October 23, 2023
Review RecipeRoot Beer Float
Rich, creamy root beer topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream – what's not to love about this root beer float?
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Nothing says refreshing on a hot day like an ice-cold classic root beer float! Between the bubbly root beer, creamy vanilla ice cream, and delightful foam topping off each glorious spoonful of flavor, this delicious treat is a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Root Beer Float Ingredients
There’s just something about a root beer float that transports you right back to your childhood.
The frothy, creamy vanilla ice cream meets the fizzy sweetness of the root beer to create a whole new taste that’s indescribable. It’s almost like your taste buds are having a party in your mouth!
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 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.
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
Substitutions And Additions
ICE CREAM: I love the richness that the French vanilla ice cream lends to this frosty 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.
ROOT BEER: Using your favorite brand of root beer, whether name-brand or generic, will work fine in this ice cream float.
ALCOHOL: If you want to make this into an alcoholic root beer float, you can add 1 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 glass, and let’s make this creamy 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 2 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 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 nice, creamy, and not full of carbonated soda foam.
STEP THREE: Place your glass upright and top with a garnish of extra creamy squirt whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
How To Serve
Homemade root beer floats are just the perfect treat to enjoy on a hot summer day, especially with friends. Serve it along with a fresh batch of fruit salsa with cinnamon chips or rainbow popcorn for snacking.
Whether you opt for a sweet and savory contrast, like salty popcorn, or a complementary flavor in the form of a classic cookie or brownie, the possibilities are endless.
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 refreshing beverage! Our Wendy’s Frosty and Oreo milkshake are equally delicious and indulgent.
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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 keep for any length of time. The longer it sits, the root beer will start to go flat, and your creamy ice cream will completely melt into the soda.
It’s no wonder why this root beer float has been around since 1893. A timeless classic treat that brings back fond childhood memories of simpler times. The slight fizz of the soda paired with creamy vanilla goodness has been bringing delight for decades and shows no signs of stopping anytime 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 creamy 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
Rich, creamy root beer topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream – what's not to love about this root beer float?
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1
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 extra creamy squirt 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 nice, creamy, and not full of carbonated soda foam.
Nutrition
Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Comments
Esmé Slabbert says
Love a good float, although I will swop the root beer for coke. Thanks for sharing at SSPS 259. Tweeted this one. Please remember to check back on Monday to see if listed under the top 15 or by a co-host.