Make a Root Beer Float

The root beer float is a long-time favorite for summer refreshment. Consisting of both root beer and vanilla ice cream, it is easy to make and creates an amazing mix of flavors and texture.

Ingredients

Standard root beer float:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • 16 oz. bottle root beer

Well mixed root beer float:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • 16 oz. bottle root beer

Steps

Standard root beer float

  1. Fill each glass three-fourths full with root beer. Set the glass on small plates so you can catch the overflow from the fizz.
  2. Slowly add one scoop of vanilla ice cream into each glass. Drizzle a small amount of root beer on top of the ice cream. This will turn to foam. Keep pouring until your glass is full.
  3. Be careful because the glasses may begin to overflow as the ice cream begins to float. If this happens, keep the foam to a minimum by pouring the root beer first, stirring and waiting for the bubbles to subside before adding the ice cream. Be sure you tilt the glass to the side and slowly pour in the root beer the same way you'd treat beer anytime you pour it.
  4. Eat slowly, starting with the cold frozen foam on top, scooping ice cream and root beer together with your spoon.
  5. Use the straws to sip the remainder of creamy root beer left in the glass. Try to sip all the yummy out!

Well mixed root beer float

  1. Fill glass with root beer three quarters of the way.
  2. Put in two scoops of ice cream. You're aiming to get the balance just right, so you might be adding more of each.
  3. Let it sit a while. Give it about five to ten minutes for the ice cream to melt but not too long, or it won't be cold enough.
  4. Stir until it reaches a consistency somewhere between "ice cream soup" and a milkshake. Add root beer to thin it (and add flavor) or ice cream to thicken it as you desire.
  5. Serve. Enjoy!



Tips

  • If you are looking for a classic frosty mug root beer floats, just place glass cups in freezer for a while. Dipping the glass in water before freezing works too but water has a habit of finding any hidden cracks.
  • Sprinkle chocolate or add a bit of whipped cream for extra flavor!
  • Chocolate ice cream is a delicious alternative to vanilla. This would be called a "Brown Cow Float." Drizzle the top of the float with chocolate syrup and see those chocolate lovers' eyes light up!
  • This can also be done with cola or cream soda instead of root beer. If you use Cola, it would be called a "Coke Float" or a "Black/Brown Cow." Beer has also been used, creating a "Beer Float". Also try using Orange, Grape, or Strawberry soda for a different twist on the float. If you choose one of these fruity flavors, perhaps try an accompanying ice cream--for orange soda, try orange ice cream. Or mix and match! Try strawberry-flavored soda and chocolate ice cream for Chocolate Strawberry Floats. Yum!
  • Another way to serve is to hang a large, well-packed scoop of vanilla ice cream on the edge of a fountain glass or other tall drinking glass. Knock the ice cream into the root beer and watch it fizz up as the ice cream floats.
  • If you are using real glass mugs, try dipping the mug in water then freeze for 16 minutes. Then, when you make your floats, you'll get the classic frosty mug root beer floats! Your mugs can be frozen, however be cautious--you don't want any cracked glasses.
  • To avoid cracked glass, do not place the mug in the freezer for too long. Also, be aware that rapid changes in temperature will break the glass so do not wet it with hot water. Move it to the freezer, or try to rapidly warm a mug that is ice cold.
  • When your done with the glass,make sure you hand wash it instead of using a dishwasher.The glass will burst in the dishwasher.
  • Try lemon-lime soda and strawberry ice cream for a different alternative.
  • If you prefer diet soft drinks or if you are diabetic, it's possible to make a Diet Root Beer float by using Diet Root Beer and sugar free ice cream. Same foaming effect!
  • Get napkins to wrap around glass to keep your hands warm.

Warnings

  • Though a great summertime treat, floats can also be very messy. Be sure to keep some napkins on hand at all times--especially if children are around! They love to blow bubbles in their floats, making for some sticky little hands.
  • If you are freezing your cup before use, be careful of the pop. The pop and ice cream have a tendency to start freezing together in the bottom of the glass, especially if you have a deeper cup.
  • If you are lactose intolerant, try using ice cream made with almond milk. Skim milk still contains lactose.

Things You'll Need

  • Tall glass
  • Straw
  • Spoon

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