Spiked Root Beer Float (2024)

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A shot of whiskey added to a traditional ice cream drink makes a creamy and delicious Spiked Root Beer Float!

Spiked Root Beer Float (1)

This post is sponsored by theGlass Barn, Indiana Soybean and Corn Farmers but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alcoholic Root Beer Float

This adult root beer float is a favorite when entertaining guests. Kids love root beer and ice cream and adults can easily personalize their float with a shot or two of whiskey.

We enjoy putting ice cream in a variety of flavors of soda pop all year around, but adding whiskey to root beer creates the best combination of flavors in a mixed drink with ice cream.

The ice cream chills the whiskey and the whiskey softens the ice cream creating a creamy drink. The carbonation and natural root beer flavors make this alcoholic drink a great way to top off a meal or enjoy as a dessert.

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The ice cream will have a marbled look that is easier to admire in a clear glass.

Whether it’s our Pink Slush or another simple drink a homemade treat can make a small party at home more fun!

How to Make a Root beer Float an Alcoholic Drink

Your favorite whiskey can simply be added to a root beer float. Any brand may be used, but we typically use Maker’s Mark Whiskey.

We find the best way to make a float is to begin by pouring the whiskey in the glass and then pack the ice cream lightly down into the whiskey.

Use one shot of whiskey. A shot which is officially two ounces of liquor can be adjusted to each person’s preferences.

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.

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How to Make a Root Beer Float without Foam

To minimize foam pour hold the cup at an angle and pour the cold root beer slowly down the side of the glass.

Chilling the glass before adding the drink ingredients can help too.

Adult Root Beer Float Recipe

Measure out one shot or two ounces of your preferred whiskey and pour into a large glass.

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Dip ice cream scoop in hot water to make small, neat scoops. Small scoops are easiest to drop into the glass without smearing the sides. Use scoop to gently pack ice cream into the whiskey.

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Slowly pour cold root beer into the glass to reach the desired fill level. We find about half of a bottle works well to begin with. More pop can be added as desired.

Typically no blending is required. Serve with a wide straw and long handled spoon and enjoy!

What is the Best Root Beer To Use?

Any flavor of root beer that you enjoy works well in a root beer float. We typically have A & W Root Beer on hand because it seems to go on sale most often.

What Goes with Root Beer Floats?

Hamburgers, grilled chicken, grilled pork chops and loaded fries are our favorite meals to top of with a float.

We also enjoy Pulled Pork Sliders, Ham Sliders, and Turkey Sliders with an adult root beer float.

Our Coconut Cake from a Box Mix is another great treat to enjoy with this unique drink combination.

Printable Spiked Root Beer Float Recipe

Spiked Root Beer Float (6)

Spiked Root Beer Float

A shot of whiskey added to a traditional ice cream drink makes a creamy and delicious Spiked Root Beer Float!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Spiked Root Beer Float

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 root beer floats

Calories: 567kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 – 6 ounces preferred whiskey we use Maker's Mark
  • 20 ounces root beer chilled
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream vanilla bean works well

Instructions

  • Pour 2 to 3 ounces of whiskey into each chilled pint glass.

  • Dip ice cream scoop into hot water and make small scoops to drop into glass. Use scoop to push or slightly pack ice cream down into whiskey.

  • Slowly pour chilled root beer over the ice cream.

  • Serve with a large straw and a long handled spoon. Typically blending is not required.

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Nutrition

Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 1mg

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Related

Spiked Root Beer Float (2024)

FAQs

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

The Boozy Root Beer Float takes everything you love about the original—namely the ice cream and root beer—and upgrades it with a pour of rum. The result is a perfect antidote to a hot summer day.

Can you put baileys in a root beer float? ›

And, you can make your own to use! Baileys is another creamy liqueur, but with chocolate flavor and Irish whiskey. However, Baileys does have a vanilla and cinnamon liqueur that you could use in the root beer float. If you love RumChata, be sure to also try my Naughty White Russian.

Do vodka and root beer taste good? ›

A&W Root Beer 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 is whiskey and root beer called? ›

A classic rickey is just liquor, lime juice and carbonated water, but reach for rye whiskey and trade the soda water for root beer, and you get the root beer rickey, a drink bartender Jim Meehan created for Cicoria, a pizzeria in Portland, Ore.

How do you make alcohol float? ›

The most common technique to float or layer an ingredient is to pour it slowly over the back of a spoon. This disperses the liquid over a wider surface area, allowing it to float rather than sink under its own weight.

What goes first in a rootbeer 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.

What is Baileys and root beer called? ›

Sometimes called Irish root beer floats, these delicious Bailey's Irish Cream drinks are the perfect adult versions of a soda fountain favorite.

What ice cream is good for root beer floats? ›

A Root Beer Float is a refreshing summertime treat made with vanilla ice cream topped with root beer, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

What is fireball and root beer called? ›

A Fireball Root Beer Float is an adult version of a childhood favorite. Chilled mugs filled with vanilla ice cream is topped with fireball whiskey and hard root beer. Yields 2 mugs but can be halved or doubled. Prep Time: 5 mins.

Is amaretto good with root beer? ›

McGillicuddy's Root Beer Liqueur, amaretto and a hint of lime blend together for a simple and tasty co*cktail that's reminiscent of days gone by.

What is the name of the vodka root beer? ›

A vodka and root beer combination, topped with whipped cream and garnished with a cherry.

Can you mix tequila with root beer? ›

Preparation. In a highball glass, add the Tequila and chilled rootbeer. Add a scoop of ice cream and top off with a small amount of rootbeer to create some fizz. Agave straw and spoon encouraged to enjoy!

What kind of beer do you use for a beer float? ›

Stouts and porters

"Big chocolate or coffee stouts work wonderfully with complementary ice cream flavors like vanilla, coconut, or toffee, and create an even better sensory experience when put together," says TenHarmsel.

What alcohol is good with cream soda? ›

Spiced Rum Is The Perfect Match For Cream Soda's Fizzy Sweetness.

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