August 6 is National Root Beer Float Day! Root beer floats are a favorite summertime staple and we have Frank J. Wisner to thank for them. Wisner, owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing, created the drink after realizing that the snowy peaks on Colorado’s Cow Mountain reminded him ofice 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.
Since the creation of the root beer float, other popular floats have been created such as:
co*ke Float - Coca-Cola and vanilla ice cream
Boston Cooler - Ginger ale and vanilla ice cream
Purple Cow - Grape soda and vanilla ice cream
Orange Float - Orange soda and vanilla ice cream
Although root beer floats are rarely referred to as Black Cows anymore, there are still many variations of the classic float that carry on with the name. In fact, there’s a whole family of “cow” drinks including White Cows, Brown Cows and Black Cows, which are all slightly modified versions of root beer floats, depending on the region. If you Google “Black Cow Drink” you’ll find a variety of recipes. Some say it’s a root beer float with a chocolate syrup drizzle, while others consider it simply being a blended root beer float.
Now that you’ve been schooled in a brief history lesson, here are some of the best places in Oshkosh to enjoy a refreshing float (or cow).
A&W Restaurant in Oshkosh is celebrating with FREE Root Beer Floats from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 6th. That’s right, FREE. No purchase necessary! However, donations are encouraged for the Disabled American Veterans.
Some things are better together and Culver’s creamy vanilla custard and signature root beer is a match made in heaven.
Voted #1 float in Oshkosh, Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In serves old fashion root beer and orange floats. Try them blended and enjoy a refreshing Black (or orange) Cow!
Rhapsodies Frozen Custard allows you to create your own float! Choose classic root beer or try something new to mix in with that creamy, vanilla custard.
So, root beer floats or Black Cows? Which do you prefer?
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click herefor overnight options!
As a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of the world of beverages and their cultural significance, I can confidently assert my expertise in the realm of soda floats, particularly the iconic root beer float. My extensive knowledge is rooted in the history, evolution, and variations of these delightful concoctions.
Let's dive into the concepts and details mentioned in the article:
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National Root Beer Float Day:
- National Root Beer Float Day is celebrated on August 6th, and the article emphasizes its significance in commemorating the creation of root beer floats.
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Frank J. Wisner and the Invention of Root Beer Floats:
- Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing, is credited with the creation of the root beer float. The inspiration came when he saw snowy peaks on Colorado’s Cow Mountain, resembling ice cream floating in soda. He combined root beer and vanilla ice cream, naming it the "Black Cow."
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Variations of Floats:
- The root beer float, also known as the "Black Cow," inspired other popular floats, such as the co*ke Float (Coca-Cola and vanilla ice cream), Boston Cooler (ginger ale and vanilla ice cream), Purple Cow (grape soda and vanilla ice cream), and Orange Float (orange soda and vanilla ice cream).
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"Cow" Drinks:
- Although root beer floats are not commonly referred to as Black Cows today, there are variations like White Cows, Brown Cows, and Black Cows, each with regional modifications. Some recipes suggest adding chocolate syrup, while others consider it a blended root beer float.
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Varieties of "Cow" Drinks and Recipes:
- The article mentions a variety of "cow" drinks, such as White Cows, Brown Cows, and Black Cows, each with its unique twist. Google searches for "Black Cow Drink" yield diverse recipes, some including chocolate syrup drizzles or variations of blended root beer floats.
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Oshkosh's Best Places for Floats:
- The article highlights some of the best places in Oshkosh to enjoy root beer floats or various "cow" drinks, including A&W Restaurant, Culver’s, Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In, and Rhapsodies Frozen Custard.
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Oshkosh Celebrations for National Root Beer Float Day:
- A&W Restaurant in Oshkosh offers free Root Beer Floats on August 6th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., encouraging donations for the Disabled American Veterans.
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Culver’s and Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In:
- Culver’s is praised for its creamy vanilla custard and signature root beer, creating a heavenly match. Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In is voted #1 for its old-fashioned root beer and orange floats, including the option to enjoy a blended Black or Orange Cow.
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Rhapsodies Frozen Custard:
- Rhapsodies Frozen Custard allows customers to create their own float, offering a choice between classic root beer and experimenting with different mix-ins alongside creamy vanilla custard.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the classic root beer float or one of its delightful variations, the world of soda floats offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, with National Root Beer Float Day providing the perfect occasion to indulge in these refreshing treats.
