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A summertime staple, Root Beer Floats are a frosty treat that’s so simple to make in just a few minutes. Made with creamy ice cream and chilled root beer, a nostalgic dessert that’s a must have all season long.
Lingering in a “soda shop” may seem like a long way off but since the heat is cranked with summer in full swing, we are all craving one of our favorite summertime treats. Root Beer Floats are a warm weather staple around here and they’re super easy to make in minutes making them perfect for summer parties, big or small.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying a Root Beer Float, you’re going to LOVE it!
Also known as a “black cow” or “brown cow”, a root beer float is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer, but you can make it with other ice cream flavors!
If you’re having a party, it’s so fun to create a DIY Root Beer Float bar with other flavors like chocolate ic cream, Peanut Butter Cup or Cookies and Cream. Add a variety of toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate fudge sauce and sprinkles to add some extra flair to your over the top concoction.
How to Make Ice Cream Floats
This recipe couldn’t be simpler to follow and is ready in about as long as it takes to scoop your ice cream.
- Scoop your ice cream into a tall float glass.
- Pour the root beer over the ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry, if desired.
- Serve.
EASY PEASY!
Tips and Substitutions
- Use a tall glass such as a float glass or tall drinking glass.
- Freeze your glasses for 30 minutes prior to making your float.
- Chill your root beer to ensure it doesn’t melt the ice cream too quickly.
- Pour the root beer along the side of the glass to reduce fizz and prevent overflow.
If you do as I did and start with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, you can also drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet twist on the diner classic.
More Easy Ice Cream Treats
If you like this ice cream float recipe, you may also love these EASY ice cream sandwiches, I made them last summer and they’re still something I keep stocked in the freezer at all times. Or try this easy Banana Split that’s just perfect for hot, steamy days.
Feeling lucky? Try this easy Shamrock Shake!
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Root Beer Float Recipe
Equipment
- 1 sundae glasses
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 8 ounces Root Beer
- whipped cream, garnish
- maraschino cherry, garnish
Instructions
- Use a tall glass, such as a float glass or an iced tea glass. Chill your glasses beforehand to prevent melting upon contact.
- Add the ice cream to the glass and pour the root beer in slowly at an angle to reduce the risk of overflow.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We make root beer floats all summer long!! They are seriously the best!! Love your tips!
Such a classic! There is nothing better than a root beer float. Great tutorial and portions. It was delicious!
I enjoyed it!! I will make it again this weekend! Thanks for the recipe!