Root Beer Float (2024)

A Root Beer Float is a refreshing summertime treat made with vanilla ice cream topped with root beer, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. If you want to make this an adult version, be sure to try my Dirty Root Beer Float! And don’t miss out on my other Summer Drink Recipes, too.

Root Beer Float

It makes sense that National Root Beer Float Day is on August 6th, one of the hottest days of the year! But, don’t wait until August to enjoy this sweet dessert. This classic root beer float, also known as a ‘black cow’ or ‘brown cow’, starts with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Then, the ice cream is topped with root beer, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.

Ingredients

Ice Cream:I added a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to make the float. I will also give you some more flavor ideas later.

Root beer:Use your favorite brand of root beer or diet root beer; I poured almost an entire 12-ounce can over the ice cream. However, the amount you need will depend on the size of glass or mug you are using.

Garnish:Although you don’t have to add the toppings to the root beer float, I love a little cool whip and, of course, the cherry on top!

History of the Root Beer Float

Root beer floats can be classified as a drink, a treat, a dessert, or a snack; it really fits in all of those categories. But, who decided to pour soda over ice cream in the first place? The most common answer is that Robert McCay Green was serving cold drinks in Pennsylvania in 1874 when he ran out of ice.

To keep the drinks cold, he added ice cream to the glasses before pouring in the drinks. Thus, a new drink/dessert was made! As for coming up with the root beer float, specifically, they were supposedly first served in a mining camp in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1893.

Can I Use Different Kinds of Ice Cream?

Yes! Try it with chocolate ice cream, Neapolitan, or some scoops of root beer ice cream. You could also make the float with gelato or vanilla custard.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Soda?

If you want to switch things up a bit, try a different kind of soda instead of root beer. Try co*ke (or Pepsi), cherry co*ke, or Dr. Pepper. Add some orange crush over the ice cream for an orange creamsicle-like dessert.