An American classic drink, the Root Beer Float is always a favorite drink for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and perfect for summer.
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Root Beer Float Recipe
This classic drink recipe also known as a Brown Cow or a Black Cow is one of my all-time favorites. It’s simple, with only two ingredients, which helps it rise to the top of the favorite list, but it’s really all about the flavor and nostalgia. As many of you probably do, I can remember drinks like this root beer float from my childhood. Soda shop drinks like this one, the classic Shirley Temple Drink, the Roy Rogers Drink, and this copy-cat Orange Julius Drink are all simple combinations, but always fan favorites. Complicated drinks are just overrated.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen any kid pass up a root beer float. Not only is it a delicious drink, but it’s also fun to watch. Adding the cold carbonated root beer over the ice cream scoops quickly causes a foamy reaction that rises to the top and sometimes up and over the cold glass. Of course, that’s when you hurry to lick the creamy foam before it gets too far. What fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Root Beer: Some people argue whether the American classic root beer is A&W or Barq’s Root Beer, and they are passionate about their favorite. It’s almost as controversial as Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola. I do have a preference for the cola branch of sodas, but I honestly like both A&W and Barq’s, so I say go with your preference.
Vanilla Ice Cream: You can use a classic vanilla or vanilla bean. Both are delicious in this root beer float.
Optional: Whipped Topping and Maraschino Cherries
Equipment Needed
Milkshake Glass: Not required, but it is the classic way to serve a root beer float.
Freezer: Again, not required, but a cold glass stored for a few minutes keeps the ice cream from melting instantly
How to Make a Root Beer Float
Place one to two scoops of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of a tall glass
Pour the rootbeer over the ice cream until the foam reaches the top. Wait a second or two for the foam to settle down, then pour more root beer into the glass.
Continue until you are satisfied with the ice cream-to-root beer ratio.
Optional: Garnish with whipped topping and a maraschino cherry
Insert a straw and enjoy
Expert Tips
Pour a little bit of root beer at a time. The foam creates a volcanic-like reaction and will settle down in seconds for additional root beer to be added.
Chill the glasses ahead of time to keep the ice cream to keep from melting.
Variations
Pink Cow: Use strawberry soda in place of root beer
Boston Cooler: Use ginger ale instead of Root Beer
Purple Cow: Replace root beer with grape soda
Substitute the root beer with a Coke.
FAQs
Does the Root Beer Have to Be Cold?
Although it is unnecessary because the ice cream will chill the root beer, it is helpful if the root beer is cold to avoid melting the ice cream.
What type of Glass Should I Serve a Root Beer Float in?
A soda glass, parfait glass, or milkshake glass is typical glassware for root beer floats.
Storing
This drink is best when drank right away. Storing is not really suggested for this drink.
Serving Size
This will make one root beer float, but if you have a container of ice cream and a 2-liter bottle of root beer, you are ready to make lots of them.
More Drink Recipes You’ll Enjoy
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Printable Recipe for Root Beer Float
Classic Root Beer Float
Ingredients
- 12 oz. root beer
- 1-2 scoops ice cream vanilla
Instructions
- Place one to two scoops of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of a tall glass
- Pour the rootbeer over the ice cream until the foam reaches the top. Wait a second or two for the foam to settle down, then pour more root beer into the glass. Continue until you are satisfied with the ice cream-to-root beer ratio.
- Optional: Garnish with whipped topping and a maraschino cherry
- Insert a straw and enjoy
