Root Beer Float

Rich fizzy root beer topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream – what's not to love about this root beer float?

Table of Contents

Root Beer Float Ingredients
Root Beer Floats Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Root Beer Float Recipe
Troubleshooting This Recipe
How To Serve Root Beer Floats
When To Serve a Root Beer Float Drink
Ice Cream Floats Storage
Why a Root Beer Float is the Best
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Nothing says refreshing on a hot day like an ice-cold root beer float! Between the bubbly root beer, creamy vanilla ice cream, and foam topping off each spoonful of flavor, this delicious treat is a favorite for kids and adults alike.

a close up shot of Root Beer Float in a mug

Root Beer Float Ingredients

Root Beer Float raw ingredients that are labeled

There’s just something about a root beer float that transports you right back to your childhood at the local ice cream shop.

The frothy vanilla ice cream meets the sweetness of the root beer to create a whole new taste that’s indescribable.

You’ll need:

For The Float:

3 small scoops of French vanilla ice cream
7.5-ounce mini can of A&W root beer, cold

PRO TIP:

I love keeping a six-pack of mini soda cans in my refrigerator as they are great for single-serving cocktails or specialty drinks like this one.

Alternatively, you can just measure out one cup of root beer from a two-liter bottle for this easy recipe.

For The Garnish:

A squirt of extra creamy whipped topping
Maraschino cherry
Chocolate sauce drizzled on the insides of the cup before adding the other ingredients, optional

Root Beer Floats Substitutions And Additions

ICE CREAM: I love the richness that the French vanilla ice cream lends to this treat; however, you can substitute it with a standard vanilla ice cream or even vanilla frozen yogurt.

For something a little different, use chocolate ice cream instead to make what is called a brown cow. You may also heard it called a black cow.

Peanut butter ice cream is another ideal choice.

ROOT BEER: Using your favorite root beer, whether name-brand or generic, will work fine in this ice cream float. A&W and Stewart’s root beer are two popular options.

If you’re looking to change up the classic root beer float, consider trying other soda options like cream soda, cola, or even orange soda.

It’s also fine to use diet root beer to make this frosty treat.

SPRINKLES: To make your root beer float visually appealing and fun, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the whipped cream.

ALCOHOL: If you want to make this into an alcoholic root beer float, you can add one shot (1.5 ounces) of vanilla vodka for a grown-up drink.

How To Make This Root Beer Float Recipe

With only two ingredients, this root beer float is so easy to make. So grab a tall glass, and let’s make this treat.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

A frosted beer mug works great as well. For extra frosty root beer floats, place the glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before making the drink.

STEP ONE: In a 12-ounce (old-fashioned soda fountain style) glass, add three scoops of ice cream to the bottom of the glass.

I used a 1½ inch-sized cookie scoop for this. Note that if you tend to scoop large scoops, then only two scoops are needed.

PRO TIP:

You can add a chocolate sauce drizzle to the inside of your glass if you want an over-the-top root beer float.

Just tilt your glass to the side at a slight angle and slowly drizzle the chocolate sauce as you turn your glass to get all the sides.

I like to use a traditional Hershey’s chocolate syrup for this.

STEP TWO: While tilting the glass on its side, slowly pour the A&W root beer into the glass over the ice cream. Go slow to allow the fizz to dissipate as you pour.

PRO TIP:

If you find that your root beer is giving off a lot of excess foam, you can use the straight side of a butter knife and scrape off the excess foam from the top of the glass into the sink.

You may have to do this a couple of times. This will ensure that your root beer float is not full of carbonated soda foam.

STEP THREE: Place your glass upright and top with a garnish of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

You could also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, and shaved chocolate.

whipped cream and cherry garnished on top

Troubleshooting This Recipe

The soda is flat.

Solution: If your soda is flat, it won’t create the fizzy contrast with the ice cream that makes a root beer float so enjoyable.

Ensure your soda is freshly opened and hasn’t been sitting out for too long.

You can also try chilling the soda and glasses before assembling the float to help maintain carbonation.

The ice cream sticks to the scoop.

Solution: When scooping ice cream, you can dip the scoop in warm water to make it easier to release the ice cream.

This will help create perfectly round and smooth scoops.

The ice cream melts too quickly.

Solution: The ice cream may melt too quickly on a hot day or with room-temperature soda.

To prevent this, make sure your soda is ice-cold, and you can even pre-chill the glasses.

Alternatively, consider using frozen solid ice cream scoops, and serve your float immediately after assembling.

How To Serve Root Beer Floats

Homemade root beer floats are a perfect, classic treat to enjoy on a hot summer day, especially with friends.

SERVE IT WITH A MOVIE: Serve it along with a fresh batch of fruit salsa with cinnamon chips or rainbow popcorn for snacking.

SERVE IT AT A BACKYARD BARBECUE: This creamy classic is perfect at summer parties. If you’re firing up the grill, pair your root beer float with some BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches.

SERVE IT WITH A BURGER: There’s nothing quite like the combo of a root beer float and a juicy burger.

SERVE IT WITH DESSERT: Enjoy a treat such as a cookie or brownie with the root beer float.

Or, if you really want to step up your game, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a warm slice of homemade apple pie – you won’t regret it.

Don’t stop with this beverage! Our Wendy’s Frosty and Oreo milkshake are equally indulgent.

When To Serve a Root Beer Float Drink

SUMMER GATHERINGS: Serve them at backyard barbecues, picnics, or pool parties to help guests cool down on hot days.

KIDS’ BIRTHDAY PARTIES: They make for a fun and nostalgic addition, and you can even set up a DIY float station.

MOVIE NIGHTS: Whether you’re hosting a movie night at home or attending an outdoor screening, they make for a fantastic movie snack.

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Ice Cream Floats Storage

Make this nostalgic drink fresh for the best results.

IN THE FRIDGE/FREEZER: You should enjoy your root beer float immediately, as it won’t last long.

The longer it sits, the root beer will start to go flat, and your ice cream will completely melt into the soda.

Why a Root Beer Float is the Best

NOSTALGIA: Root beer floats remind us of carefree summer days and childhood treats.

SIMPLICITY: This recipe is incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

TIMELESS CLASSIC: They never go out of style and continue to be a beloved dessert choice.

It’s no wonder why this root beer float has been around since 1893. A treat that brings back memories of simpler times. The slight fizz of the soda paired with vanilla goodness shows no signs of losing popularity any time soon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this perfect root beer float ahead of time?

This tasty treat needs to be made fresh as the ice cream will melt if you leave it too long.

Can I use a different soda in this nostalgic throwback recipe?

This recipe could also be made with a different flavor of soda. Cream soda, grape soda, or orange soda would all be a fun twist as well.

You could also use different ice cream flavors, such as chocolate.

Can I make an adult version of this classic?

It’s easy to make adult root beer floats!

Just follow this recipe and add one shot (1.5 ounces) of vodka or vanilla vodka to your glass to turn this into a grown-up beverage.

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Root Beer Float

5 from 1 vote

Rich fizzy root beer topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream – what's not to love about this root beer float?

Prep Time 2

Total Time 2

Servings

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Ingredients

Float

3 small scoops French vanilla ice cream
7.5 ounces mini can of A&W root beer, cold

Garnish

1 squirt extra creamy whipped topping
Maraschino cherry
Chocolate sauce drizzled on the insides of the cup before adding the other ingredients, optional

Instructions

In a 12-ounce (old-fashioned soda fountain style) glass, add the three scoops of French vanilla ice cream. I used a 1½ inch-sized cookie scoop for this. Note that if you tend to scoop large scoops, then only 2 scoops are needed.
While tilting the glass on its side, slowly pour the A&W root beer into the glass over the ice cream. Go slow to allow the fizz to dissipate as you pour.
Place your glass upright and top with a garnish of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

Notes

I love keeping a 6-pack of mini soda cans in my refrigerator as they are great for single-serving cocktails or specialty drinks like this one. Alternatively, you can just measure out 1 cup of root beer from a 2-liter bottle for this easy recipe.
A frosted beer mug works great as well. For extra frosty root beer floats, place the glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before making the drink.
You can add a chocolate sauce drizzle to the inside of your glass if you want an over-the-top root beer float. Just tilt your glass to the side at a slight angle and slowly drizzle the chocolate sauce as you turn your glass to get all the sides. I like to use a traditional Hershey’s chocolate syrup for this.
If you find that your root beer is giving off a lot of excess foam, you can use the back (straight side) of a butter knife and scrape off the excess foam from the top of the glass into the sink. You may have to do this a couple of times. This will ensure that your root beer float is not full of carbonated soda foam.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Root Beer Float

Root Beer Float Ingredients

Root Beer Floats Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Root Beer Float Recipe