. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
Subscribe Free