Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (2024)

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

There are few things better on a hot summer day than a root beer float! I mean, what could be better…? How ’bout this: Alcoholic Root Beer Float! These are so fun; they look great and they’re easy to make.

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (2)

Table of Contents

Spiked Root Beer Float Recipe

When summer is in full swing, mix up your co*cktail game with an Adult Root Beer Float! Your BBQ won’t be complete without this fun twist on an old favorite, combining three of my favorite things: good root beer, vanilla bean ice cream, and vanilla vodka.

This is one of those amazing treats of summer: so simple, so tasty.

Why You’ll Love Adult Root Beer Floats

  • A summertime favorite! We’re spiking one of the best parts of summer.
  • Easy to make! You only need root beer, vodka, and ice cream.
  • A fun alternative! Shake up your usual co*cktails and enjoy this cool and refreshing float.

Ingredients

  • Vanilla vodka – I like Smirnoff. It’s smooth and clean tasting.
  • Vanilla ice cream – Use your favorite brand, and if you can get vanilla bean, go for it!
  • Root beer – I love IBC brand!

Trademark note: In the spirit of transparency, I want to note that some of these ingredients are trademarked products. IBC, Smirnoff’s, The Kraken, Khalua, and Bailey’s are proprietary brands that I want to acknowledge and give credit to.

How to Make Adult Root Beer Floats

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Fill a large mug with 2 or 3 scoops of ice cream.
  2. Pour halfway up with root beer. Add vodka.
  3. Top off with more root beer.
Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (3)
Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (4)

What’s the Best Root Beer for This Float?

Everybody will have their own thoughts on this, but my favorite root beer brand has always been IBC. My dad used to buy it by the case and swear, there was no better root beer in America.

I have tried many different types and have never found one I like better. This drink will work with whatever your favorite type is, so try to locate whichever brand brings back the best memories.

Throw in some vanilla vodka and rich vanilla bean ice cream, and you have a truly delicious and refreshing adult beverage!It’s perfect for Memorial Day. Enjoy!

What Alcohol Goes Well with a Root Beer Float?

Adult Root Beer Floats use vodka. It has a light and subtle flavor, and vodka goes with nearly everything. I’m particularly fond of the combination of root beer with a vanilla-flavored vodka! This sweet and tasty combination of vanilla and root beer will take you right back to your childhood.

But if you’re not a vodka fan, you could also try rum. Root beer pairs well with rum, as they share a sweet, vanilla-y flavor. This combination is particularly good with a strong, spiced rum like The Kraken, which has a dark, rich flavor that complements the lighter, fizzy root beer.

Some of the blended alcohols might be nice, too: Khalua or Bailey’s, for instance, would add a creamy zing to the mix.

How Do I Manage the Foam on the Float?

Adding ice cream to the mug before you pour in the root beer helps keep the foam to a minimum. But to keep the foam down even more, slightly tilt the mug or glass at about a 20-degree angle and pour in the root beer as slowly as you can.

Yup: Just like with regular beer! Gently adding the root beer prevents a head full of bubbles from forming at the top of the mug.

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (5)

A Great Summer co*cktail!

An adult beverage, refreshing cold drink, and dessert all in one– Adult Root Beer Floats will be so fun to enjoy with friends and family while celebrating the beginning of summer. (If summer ever begins, that is. if not, just pretend!)

Check Out These Other Delicious co*cktails

  • Toasted S’mores Martini
  • German Chocolate Cake Martini
  • Pink Champagne Floats
  • Lime Sherbet Punch

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Adult Root Beer Float

4.55 from 11 votes

Author: Becky Hardin – The Cookie Rookie

Prep: 5 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (6)

Serves1

Print Rate

Save

Adult Root Beer Floats! The perfect summer co*cktail!

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces vanilla ice cream
  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka recommended: Smirnoff
  • 8 ounces root beer recommended: IBC

Instructions

  • Place 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a glass.

  • Fill halfway up with root beer.

  • Pour 1 shot of vanilla vodka (about 1.5 ounces) and then top with root beer to fill to the top of the glass.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Serve with a straw and a spoon!
  • Pour the root beer slowly at an angle to reduce fizz and the risk of overflow.
  • Start with two scoops, but you can use more if you prefer to enjoy your floatswith a spoon instead of a straw.
  • Put mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving time for frosted glasses.
  • Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
  • Nutritional information will vary depending on the size of the mug, the brand of ice cream, and the size of your ice cream scoop. This recipe assumed a 1.3-ounce scoop, which is the average size. Learn more here. The brand of ice cream used in this recipe contains 59 calories per ounce.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 426kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 12g (18%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Cholesterol: 50mg (17%) Sodium: 121mg (5%) Potassium: 226mg (6%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 48g (53%) Vitamin A: 477IU (10%) Calcium: 156mg (16%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (7)

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (8)

Upload A PhotoTag on
Insta
Leave A Rating

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (9)

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky woke up on her 30th birthday and realized she didn't know how to cook, anything! She started The Cookie Rookie as a way to document her journey to learn how to cook, one recipe at a time! The Cookie Rookie is a place to find easy recipes that anyone can make, and everyone will love!

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (10)

Claim your free ebook!

Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!

Sign Me Up

11 Comments

Newest

Oldest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (12)

Eric

Posted on 12/19/2020

I love IBC as well. For those that want a less subtle bubbly root beer, maybe an off brand. I think as far as mixing it up, because of the foam forming after pouring in the root beer with ice cream, pour root bear or vodka first, then add ice cream then of course more root beer. I found that if you add ice cream then root beer then vodka, the vodka tends to stay in the foam. But hey trial and error right? Over all, amazing and very good.Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (13)

2

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (14)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 12/21/2020

Reply to Eric

Thanks for sharing with us, Eric!

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (15)

Joe S

Posted on 4/26/2014

IBC is good but try Frostie Root Beer… exceptional

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (16)

becky gall hardin

Posted on 4/27/2014

Reply to Joe S

i’ve never tried that! i’ll have to look it up and give it a try!

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (17)

Christine

Posted on 5/11/2014

Reply to becky gall hardin

What are the measurements of everything?

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (18)

becky gall hardin

Posted on 5/12/2014

Reply to Christine

Hey Christine-
They are listed in the instructions section of the recipe card. Thanks for stopping by!

1

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (19)

Danielle @ TheBestDessertRecipes.com

Posted on 4/21/2014

This looks SO good. I know what I’m having for dessert tonight. Thanks for the idea!

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (20)

becky gall hardin

Posted on 4/21/2014

Reply to Danielle @ TheBestDessertRecipes.com

Yay! Hope you loved it :)

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (21)

Jen

Posted on 4/12/2014

I am excited for it to be spring/summer and warm enough for root beer floats! These look delicious!!!

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (22)

Joanne T Ferguson (@mickeydownunder)

Posted on 4/12/2014

G’day! ove root beer! Brings me back to childhood!
Cheers! Joanne

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (23)

Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files

Posted on 4/11/2014

Ohhhhhh I LOVE root beer floats….and add a touch of vodka and you win me over even more! Pinned!

Reply

Adult Root Beer Float - The Cookie Rookie (2024)

FAQs

What kind of alcohol is good in root beer float? ›

Root beer pairs well with rum, as they share a sweet, vanilla-y flavor. This combination is particularly good with a strong, spiced rum like The Kraken, which has a dark, rich flavor that complements the lighter, fizzy root beer.

Is a root beer float just ice cream and root beer? ›

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, Peanut Butter Cup or Cookies and Cream.

What kind of alcohol goes with root beer? ›

Notes on your choice of spirit:

Spiced rum: Capitalizes on the spices in the root beer. Vodka: Gives you a spiked drink that lets the root beer shine. Vanilla vodka: Offers flavor that's bit like a root beer float. Fireball whiskey: Enhances the spiciness of the root beer.

Is there an alcoholic root beer? ›

Not Your Father's® Root Beer has a subtle alcoholic taste and a 5.9% ABV to give it a balanced and smooth character that appeals to craft beer enthusiasts and nonbeer lovers. The alcoholic root beer is sweet with spicy and silky tasting notes.

What goes first in a Rootbeer float? ›

Spoon a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Slowly pour root beer into the glass, allowing the foam to rise and then recede before adding more root beer. Serve with straws and spoons.

Does ice cream go first in a root beer float? ›

Editor's Tip: There's a lot of debate around what goes in the mug first: the root beer or the ice cream. Well, in order to prevent overflowing and get the perfect creamy texture, add the ice cream and then pour over the fizzy root beer.

Why do root beer floats taste so good? ›

Something about the fizziness of the soda combined with the creaminess of the ice cream, all wrapped up in the rich vanilla and the distinct flavor of the root beer, just makes for such a tasty drink.

Why do root beer floats foam so much? ›

How the foam happens: When the carbonated root beer comes into contact with the ice cream, carbon dioxide bubbles release. Likewise, the soda frees air bubbles trapped in the ice cream. What's more, the fat in the ice cream coats these bubbles.

Does Mcdonald's make root beer floats? ›

Price and participation may vary.
...
Root Beer Float | McDonalds Secret Menu.
Availability:Limited Locations - only some locations have Root Beer, but all can make a co*ke Float
The Secret:Vanilla Ice Cream in Root Beer (or co*ke)
Popularity:High
Root Beer Float Price:$1.99
1 more row

Is there an alcohol that tastes like root beer? ›

USA- Premium DeKuyper Liqueur made with rich, dark root beer flavors. Tastes like an old-fashioned rootbeer that is perfect for mixing into co*cktails. Try with ice cream for a new twist on a classic drink.

What is root beer and ice cream called? ›

Wisner, owner of Colorado's Cripple Creek Brewing, created the drink after realizing that the snowy peaks on Colorado's Cow Mountain reminded him of ice cream floating in soda. He combined root beer and vanilla ice cream, and called it the “Black Cow”, or more popularly known today as a root beer float.

What is root beer and bourbon called? ›

The Lynchburg Beer blends Jack Daniels whiskey with root beer for a refreshing taste that's out of this world. Here's how to make this simple, delicious co*cktail. Save.

Can root beer make you feel drunk? ›

The major producers of root beer include A&W, Barq's, Dad's, Hires, and Mug. Root beer cannot make you drunk. Root beer made by the traditional process contains 2% alcohol, but sometimes, more alcohol may be added to make it a stronger alcoholic drink.

What happens if you drink too much root beer? ›

But when you drink sugary drinks like root beer, you're running the risk of weakening your teeth and causing decay, all thanks to the sugar content! There's also a lot of caffeine in root beer, which can distrupt your sleep patterns and cause insomnia, too!

Is root beer just sarsaparilla? ›

Both beverages are named after their distinct differences in ingredients when they were first made. Sarsaparilla was made from the Sarsaparilla vine, while Root Beer, roots of the sassafras tree. These days, Root Beer recipes do not include sassafras as the plant has been found to cause serious health issues.

Should root beer be cold for float? ›

Tips for the Perfect Float

Start with cold ingredients. Duh! The ice cream will be cold, but also freeze the root beer for 10-20 minutes before assembling. The colder your Root Beer, the slower it will melt your ice cream.

Does root beer have to be cold for a root beer float? ›

A&W® Root Beer Floats should be served in a tall glass, like a float glass or even a beer stein. To make them extra frosty, chill the glasses ahead of time – 10 to 20 minutes in the freezer should do the trick!

Is root beer float an American thing? ›

The creation of the root beer float came years after the first Chicago soda fountain, supposedly invented in 1893 by Colorado gold mine owner Frank J. Wisner, according to CNN. To this day, diners, restaurants and frozen treat shops in Chicago serve their own version of the beloved root beer float.

Is French vanilla good for root beer float? ›

Vanilla bean is the most popular type of ice cream for a root beer float, but I also like French vanilla or a homemade style vanilla that is a bit more yellow in color.

Does frozen yogurt work in a root beer float? ›

This Root Beer Float recipe is made with root beer and vanilla frozen yogurt. A classic American Summer dessert that's easy to make and creates an amazing mix of flavors!

Is root beer better for you than co*ke? ›

After examination of the make-up and ingredients of root beer, researchers found that this type of soda rarely has any traces of citric or phosphoric acid. This makes root beer healthier for teeth when compared to typical colas. Root beer acidity is also much lower than other sodas on the market.

What is a root beer float with co*ke called? ›

BASIC BLACK COW (Otherwise known as co*ke Float)

What is the difference between a black cow and a Rootbeer float? ›

In some areas, for example, Northeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, "black cow" is said to mean a root beer float where a portion of the vanilla ice cream and root beer have been mixed together before filling the glass with scoops of vanilla ice cream and root beer.

Why don't you put ice in root beer? ›

Root beer was originally made with yeast like beer. Likewise, it was served like beer (in mugs without ice). In fact, most beverages weren't served with ice in the late 1800s because ice wasn't readily available. Bottoms up!

Can you make root beer float with other sodas? ›

M.A. Good old Classic co*ke is a great stand-in when root beer isn't an option because the cartels have taken over all the sarsaparilla fields. It's probably the closest you'll get to the traditional thing, with great foaming action and creaminess.

Why does ice cream get crunchy in a root beer float? ›

The soda on the outside is warmer than the ice cream when poured over it. This melts some ice cream and dilutes the soda with sweet creamy goodness. Sometimes the ice cream will be cold enough to freeze parts of the soda onto the ice cream causing this "crispy" shell that I like.

Does Burger King do root beer floats? ›

The rootbeer float reminds me a lot of my childhood and the Cheese Bites are quite addicting.

Does Chick Fil A have floats? ›

Root Beer float: One of Chick-fil-A's more accessible menu items, the root beer float is simple vanilla soft serve combined with root beer soda.

Does Wendy's still serve root beer floats? ›

What is this? It is totally possible to get a root beer float from Wendy's, and you don't even have to order anything weird or off the menu.

Is root beer just vanilla? ›

Root beer is typically but not exclusively non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated. Like cola, it usually has a thick and foamy head. A well-known use is to add vanilla ice cream to make a root beer float.
...
Root beer.
A mug of foamy root beer
TypeSoft drink
Region of originNorth America

What is the unique flavor in root beer? ›

So, modern root beer is flavoured most often with artificial sassafras, though sometimes with safrole-free sassafras too. More important than checking the safrole content of your beverage, though, might be checking the alcohol content.

Is root beer co*ke or Pepsi? ›

Mug was purchased by Pepsi in 1986, and replaced On-Tap Draft Style Root Beer as Pepsi's root beer brand. Mug Root Beer is manufactured by independent bottlers under the authority of New Century Beverage Company.

What is the alcoholic ice cream called? ›

BuzzBar. This line of gourmet alcohol-infused ice cream bars, sorbet bars and ice creams – made in Vermont — says it provides “the Ultimate Gourmet Ice Cream co*cktail Experience.” Flavors include Vanilla Daze (“Vanilla Ice Cream + Cognac”), Blitzed Berry (“Strawberry Ice Cream + Rum”) and Bourbon St.

What is Jack Daniels and root beer called? ›

The Lynchburg Beer blends Jack Daniels whiskey with root beer for a refreshing taste that's out of this world.

What does the A & W stand for in the Rootbeer? ›

Allen partnered with former Lodi employee Frank Wright. They leased their first two Root Beer stands to other operators so they could expand into the larger city of Sacramento. This was around the same time the partners coined the new name A&W®, “A” for Allen & “W” for Wright.

What is it called when you order a shot and a beer? ›

A boilermaker can refer to two types of beer co*cktail. In American terminology, the drink consists of a glass of beer mixed with a shot of whiskey.

Is root beer worse than soda? ›

It was determined that, despite being a soda, root beer is considered the safest soft drink as it rarely contains the harmful acids found in most sodas, which lessens its impact on teeth.

What is the healthiest soda? ›

Healthy Sodas
  • Sierra Mist is often considered one of the healthiest sodas you can drink because a 12-ounce can contains 140 calories, 35 milligrams of sodium, and 37 grams of carbohydrates.
  • Seagram's Ginger Ale is a classically healthy soda. ...
  • Sprite is the Coca-Cola company's product, similar to PepsiCo's Sierra Mist.
Oct 4, 2022

How old should you be to drink root beer? ›

There is no age limit on consumption of root beer. Anyone can drink a root beer as root beer does not contain alcohol.

What does root beer do to your hair? ›

What's Root Beer all about? It's brunette with subtle lighter streaks running through it which add movement and glow to dark hair. The idea is to create a multi-dimensional finish which takes its inspiration from the drink it's named after.

Why do I feel bloated after drinking root beer? ›

Beer, like carbonated beverages, releases carbon dioxide gas into the body, which leads to increased bloating, making you feel heavier, and resulting in that belly bloat, according to Healthline.

Why is root beer called beer? ›

Hires initially wanted to name the product to be “Root Tea,” but chose “Root Beer,” to make the beverage attractive to Pennsylvanian coal miners. Hires, who did not drink alcohol, marketed root beer as an alternative to alcohol.

Is Dr Pepper a sarsaparilla? ›

Yes, it does. Dr. pepper is actually a blend of 23 flavors: cola, cherry, licorice, amaretto, vanilla, blackberry, apricot, blackberry, caramel, pepper, anise, sarsaparilla, ginger, molasses, lemon, plum, orange, nutmeg, cardamon, all spice, coriander juniper, birch and prickly ash.

Do cowboys drink sarsaparilla? ›

In an old-time western, the good cowboy never ordered anything at a saloon but "sarsaparilla."The bad guys would snicker, because it was like bellying up to the bar and demanding a root beer.

Is co*ke a sarsaparilla? ›

co*ke wasn't totally free of cocaine until 1929. That's how they got the name … it was named it for its two medicinal ingredients, which were coca leaves and kola nuts. Sarsaparilla has nothing to do with cocaine.

What goes good with root beer floats? ›

Use a quality vanilla ice cream, always start with two scoops, but you can do more if you prefer to enjoy your floats with a spoon instead of a straw. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Does root beer taste good with vodka? ›

Of course, as it has a light and subtle flavour, vodka goes with nearly everything. We're particularly fond of the combination of root beer with flavoured vodkas like cinnamon roll or even cake! This sweet and tasty combination of spices and A&W will take you right back to your childhood.

What's the matter in root beer floats? ›

Matter is everywhere, even in a root beer float! You can find solids, liquids and gasses in a root beer float. > Solid: ice cream > Liquid: root beer > Gas: The ice cream and root beer mix and create bubbles called carbonation. Those carbonated bubbles are trapped gas.

Are root beer floats an American thing? ›

The creation of the root beer float came years after the first Chicago soda fountain, supposedly invented in 1893 by Colorado gold mine owner Frank J. Wisner, according to CNN. To this day, diners, restaurants and frozen treat shops in Chicago serve their own version of the beloved root beer float.

Do you eat or drink root beer floats? ›

Simple: suck off all the foamy goodness on top. Then, eat the ice cream. Down the rest of the rootbeer-ice cream mixture as the ice cream has had time to melt.

What is a shot of vodka in a beer called? ›

A U-boot is a beer co*cktail that is made by placing a shot of vodka into a glass of beer, typically a lager. It is popular in Germany, Poland, North Macedonia, and Flanders. In Germany, the liquor korn is sometimes used instead, while in Flanders and the Netherlands, jonge jenever is preferred.

Does root beer make you tipsy? ›

The market contains many varieties of root bear, most of them are nonalcoholic. The major producers of root beer include A&W, Barq's, Dad's, Hires, and Mug. Root beer cannot make you drunk.

What is beer and vodka called? ›

Yorsh (Russian: Ёрш), also known as mora grogg, is a Russian mixed drink consisting of beer thoroughly mixed with an ample quantity of vodka. It is traditionally drunk in a social setting, typically with a toast followed by downing a full glass of it at one go.

Why do root beer floats have so much foam? ›

How the foam happens: When the carbonated root beer comes into contact with the ice cream, carbon dioxide bubbles release. Likewise, the soda frees air bubbles trapped in the ice cream. What's more, the fat in the ice cream coats these bubbles.

Is it OK to drink beer with floaties? ›

The floaties are perfectly safe to consume, although it can sometimes mean that a beer is too old (old beer sediment looks like dandruff — avoid at all costs). If you want to avoid sediment in fresh beer, however, store the beer upright and let the sediment sink to the bottom.

Which vanilla ice cream is best for root beer floats? ›

Vanilla Ice Cream – Naturally, the top choice is good old-fashioned regular vanilla ice cream, but you can also use soft-serve ice cream as well. Since it has a softer consistency, it blends really well with the float.

What do you call someone who pours beer? ›

A beer sommelier, also called a cicerone, is a trained professional, working in the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industry, who specializes in the service and knowledge of beer, similar to a traditional wine sommelier.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 5614

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.