This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This classic root beer float recipe is a frosty, nostalgic treat made with creamy vanilla ice cream and chilled root beer. It comes together in just a few minutes, and pouring the soda slowly down the side of a cold glass keeps it perfectly foamy without overflowing.
With just two main ingredients, root beer floats are an easy dessert for summer parties, family movie nights and anytime you are craving an old-fashioned soda shop treat.
I enjoyed it!! I will make it again this weekend! Thanks for the recipe!
– Toni
Kellie’s Note
Nostalgia In A Glass
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.
Why You’ll Love This Root Beer Float Recipe
- Only two main ingredients: All you need is vanilla ice cream and root beer.
- Ready in minutes: There is no cooking, blending or special equipment required.
- Easy to customize: Change the ice cream, soda, toppings or garnishes.
- Perfect for parties: Set up a root beer float bar and let everyone make their own.
Root Beer Float Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: Use 2 generous scoops per float or more if your glass allows. A rich vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream gives the float the creamiest texture.
- Root beer: Use 8 ounces of your favorite well-chilled root beer per float. Regular, caffeine-free or diet root beer will all work.
- Whipped cream: Optional, but perfect for a classic soda shop finish.
- Maraschino cherry: Add one on top for an easy garnish.
Keep the ice cream frozen and the root beer refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the float.
How to Make a Root Beer Float
- Chill the glass. Place a tall 16-ounce glass or mug in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, if desired.
- Add the ice cream. Place 2 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in the glass.
- Pour the root beer. Slowly pour 8 ounces of root beer down the inside edge of the glass. Pause whenever the foam rises toward the rim.
- Add the toppings. Finish with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately. Add a straw and a long spoon and enjoy while the float is cold and fizzy.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Root Beer Float
- Start with thoroughly chilled root beer and firmly frozen ice cream.
- Use a glass that holds at least 16 ounces so there is room for the foam.
- Chill the glass for 20–30 minutes for an extra-frosty float.
- Pour the root beer slowly down the inside edge of the glass.
- Stop when the foam approaches the rim and continue once it settles.
- Use a root beer you enjoy drinking on its own.
- Choose a dense, creamy ice cream rather than a light or heavily whipped variety.
- Serve immediately before the ice cream melts and the root beer loses its fizz.
Root Beer Float Variations
- Salted caramel: Use salted caramel ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Chocolate: Substitute chocolate ice cream and add chocolate sauce or sprinkles.
- Extra vanilla: Add a small splash of vanilla extract to the root beer before assembling the float.
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert.
- Root beer float slushie: Blend the ice cream and root beer with a handful of ice until thick and frosty.
- Different soda: Try cola, cherry cola, cream soda, orange soda or Dr Pepper-style soda in place of the root beer.
Serving Ideas
Root beer floats are a fun dessert for backyard barbecues, birthday parties, movie nights and casual summer dinners. Serve them after burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken or your favorite cookout meal.
For parties, create a DIY root beer float bar with:
- Chilled glasses
- Vanilla and chocolate ice cream
- Root beer and other sodas
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Sprinkles
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Straws and long spoons
Keep the ice cream in the freezer until guests are ready to assemble their floats.
More Easy Ice Cream Treats
Keep the soda shop theme going with my easy ice cream sandwiches, classic banana split and Shamrock Shake. You can also drizzle your float with homemade caramel sauce for an extra-special treat.
These easy desserts are perfect for warm summer days, parties and family celebrations.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY SUMMER RECIPES? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK FOR MORE FUN IDEAS!
Root Beer Float Recipe
Equipment
- 1 tall 16-ounce float glass or mug
- 1 long spoon
- 1 straw
- 1 ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 8 ounces chilled root beer
- Whipped cream, optional
- 1 maraschino cherry, optional
Instructions
- Place the glass in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, if desired.
- Add the vanilla ice cream to the glass.
- Slowly pour the root beer down the inside edge of the glass.
- Pause whenever the foam rises toward the rim and continue after it settles.
- Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.
Notes
- Keep the root beer refrigerated and the ice cream frozen until assembly.
- Use a glass that holds at least 16 ounces to leave room for foam.
- Regular, caffeine-free or diet root beer can be used.
- Dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert can be substituted for the ice cream.
- For two floats, double every ingredient and use two glasses.
- Assembled floats do not store or freeze well.
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!