Root beer floats are one of those treats that instantly take me back to childhood. I can still remember hearing the fizz as the root beer hit the ice cream and watching the creamy foam climb to the top of the glass while everyone waited for it to settle down. It was never anything fancy, but somehow it always made an ordinary summer afternoon feel a little more special. That’s exactly why I still love making this Root Beer Float recipe today.

One of my favorite things about a classic root beer float is that it only takes two simple ingredients, but everyone lights up when you serve one. Whether it’s after a backyard barbecue, on a hot summer day, or as a fun Friday night treat, it’s one of those recipes that kids and adults get equally excited about. Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the ones that create the best memories.

After making more root beer floats than I can count, I’ve learned that a few small tricks make all the difference. Pouring the root beer slowly keeps the foam under control, and chilling the glass for a few minutes helps keep the ice cream from melting too quickly. They’re simple little tips, but they make every homemade root beer float taste just like the old-fashioned soda fountain version I remember growing up.

What is a Root Beer Float?

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.

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!

A Little Root Beer Float History

The Root Beer Float has been around since the late 1800s and has become one of America’s most iconic soda fountain treats. According to popular history, Frank Wisner created the drink in Colorado after being inspired by the snowy peaks of Cow Mountain, which reminded him of vanilla ice cream floating on dark root beer.

Over the years, the drink has picked up a few different names, including the Brown Cow and Black Cow, depending on the region and the type of soda used. No matter what you call it, the combination of fizzy root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream has remained a favorite for generations.

Even today, it’s one of those simple recipes that instantly brings back memories of summer afternoons, backyard barbecues, drive-in restaurants, and old-fashioned soda fountains.

Ingredients for a Classic Root Beer Float

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

Step 1 – Add the Ice Cream

Place one to two scoops of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of a tall glass

Step 2 – Slowly Pour the Root Beer

Pour the root beer 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.

Step 3 – Garnish and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with whipped topping and a maraschino cherry

Insert a straw and enjoy

Melissa’s Tips for the Best Root Beer Float

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.

What Goes First in a Root Beer Float?

The ice cream goes in first, followed by the root beer. Adding the root beer slowly over the scoops creates that signature creamy foam without overflowing the glass too quickly. I like to pour a little at a time, wait a few seconds for the foam to settle, and then continue filling the glass. It keeps the mess to a minimum and gives you that perfect old-fashioned root beer float.

What’s the Trick to a Good Root Beer Float?

The biggest trick is to pour the root beer slowly. It only takes a few extra seconds, but it helps control the foam and keeps it from bubbling over the top of the glass. I also like to chill the serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the float. It helps keep the ice cream from melting so quickly and makes every sip extra cold.

Root Beer Float 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.

What Is a Dirty Root Beer Float?

A Dirty Root Beer Float is an adult version of the classic recipe. It starts with traditional root beer and vanilla ice cream, then adds a splash of vanilla vodka, spiced rum, or another favorite liquor. It’s a fun variation for summer parties while keeping all of the creamy, nostalgic flavor of the original root beer float.

FAQs about Root Beer Floats

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.

A soda glass, parfait glass, or milkshake glass is typical glassware for root beer floats.

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 Easy Summer Drinks

Soda shop drinks like this one, the classic Shirley Temple Drink, the Roy Rogers Drink, and this copycat Orange Julius Drink are all simple combinations, but always fan favorites. Complicated drinks are just overrated.

Kool-Aid Slushie Recipe — Kool-Aid Slushies

Root Beer Float Recipe Card