Indulge in a classic treat that combines the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream with the fizzy sweetness of root beer. This simple yet delightful dessert is perfect for hot summer days or as a nostalgic treat any time of the year.
Both root beer and vanilla ice cream are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, if you don't usually stock root beer at home, you might need to make a special trip to the beverage aisle. Look for it near other sodas and soft drinks.

Ingredients For Root Beer Float Recipe
Root beer: A carbonated soft drink with a distinct, sweet flavor often derived from sassafras or sarsaparilla. Vanilla ice cream: A creamy, sweet frozen dessert flavored with vanilla extract or vanilla beans.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the creaminess of your root beer float, try chilling your root beer in the freezer for about 15 minutes before pouring it over the vanilla ice cream. This will help maintain the ice cream's texture and prevent it from melting too quickly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
root beer - Substitute with cola: Cola provides a similar fizzy and sweet base, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
root beer - Substitute with cream soda: Cream soda offers a similar creamy and sweet taste, making it a good alternative for a float.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with chocolate ice cream: Chocolate ice cream adds a rich, chocolaty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the soda.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut ice cream: Coconut ice cream provides a tropical twist and a creamy texture that complements the soda.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your root beer float fresh and delightful, store any leftover root beer in a tightly sealed bottle or container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its fizz and flavor.
- If you have extra vanilla ice cream, make sure to place it back in the freezer immediately. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted freezer odors.
- For a pre-made root beer float, it's best to enjoy it fresh. However, if you must store it, pour the root beer and vanilla ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
- When you're ready to enjoy your stored root beer float, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop and serve.
- Avoid storing your root beer float for more than a day or two, as the texture and flavor can degrade over time. Fresh is always best for this classic dessert.
- If you want to prepare in advance, consider freezing vanilla ice cream scoops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the scoops to a freezer bag. This way, you can quickly assemble your root beer float without any hassle.
- For an extra touch of creativity, freeze some root beer in ice cube trays. Use these root beer cubes instead of regular ice cubes to keep your float cold without diluting the flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Unfortunately, reheating a root beer float is not recommended as it is a dessert best enjoyed fresh. The combination of vanilla ice cream and root beer creates a delightful contrast between cold and fizzy that cannot be replicated once melted.
- If you must save it, consider freezing the ice cream separately and storing the root beer in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy again, simply follow the original recipe instructions to recreate the float.
- Alternatively, you can blend the melted root beer float into a milkshake. Pour the mixture into a blender, add a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream, and blend until smooth. This will give you a new, delicious treat to enjoy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Tall glasses: Use these to hold the root beer float, allowing enough room for the ice cream and root beer.
Ice cream scoop: This helps you easily scoop and portion the vanilla ice cream into the glasses.
Measuring cup: Use this to measure out the 2 cups of root beer accurately.
Straw: Provide this for sipping the root beer float.
Spoon: This is useful for scooping up the ice cream and any root beer-soaked bits.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-scoop the ice cream: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a container and freeze it. This way, you can quickly add it to the glasses when ready.
Chill the root beer: Keep the root beer in the fridge so it's cold and ready to pour, reducing the time needed to chill the drink.
Use wide straws: Wide straws make it easier to enjoy the float without waiting for the ice cream to melt too much.
Serve in batches: If making multiple floats, prepare all the glasses with ice cream first, then pour the root beer in one go.

Root Beer Float Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Root beer
- 2 scoops Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- 1. Scoop vanilla ice cream into tall glasses.
- 2. Slowly pour root beer over the ice cream.
- 3. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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