A root beer float is a classic, nostalgic treat that combines the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream with the fizzy sweetness of root beer. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a delightful dessert, this simple recipe is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
While vanilla ice cream is a common household item, you might need to pick up a can of root beer from the supermarket. Root beer is a carbonated soft drink that has a distinct, sweet flavor often derived from sassafras or sarsaparilla roots.

Ingredients for Root Beer Float Recipe
Root beer: A carbonated soft drink with a unique, sweet flavor, often made from sassafras or sarsaparilla roots.
Vanilla ice cream: A creamy, sweet frozen dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla flavoring.
Technique Tip for Making This Float
To enhance the flavor and presentation of your root beer float, consider chilling your glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before assembling the drink. This will help keep the ice cream from melting too quickly and ensure your root beer stays refreshingly cold.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
root beer - Substitute with cola: Cola provides a similar fizzy and sweet experience, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
root beer - Substitute with cream soda: Cream soda offers a creamy and sweet flavor that pairs well with vanilla ice cream, similar to root beer.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with chocolate ice cream: Chocolate ice cream adds a rich and decadent twist to the float, creating a different but delightful flavor combination.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream is a great dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture and a unique flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Float
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
To keep your root beer float at its best, store the vanilla ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer. This ensures it remains firm and creamy, ready to scoop at a moment's notice.
If you have leftover root beer, transfer it to an airtight container or a bottle with a tight seal to maintain its fizz. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and refreshing.
For a pre-made root beer float, assemble the float in a freezer-safe glass or container. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh. When you're ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
If you prefer to prepare individual components ahead of time, scoop the vanilla ice cream into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This makes it easy to assemble your root beer float quickly.
To avoid a mess, always pour the root beer slowly over the ice cream. This helps control the foam and prevents overflow, ensuring a perfect float every time.
If you want to add a twist, consider freezing some root beer in ice cube trays. Use these root beer cubes instead of regular ice to keep your float cold without diluting the flavor.
Remember, the key to a delightful root beer float is to serve it immediately after assembly. This ensures the ice cream is perfectly creamy and the root beer is fizzy and refreshing.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Unfortunately, reheating a root beer float is not recommended as it is a dessert best enjoyed fresh. The combination of vanilla ice cream and root beer creates a delightful contrast between cold and fizzy that cannot be replicated once melted. Instead, consider making a fresh one using the original recipe.
Best Tools for Making This Float
Tall glass: A tall glass is essential for holding the root beer float, allowing enough space for both the ice cream and the root beer.
Ice cream scoop: An ice cream scoop helps in easily scooping out the perfect amount of ice cream to place into the glass.
Can opener: If your root beer is in a can that requires opening, a can opener will be necessary to access the root beer.
Spoon: A spoon is used for enjoying the ice cream and any frothy root beer that forms on top.
Straw: A straw allows for sipping the root beer float, making it easier to enjoy the drink and the melted ice cream.
Refrigerator: A refrigerator is used to chill the root beer, ensuring it is cold when poured over the ice cream.
How to Save Time on Making This Float
Pre-scoop the ice cream: Scoop the vanilla ice cream ahead of time and freeze the scoops on a tray. This way, they're ready to drop into the glass instantly.
Chill the glasses: Place your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before making the root beer float. This keeps the root beer colder longer and prevents it from melting the ice cream too quickly.
Use a pitcher: Pour the root beer into a pitcher first. This allows you to control the pour better, reducing foam and mess.
Keep a towel handy: Have a towel nearby to quickly clean up any spills or overflow, saving you cleanup time later.

Root Beer Float
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Root beer chilled
- 2 scoops Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- 1. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.
- 2. Slowly pour the chilled root beer over the ice cream until the glass is full.
- 3. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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