Today I want to celebrate one of my favorite classics: the old-fashioned creamy root beer float. Simple, nostalgic, and endlessly satisfying, a great float is comfort in a glass.
I have childhood memories of grabbing root beer floats with my family after my dad’s softball games. Over the years I’ve refined a technique to make the float rich and creamy from the very first sip, and I’ll share that here.
What Is a Root Beer Float?
At its simplest, a root beer float is two ingredients: root beer and ice cream. The magic comes from the way dairy softens the soda’s fizz and creates a creamy, bubbly texture that’s irresistible.
Ingredients for Creamy Perfection from Sip One
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vanilla ice cream: Use quality vanilla bean or French vanilla ice cream. You’ll use several scoops plus a small amount melted for the glass base. (Swap in chocolate for a “brown cow.”)
- Root beer: Pick your favorite. I prefer a less-sweet, spicier root beer for better balance.
- Whipped cream: Optional but delightful. Freshly whipped cream adds a light, elegant finish.
- Maraschino cherries: A classic garnish for a nostalgic touch.
Making Them Creamy from the First Sip
As a kid I always waited for the ice cream to melt a bit so the float would be smooth. To skip that wait and have a creamy float immediately, try this easy trick:
- Pour a couple tablespoons of melted vanilla ice cream into the bottom of each glass (melt just enough so it’s pourable but still cold).
- Pour in about 1/4 of a bottle of root beer.
- Add a scoop of firm ice cream, then slowly fill with root beer until the foam reaches the rim.
- Add another scoop, a generous swirl of whipped cream, and top with a maraschino cherry.
This method gives you creamy texture from the first sip while keeping the cold, fizzy experience of a classic float.
PRO TIP: For a slightly less sweet float, pour in a couple of tablespoons of cream instead of melted ice cream.
More Root Beer Goodness
Root beer is versatile beyond floats. A few fun ideas to try at home:
- Chocolate root beer cake — use root beer in the batter and glaze for a moist, flavorful cake.
- Root beer ribs — simmer and reduce root beer into a sweet, sticky glaze for pork ribs.
- Root beer barbecue sauce — an unexpected twist to add depth and sweetness to your favorite sauce.
Questions?
If you have any questions about making this float, leave a comment and I’ll respond. You can also email me if you prefer more direct contact.
Love This? Please Consider Rating and Reviewing
Your rating and comments help other readers decide whether to try the recipe and help me improve future posts. Thank you for taking a moment to share feedback.
The Best Root Beer Float Recipe
Equipment
- Ice cream scoop
- Tall soda or milkshake glasses
- Long spoon or straw
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vanilla bean ice cream, melted but still cold (for the glass bases)
- 8 scoops vanilla bean ice cream (firm)
- 4 12-oz bottles root beer (or your preferred amount)
- 1 cup whipped heavy cream, whipped (optional; unsweetened preferred)
- 4 maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Pour 2 tablespoons of melted vanilla ice cream into the bottom of each glass.
- Top each with about 1/4 of a bottle of root beer.
- Add one scoop of firm ice cream to each glass, then slowly fill with root beer until the foam reaches the top rim.
- Add another scoop of ice cream, spoon or pipe on a generous swirl of whipped cream, and perch a drained maraschino cherry on top.
- Enjoy immediately. Keep the root beer bottle nearby so you can top up as you sip for a bottomless-float feel.
Notes
You can switch the soda to create other floats: orange soda for a creamsicle-style float, cola for a Coke float, and so on. Use whatever flavors you love.
Nutrition
Per serving (approximate): 568 kcal; Carbohydrates: 62 g; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 29 g; Saturated fat: 18 g; Sugar: 60 g; Sodium: 119 mg.
Hi, y’all! I hope you enjoyed this post and picked up a helpful tip or two. If you like my style, consider signing up for my occasional newsletter, The Inbox Pastry Chef, for recipe updates and behind-the-scenes notes.
Next time you’re feeling nostalgic, make a creamy root beer float. It’s nearly the same as a regular float but ready to enjoy immediately—no waiting for melting required.
Thanks for spending time here. Take care, y’all.