How To Set Up An Ice Cream Soda Bar

Don’t let summer pass you by without hosting some type of ice cream gathering! Whether you make homemade ice cream in the back yard, set up a sundae bar, or put together ice cream sandwiches, ice cream is the quintessential summer treat.

For one of my latest contributions for Celebrations.com I put together ideas for setting up an ice cream soda bar. Below are some ideas, tips, and recipes for making delicious ice cream floats (there’s more than just root beer!).

Tips:

Pre-scoop ice cream and place in the freezer until ready to use.
Line a galvanized bucket with parchment paper {to keep it food safe} and place the scoops inside.
Tall shot glasses are great for serving flavored syrups. We used chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, and amaretto flavored syrup.
Provide an array of soda flavors like root beer, cream soda, fruit flavored soda, and sparkling seltzer or club soda.
Orange juice is a great add in for creating a Creamsicle float.
Follow the basic formula: 2 scoops vanilla ice cream + flavored syrup + seltzer; OR 2 scoops vanilla ice cream + flavored soda.
Don’t forget to top off with whipped cream and a cherry on top!

Orange Creamcycle

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

1/3 cup Orange Juice

Cream Soda to fill

Strawberry Soda

2 scoops Vanilla ice cream

2 oz Strawberry syrup

Cream Soda to fill

Chocolate Ice Cream Soda

2 scoops Vanilla ice cream

2 oz Chocolate syrup

Cold Seltzer water or Club soda