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Why Root Beer Floats Are Also Called 'Black Cows'
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National Root Beer Float Day, which takes place each year on August 6, offers a great reason to indulge in this flavorful beverage that can be consumed as a dessert or a snack. Even at a drive-in, root beer floats make a perfect accompaniment for a cheeseburger and fries, regardless of whether it's the national holiday or a weekend treat.
There are many variations on the root beer float that involve vanilla ice cream and a different soda, such as a co*ke Float (vanilla ice cream with Coca-Cola), Boston Cooler (vanilla ice cream withginger ale), Purple Cow (vanilla ice cream with grape soda), and Orange Float (vanilla ice cream with orange soda), per Visit Oshkosh.You may have also heard of a "black cow," which is the original name of the root beer float (via The Daily Meal).
Over time, what is considered a black cow has changed for some. A recipe on Food. calls for root beer poured over vanilla ice cream with a tablespoon of chocolate syrup, garnished with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Another recipe claiming to be for the "Original Black Cow" includes Coca-Cola, chocolate ice cream, cream, and chocolate syrup. Not surprisingly, alcoholic versions have been created of the classic fountain beverage that includes coffee liqueur and cream.
The first black cow
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Like so many product creation stories, the inventor of the black cow was admiring the world around him when inspiration struck. The Daily Meal recounts how, in 1893, Frank J. Wisner was admiring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado when the snow cap on one of the peaks reminded him of vanilla ice cream in root beer. The name of the mountain that served as inspiration? Cow Mountain, per South Florida Reporter.
Wisner was the owner of Cripple Creek Brewing. After getting the idea for the ice cream beverage, he hurried inside and put vanilla ice cream in his children's favorite soda: Myers Avenue Red Root Beer, according to the South Florida Reporter. He began to serve his new beverage, which he called Black Cow Mountain, and it was a hit, but the public abbreviated the name to just "black cow."
Whether you call it a root beer float or a black cow, refresh yourself with a frosted glass of root beer and vanilla ice cream on National Root Beer Float Day, or any day of the year.
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As an enthusiast with a deep appreciation for culinary history and the cultural significance of beverages, particularly root beer floats, let me share my expertise on the topic. Root beer floats, also affectionately known as "black cows," have a fascinating origin story rooted in the creativity of Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Brewing, dating back to 1893.
The term "black cow" originally referred to the classic root beer float, consisting of vanilla ice cream and root beer. This delightful concoction gained popularity as a refreshing treat, suitable for any occasion. The intriguing twist lies in the inspiration behind the name "black cow," which traces back to a picturesque moment in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Frank J. Wisner, while admiring the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, was struck with inspiration. The sight reminded him of vanilla ice cream floating in root beer, and he decided to bring this vision to life. Cow Mountain, the mountain that served as his muse, lent its name to the creation. Thus, the original root beer float was dubbed "Black Cow Mountain."
The beverage was an immediate success, capturing the taste buds of many. However, as with many popular inventions, the public affectionately shortened the name to simply "black cow." It became a timeless and beloved treat, perfect for indulging on National Root Beer Float Day, celebrated annually on August 6, or any other day throughout the year.
Root beer floats have since evolved, with various creative adaptations and spin-offs like the co*ke Float, Boston Cooler, Purple Cow, and Orange Float, each featuring different sodas paired with vanilla ice cream. The versatility of this classic dessert or snack makes it a favorite at drive-ins and a perfect accompaniment to a cheeseburger and fries.
In conclusion, whether you refer to it as a root beer float or a black cow, the delightful combination of root beer and vanilla ice cream has a rich history and an enduring place in American culinary traditions. So, on National Root Beer Float Day or any day of the year, treat yourself to the timeless joy of sipping on a frosted glass of root beer and indulging in the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream. Cheers to the history and deliciousness of the black cow!
