Old Fashioned Root Beer Float

An Old Fashioned Root Beer Float with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and chilled root beer is a refreshing treat for a hot day. It’s a quintessential summer dessert drink that is fun and nostalgic.

My favorite drink as a child was root beer float (a.k.a. black cow). The smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream and bubbly and foamy root beer were inexplicably satiating. Whenever I got to enjoy a tall glass on a hot day, it was always the highlight of that day.

What makes a root beer float?

To qualify as a root beer float, you need only two ingredients: vanilla ice cream and cold root beer. That’s it! But for added decadence, it’s often served with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

Helpful tips for the best root beer float:

While there is no such thing as a bad root beer float, for the most satisfying and tasty ones, I have a few pointers:

• Freeze the glass about 15 minutes before assembly. It keeps the root beer and ice cream cold longer. This is an optional step if you have time.
• Use the best quality root beer and full-fat ice cream for maximum creaminess and richness.
• To avoid a frothy overflow, slowly pour the root beer into the glass at an angle.

Other float variations:

If you want to try other fun variations, the following are some popular and tasty ones. And if you have kids, they will no doubt be delighted to be your taste testers!

• Purple Cow—combines grape soda and vanilla ice cream.
• Cola float—uses a combination of cola and vanilla cream.
• Orange float—is a combination of orange soda and vanilla ice cream.
• Boston Cooler—has ginger ale and vanilla ice cream.

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or come highly rated.)

• An ice cream scoop—this one is heavy-duty and dishwasher-safe.
• A tall glass between 17-19 ounces. This set of 17-ounce glasses has a heavy bubble base.
• Red and white barber drinking straws for that nostalgic look. These are paper and biodegradable.

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Old Fashioned Root Beer Float

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Layering Cuisine:American Courses:Dessert, Drinks Recipe Keys: Dairy

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:1 Serving

Description

An Old Fashioned Root Beer Float with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and chilled root beer is a refreshing treat for a hot day. It’s a quintessential summer dessert drink that is fun and nostalgic

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 8-10 ounces cold root beer
• whipped cream garnish, optional
• 1 maraschino cherry garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Place a large glass or beer stein, about 17-19 ounces, in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembly for a frosty experience, optional.
2. Scoop half of the ice cream into the bottom of the glass. Tilt the glass, and slowly pour the root beer along the side to prevent excessive fizz and overflow, filling the glass halfway. Repeat one more cycle to fill the glass.
3. Garnish with whipped cream and cherry, optional.
4. Makes 1 serving.

Note

• If using a larger or smaller glass, scale the ingredients up or down accordingly. You can eyeball to your desire.

Keywords:Root Beer Float, Dessert, Drink, Summer, Vanilla Ice Cream, Old Fashioned

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