Ultimate Root Beer Float

Do you want to know how to make the perfect root beer float? You can whip this ultimate root beer float up in literally no time at all for the kids and even make an alcoholic adult version for you and your friends to enjoy on a hot day.

 

What is Root Beer?

Root beer is a popular un-caffeinated soft drink in North America, but rarely found outside of the states. While it is popular all over, it is most prevalent along the Eastern seaboard where the sassafras tree is native.

Root beer is made from the root bark of the sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) or the vine of Smilax ornata. It’s roots (pun intended( date back to the indigenous people of the Americas.

Similar to root beer is sarsaparilla, which is also a soft drink but more popular in Asian countries. While root beer is made from the root of the sassafras tree, sarsaparilla is made from the vine.

Gather This

You only need four simple ingredients to make the ultimate root beer float. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Root beer – I personally prefer root beer out of a glass bottle, but you can use any you prefer. Check the section below for different brands.

Best Root Beer

The best type of root beer is really a matter of personal preference, but here are the most popular brands. Some will also tell you that there is a huge amount of importance in how the beverage is stored: in a glass bottle or a can. Most people believe the best way is in glass.

Tips for the Perfect Float

Making the ultimate root beer float is super easy, but I do have some tips to ensure to comes out perfectly.

1. Start with cold ingredients. Duh! The ice cream will be cold, but also freeze the root beer for 10-20 minutes before assembling. The colder your Root Beer, the slower it will melt your ice cream. (Word to the wise, don’t forget about the root beer in the freezer. It can and will explode leaving you with a sugary mess if forgotten about.)
2. Your glass is an ingredient here. Be sure they are nice and frosty before you start to assemble. Rinse them with cold water and then pop them into the freezer for a bit.
3. Root Beer + ice cream = bubbles! I don’t know what the chemistry is behind this, but many root beer float assemblers will overflow their glass by adding ice cream to a full glass of root beer, wasting the precious creation on kitchen towels.
4. Pick your ice cream wisely! Classic Vanilla Bean is my favorite because it is the most intense vanilla flavor. In my opinion, French vanilla is too sweet and regular vanilla too muted. Make your own at home for the most intense flavor. If you are watching your waistline, opt for vanilla frozen yogurt. Of course, you’ll need a good ice cream scoop.

Switch Things Up

You can upgrade your ultimate root beer float in so many ways! Here are a few of our favorites.

• Add a syrup – Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce to the inside of the cold glass before pouring.
• Make it frozen – Place it in a blender to make a milkshake or frozen style root beer float.
• Switch up the ice cream – You could try chocolate ice cream or even peanut butter ice cream for a fun twist.
• Try a different soda – Of course, changing the soda also means it is just another frosty treat. Try using orange soda for an “orange cow” or grape soda for a “purple cow”.
• Make it boozy – And if you are in the mood for a boozy float (adults only and please drink responsibly), add a shot of vanilla vodka, bourbon, or Rum Chata to your float. An alcoholic root beer float will make your day better.

More Drink Recipes

From coffee drinks to cocktails, these are my favorite drinks to sip on no matter the occasion.