Quick answer: chill a tall glass, add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, and slowly pour in about 1 cup (240 ml) of cold root beer, tilting the glass. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
How to make it
- Freeze the glass or mug for 15 minutes.
- Add 2 scoops of firm vanilla ice cream.
- Tilt the glass and pour the root beer slowly down the side. Pause to let the foam settle, then top up.
- Finish with whipped cream. Serve with a straw and a long spoon.
8 more ice cream floats
| Float | Soda | Ice cream |
|---|---|---|
| Coke float | Cola | Vanilla |
| Orange creamsicle float | Orange soda | Vanilla |
| Purple cow | Grape soda | Vanilla |
| Boston cooler | Ginger ale | Vanilla |
| Cream soda float | Cream soda | Vanilla or butter pecan |
| Strawberry float | Strawberry or lemon-lime soda | Strawberry |
| Chocolate float | Cola or root beer | Chocolate |
| Coffee float | Cold brew or sparkling coffee | Vanilla or coffee |
The whipped cream
Whipped cream sits on the foam and melts into the soda. For a float bar, a whipped cream dispenser lets guests top their own; see sundae bar ideas for the rest of the table. Recipe: whipped cream.
Tips
- Keep the soda very cold; warm soda foams more and melts the ice cream.
- Use a tall glass and leave room for the foam.
- Use full-sugar soda for the creamiest foam.
More cream-and-soda drinks: Italian cream soda, dirty soda, orange creamsicle drink and milkshakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a root beer float?
Put two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall chilled glass and pour cold root beer slowly down the side until the glass is full.
Do you put the ice cream or the root beer in first?
Ice cream first gives a thick foamy head. For less foam, pour in a little root beer first, add the ice cream, then top up slowly.
Why does a root beer float foam so much?
The carbonation is released when soda hits the ice cream, and the fat and proteins in the ice cream hold the bubbles as foam.
What is the difference between a float and an ice cream soda?
A float is just soda and ice cream. An ice cream soda also has flavored syrup and a little cream or milk.
