Root Beer Float
A classic American treat, the Root Beer Float is a simple yet indulgent beverage combining cold, fizzy root beer with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful frothy concoction.
What is this drink?
The Root Beer Float is a quintessentially American dessert drink invented in Colorado in 1893, combining cold vanilla ice cream with cold, fizzy root beer. The chemical reaction between the carbonation and dairy creates a frothy, creamy foam that makes it as fun to watch as it is to drink.
Why you'll love it
It's nostalgic, playful, and deeply indulgent — the creamy vanilla ice cream slowly melts into the root beer, creating a progressively richer, creamier drink with every passing minute.
When to serve
Perfect for children's parties, 1950s-themed events, summer cookouts, soda fountain nostalgia nights, or simply as a joyful dessert treat that makes everyone feel like a kid again.
Pro tip
Pour the root beer slowly down the inside edge of the glass rather than directly onto the ice cream — this controls the dramatic foam reaction and prevents an explosive overflow.
Vanilla Ice Cream
The creamy, sweet counterpart — premium vanilla ice cream with real vanilla bean provides the richest flavor and slowest melt for maximum float enjoyment.
Root Beer
The fizzy, herbal base — its unique blend of wintergreen, anise, vanilla, and caramel flavors is unlike any other soda and essential to the float's character.
Swap Options
Orange soda creates an 'Orange Creamsicle Float.' Cola makes a classic 'Coke Float.' Ginger beer makes a zingy, spicy variation. For an adult version, add a shot of vanilla vodka or dark rum to the root beer before adding the ice cream.
Chill glass
Ensure a tall, sturdy glass (like a pint glass or soda fountain glass) is chilled.
Tips:
- •A cold glass helps keep the float frosty and reduces rapid melting.
Add ice cream
Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into the bottom of the chilled glass.
Tips:
- •Use good quality, slightly softened ice cream for the best scoop and creamiest texture.
Pour root beer
Slowly pour 12 ounces (360 ml) of chilled root beer over the ice cream. Pour slowly and steadily to manage the foam. The root beer will foam up significantly as it reacts with the ice cream.
Tips:
- •Pouring gently down the side of the glass can help control the initial foam. Leave some space at the top for foam expansion.
Serve immediately
Serve the Root Beer Float immediately with 1 straw and 1 long spoon to enjoy both the fizzy drink and creamy ice cream.
Tips:
- •Enjoy quickly before the ice cream melts too much and over-dilutes the drink.
- For an extra rich float, use a gourmet root beer or a brand known for its creaminess.
- Experiment with other ice cream flavors like chocolate or coffee for different twists.
- For a 'dirty' float, add a shot of vanilla vodka or dark rum for an adult version.
- To minimize overflow from foam, add a small amount of root beer, let the foam subside, then add more.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Orange Creamsicle Float
Substitute orange soda or Fanta for the root beer and add vanilla ice cream for a drink that tastes exactly like a Creamsicle ice lolly. Visually beautiful with the white ice cream against the orange soda, and enormously popular with children.
Cola Float
Use Coca-Cola or Pepsi in place of root beer for a universally loved Coke Float. The cola's caramel sweetness and gentle acidity create a different but equally satisfying contrast with the cold vanilla ice cream.
Adult Root Beer Float
Add a shot (35–50ml) of vanilla vodka or dark rum to the root beer before adding the ice cream for an indulgent adult version. The vanilla vodka amplifies the vanilla notes; dark rum adds molasses depth that pairs beautifully with the ice cream.
Tools that make this drink come together
Tall Glass or Milkshake Cup
A tall, wide glass is essential — the root beer float foams dramatically when the ice cream is added and requires headroom to prevent overflow. Chill the glass in the freezer for 20 minutes beforehand for the best possible experience.
Ice Cream Scoop
A proper ice cream scoop ensures a neat, round ball of ice cream that sits proudly on top of the soda. Dip the scoop in warm water between scoops for clean, effortless balls that don't drag or break apart.
Long-Handled Spoon and Wide Straw
Both are needed — a long spoon to eat the ice cream as it melts and a wide straw to drink the sweetened, creamy soda beneath. A wide straw rather than a standard cocktail straw handles the thick, ice cream-infused liquid far better.
Can't Find These?
Any tall glass or large mug works. A standard serving spoon or tablespoon adds ice cream adequately. Any straw and spoon combination gets the job done. The root beer float requires almost no specialist equipment — simplicity is part of its charm.
The right glass makes a real difference
Tall Glass or Frosted Mug
A root beer float is served in a tall, transparent glass or a frosted glass mug — the transparency is important as the visual of the vanilla ice cream bobbing above the dark soda, with foam rising around it, is half the appeal. The frosted mug (classic at American drive-ins) keeps the drink cold throughout. Always leave generous headroom above the soda before adding the ice cream.
Alternatives
A stainless steel milkshake cup gives an authentic American diner aesthetic. A large mason jar provides a rustic, casual appeal. Any tall, wide glass works. Avoid small glasses — the root beer float requires volume for the theatrical foam-up that's part of the experience.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Cheeseburger
A classic American cheeseburger and a root beer float is one of the most iconic diner pairings in existence. The sweet, creamy float provides perfect contrast to the savoury, meaty burger and salty chips.
Hot Dog with Mustard and Ketchup
A grilled hot dog with yellow mustard and ketchup is a beloved American classic that pairs naturally with root beer. The float's sweetness and creaminess complement the salty, smoky hot dog beautifully.
Onion Rings
Crispy, golden onion rings provide a satisfying salty, crunchy contrast to the cold sweetness of a root beer float. A classic side dish for any American diner combination.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Light vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing echo the ice cream's vanilla notes and create a cohesive, sweet-focused dessert spread that works well at birthday parties or casual afternoon gatherings.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Freeze the Glasses
Place the glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving — a frosted glass keeps the root beer float colder for dramatically longer and gives the drink a classic American drive-in presentation that makes it feel special and festive.
Temper the Ice Cream
Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer five minutes before serving. Slightly softened ice cream scoops more cleanly and begins to melt into the root beer at a more appealing rate, creating the perfect creamy-soda mixture from the first sip.
Chill the Root Beer Well
Root beer must be very cold before combining with ice cream — room-temperature soda produces too much foam and the ice cream melts very rapidly. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or chill briefly in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
Pre-Scoop Ice Cream for Parties
Scoop vanilla ice cream balls onto a lined baking tray and freeze for one hour before the party. Pre-scooped, individually frozen balls can be added to glasses one at a time as guests order their floats — fast, consistent, and stress-free service.
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