Root Beer Float

Everyone loves a root beer float, that classic drink made with creamy root beer and rich vanilla ice cream. Of course, a mug of root beer tastes incredible by itself, but this ice cream drink is the best way to cool off after a hot day. We’ll show you how to make a root beer float at home to sip on whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredients for Root Beer Float

• Ice cream: Since there are only two ingredients in this entire recipe, it’s important that you buy high-quality products. Luckily, our Test Kitchen put together a list of their favorite vanilla ice cream brands that can be found in most stores. You could also go the extra mile and whip up homemade vanilla ice cream at home!
• Root beer: And, if you don’t have a favorite, pick up one of our Test Kitchen’s preferred root beer brands. From the smoothest to the spiciest root beer, to the brand that we’ve deemed best for root beer floats(!), there’s a suggestion for all palates.

Directions

Step 1: Frost the mugs

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To make the mugs or steins extra frosty, chill them ahead of time in the freezer for 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Add the vanilla ice cream

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Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the chilled mug or beer stein.

Step 3: Pour in the root beer

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Gently pour the root beer over the ice cream. Serve your root beer float immediately. You’ll notice that, after just a few minutes or after a good stir, the ice cream will start to float—hence the name of this glorious drinkable treat!

Editor’s Tip: If you want a root beer float without the extra foam, take a page from the trusty bartender’s manual and slightly tilt the mug or glass (about 20 degrees) while slowly pouring in the root beer. Just like frothy beer, this prevents a “head” full of bubbles from forming at the top of the glass.

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Root Beer Float Variations

• Brown cow: Chocolate lovers will dig this twist. Use a high-quality chocolate ice cream brand instead of vanilla!
• Cola float: Use cola instead of root beer for a tangy, bubbly experience. Cherry cola tastes amazing, too!
• Purple cow: Pretty purple drinks for all! Use grape soda in place of root beer for a fruity treat. You can also use strawberry, pineapple or lemon-lime soda.
• Orange cream: Love creamsicles? Use orange soda instead of root beer. We like making ours with Sprecher Orange Dream.
• Alcoholic root beer float: This one is for adults ages 21 and over only! Use alcoholic root beer, such as Not Your Father’s, for an extra special libation.
• Boston cooler: East Coasters know and love this medley of ginger ale and vanilla ice cream.

How to Store a Root Beer Float

If you really want to store any root beer float leftovers, pop the mug in the freezer. Before enjoying it again, let the mug sit at room temperature until the root beer thaws, 5 to 10 minutes. Just know that the root beer float will not be as good as when it was first made and the carbonation will have flattened, but the flavor will still be there!

Can you make a root beer float in advance?

We don’t recommend making the root beer float in advance. It only takes one minute to put it together, so it will hardly be any effort when you’re ready to serve it. You can prepare by placing your mug(s) in the freezer, though!

Root Beer Float Tips

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Does the ice cream or root beer go first in a root beer float?

There’s a lot of debate around what goes in the mug first: the root beer or the ice cream. Well, in order to prevent overflowing and get the perfect creamy texture, add the ice cream and then pour over the fizzy root beer.

How should you serve a root beer float?

Do you use a straw? A spoon? Chug it straight from the mug? So many options! But which is the proper way to serve a root beer float?

It all depends on preference, really. Root beer floats are actually quite drinkable with or without a straw once the ice cream and root beer melt together. But drinks really do taste better with a straw! If your root beer float turns out like more of a shake than a drink, it’s perfectly acceptable to eat it with a spoon.

Who invented the root beer float?

The world’s first known root beer float was concocted on August 19, 1893 by Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Brewing in Colorado. Legend has it that Wisner’s idea was born when he noticed that the snowy peaks of Cow Mountain resembled ice cream floating in soda. The next day, he combined root beer and vanilla ice cream and dubbed it a “Black Cow.”