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Home » Recipes » Drinks & Garnish Recipes

Last Updated: Feb 24, 2023 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Root Beer Float

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Pin image with text of root beer float.

This classic root beer float is a timeless drink that combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with the bold flavors of root beer! It's a delicious and nostalgic dessert that is easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet and satisfying ending to your day. Whether you're a longtime fan of root beer floats or trying one for the first time, it is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Easy Classic Root Beer Float Recipe

A classic root beer float is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy, cold, sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the rich and fizzy flavor of root beer! To make a root beer float, you simply need two simple ingredients: root beer and vanilla ice cream.

The ice cream is scooped into a tall glass and then topped with root beer, causing a foamy and delicious reaction. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fizzy, making the root beer float an ideal dessert for any occasion!

Square image of root beer float.
Classic root beer floats are incredibly easy to make and ready to serve in just 5 minutes!
Jump to:
  • Easy Classic Root Beer Float Recipe
  • 🥘 Root Beer Float Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make A Classic Root Beer Float
  • 💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
  • ❓ Recipe FAQs
  • 😋 More Amazingly Tasty Vintage Treats
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

🥘 Root Beer Float Ingredients

All you will need is 2 simple ingredients to make this incredibly delicious dessert! I recommend using a premium brand of vanilla ice cream for the best results.

  • Vanilla Ice Cream - 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
  • Root Beer Soda - 1 bottle of root beer soda (use 1 can or bottle of your favorite root beer soda).

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make A Classic Root Beer Float

It doesn't get any easier than whipping up this old-fashioned dessert drink in just 5 minutes! You will need a glass beer stein mug, an ice cream scoop, and a straw to begin.

This classic recipe will make 1 root beer float! However, you can always make more to serve the whole family!

Process image showing pouring root beer over ice cream.
Process image 2 showing pouring root beer over ice cream.
  1. Chill mug. Place your mug in the freezer to chill for 15-20 minutes ahead of time.
  2. Add ice cream. Use your ice cream scoop to add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to your frosted mug.
  3. Finish with root beer. Gently pour the 1 bottle of root beer over the top of the ice cream. Serve right away with a straw. *Pour a small amount at a time and wait for the foam to settle before adding more root beer because it will foam up.

Root beer floats make the perfect summertime treat to make with your family. Serve them after you are done eating your favorite summer meals like cheeseburgers, steaks, pork chops, or BBQ! Enjoy!

How To Make The Ultimate Root Beer Float

To make the ultimate root beer float, add a dollop of my homemade whipped cream and 2-3 maraschino cherries!

💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes

  • For the best results, choose a premium vanilla ice cream that’s smooth and creamy. I love Breyer's Naturals vanilla ice cream, yum!
  • Chilling your mug or glass helps to keep your ice cream from melting into your root beer float too quickly.
  • Carefully pour in the root beer in small amounts at a time to prevent your float from overflowing. Wait for the foam to settle before adding more.
  • For a touch of elegance, make an ultimate version by topping your float with whipped cream & 1-2 maraschino cherries!
  • Give yourself plenty of room, use a large mug, shake glass, or tall glass for serving.

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

❓ Recipe FAQs

Why Do You Put The Ice Cream In First?

When making a root beer float, you'll want to add in the ice cream first to prevent it from overflowing. Also, you will get a nice creamy texture by doing it this way too!

Can I Make A Root Beer Float With Different Flavors Of Soda?

Absolutely! There are many different variations that you can make if you want to! Some other popular sodas to use would be cream soda, orange soda, coke, and other flavored sodas.

Should My Mug Or Glass Be Chilled For Root Beer Floats?

Yes, most definitely! Chilling your mug or glass helps to keep your ice cream from melting into your root beer float too quickly.

Tall image of root beer float.

😋 More Amazingly Tasty Vintage Treats

  • Crockpot Apple Cider - This apple cider recipe features apple juice, brown sugar, and warm fall spices!
  • No-Bake Cookies without Peanut Butter - These chocolate oatmeal cookies are quick to make and perfect for sharing with a crowd!
  • Easy Chocolate Cake - This easy chocolate cake is bound to become your new go-to for any chocolate lover's birthday!
  • Snickerdoodles - When you want delicious cookies for your next party or get-together, these snickerdoodles are a must-try!
  • Betty Crocker Sugar Cookies - This super simple sugar cookie recipe only requires 7 ingredients to make!
  • Bisquick Coffee Cake - Enjoy this wonderfully delicious coffee cake with a crumbly streusel topping for breakfast or as dessert!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card

Square image of root beer float.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
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5 from 11 reviews

Root Beer Float

This root beer float is a timeless drink that combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with the bold flavors of root beer! It's a delicious and nostalgic dessert that is easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet and satisfying ending to your day. Whether you're a longtime fan of root beer floats or trying one for the first time, it is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 1 float
Calories: 475kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 0 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 1 bottle root beer soda (use 1 can or bottle of your favorite root beer soda)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Place your mug in the freezer to chill for 15-20 minutes ahead of time.
  • Use your ice cream scoop to add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to your frosted mug.
  • Gently pour the bottle of root beer over the top of the ice cream. Serve right away with a straw. *Pour a small amount at a time and wait for the foam to settle before adding more root beer because it will foam up.

Notes

  • For the best results, choose a premium vanilla ice cream that’s smooth and creamy. I love Breyer's Naturals vanilla ice cream, yum!
  • Chilling your mug or glass helps to keep your ice cream from melting into your root beer float too quickly.
  • Carefully pour in the root beer in small amounts at a time to prevent your float from overflowing. Wait for the foam to settle before adding more.
  • For a touch of elegance, make an ultimate version by topping your float with whipped cream & 1-2 maraschino cherries!
  • Give yourself plenty of room, use a large mug, shake glass, or tall glass for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 83g (28%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 15g (23%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 58mg (19%) | Sodium: 170mg (7%) | Potassium: 268mg (8%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 80g (89%) | Vitamin A: 556IU (11%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 194mg (19%) | Iron: 0.4mg (2%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
« Breakfast Quesadillas
Wednesday Night Dinner Ideas »

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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