A&W Root Beer Float

This A&W Root Beer Float Recipe is made with vanilla ice cream, root beer, whipped cream and fresh or maraschino cherries.

A root beer float typically consists of two main ingredients: root beer soda and vanilla ice cream. The soda is usually a sweet and fizzy carbonated beverage made with a blend of herbs and spices, including sarsaparilla, vanilla, wintergreen, and anise. The vanilla ice cream is a creamy and sweet frozen dessert that is made with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. To make a root beer float, you simply fill a glass about ⅔ full with root beer, then add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream will start to foam and mix with the soda, creating a frothy and creamy texture. Some variations of the root beer float may include additional ingredients such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce.

Do you remember your first root beer float? I think I must have been 8 years old when I first tried it. My family had just moved back to the United States from Mexico, where most of my dessert consisted of flan and pan dulce. I was absolutely obsessed. My brother was so obsessed with root beer that he would order it every Sunday when my family would go out to eat. Sundays were special and it was the only day we ever ate out.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try this and pair with my Shiitake Mushroom Burger or my Ranchera Meat.

Jump to:

• What is a Root Beer Float?
• A&W Root Beer Float Ingredients
• How to make A&W Root Beer Float
• What to serve with A&W Root Beer Float
• Substitutions
• A&W Root Beer Float Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store A&W Root Beer Float
• A&W Root Beer Float Recipe Top tips
• A&W Root Beer Float Recipe
• Food safety

What is a Root Beer Float?

A root beer float is a classic American dessert that consists of vanilla ice cream topped with root beer soda. The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and fizzy, sweet root beer creates a refreshing and nostalgic treat that is often associated with summer days and soda fountains. The origins of the root beer float are unclear, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 1800s or early 1900s in the United States. Today, it is a popular dessert or snack that can be found at diners, ice cream shops, and other food establishments. Some variations of the root beer float may include additional ingredients such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce.

A&W Root Beer Float Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• A&W Root Beer
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make A&W Root Beer Float

Hint: You can use chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

What to serve with A&W Root Beer Float

• Cookies: Serve root beer floats with your favorite cookies such as chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal raisin. You can either crumble the cookies on top of the ice cream or serve them on the side for dipping.
• Brownies: Warm brownies are a great complement to the cold and creamy root beer float. You can cut the brownies into small squares and serve them on the side or crumble them on top of the ice cream.
• Donuts: Warm and fresh donuts are another great option to serve with root beer floats. You can either dip the donuts into the root beer float or serve them on the side for dipping.
• Fruit: Serve sliced fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches on the side of the root beer float for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy ice cream.
• Pretzels: Salty pretzels are a surprising but delicious pairing with root beer floats. You can serve them on the side for dipping or crumble them on top of the ice cream.

Substitutions

Ice Cream: I have seen a ton of different variations of root beer floats, although traditionally it uses vanilla ice cream. 

Root Beer: You can use any brand of root beer, although my favorite will always be A&W Root Beer without a doubt!

Whipped Cream: I love using the canned whipped cream because it makes the drink look very pretty. You can use coconut whipped cream or cool whip. 

A&W Root Beer Float Recipe Variations

• Chocolate root beer float: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the bottom of the glass before adding root beer and vanilla ice cream.
• Mint chocolate chip root beer float: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla and garnish with chocolate chips.
• Caramel root beer float: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the bottom of the glass before adding root beer and vanilla ice cream.
• Peanut butter root beer float: Mix a spoonful of creamy peanut butter with vanilla ice cream before adding to the root beer.
• Coffee root beer float: Brew a strong cup of coffee and pour it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the glass before adding the root beer.
• Boozy root beer float: Add a shot of your favorite liqueur, such as Bailey's Irish Cream, to the glass before adding root beer and vanilla ice cream.
• Root beer float popsicles: Freeze root beer and vanilla ice cream in popsicle molds to make a fun and refreshing summer treat.

Check out this Hot Cheetos Elote.

Equipment

• Tall glasses: Root beer floats are typically served in tall glasses to accommodate the ice cream and soda. Make sure the glasses are freezer-safe so you can chill them before serving.
• Ice cream scoop: You'll need an ice cream scoop to portion out the ice cream. A metal scoop with a trigger is ideal for releasing the ice cream easily.
• Spoon or straw: A spoon or straw is essential for scooping up the ice cream and drinking the root beer.
• Freezer: You'll need a freezer to chill the glasses and to keep the ice cream from melting.

How to store A&W Root Beer Float

1. Cover the glass: Use a piece of plastic wrap or a lid to cover the glass and prevent any air from getting in.
2. Place in the freezer: Put the covered glass in the freezer and keep it there until you're ready to serve it.
3. Serve immediately: Once you remove the root beer float from the freezer, it will start to melt quickly. Serve it immediately and enjoy!

A&W Root Beer Float Recipe Top tips

• Use cold ingredients: Make sure both the root beer and the ice cream are very cold. This will help keep the soda fizzy and prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
• Choose the right ice cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice for a root beer float, but you can experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
• Use a tall glass: A tall glass will help keep the soda and ice cream from overflowing. Chill the glass in the freezer beforehand for an extra refreshing treat.
• Add the soda slowly: Pour the root beer over the ice cream slowly to prevent it from foaming up and overflowing.
• Use a long spoon or straw: A long spoon or straw will help you reach the bottom of the glass and scoop up all the delicious ice cream and soda.
• Add toppings: Add a cherry on top or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.