Root Beer Float

Creamy & Fizzy Root Beer Float Recipe You’ll Love

When I first tried making a root beer float at home, I didn’t expect it to taste this good. The fizz, the creaminess, and the nostalgia all hit at once. I love how simple this recipe is, yet it always feels like a special treat.

For me, it’s the ultimate no-cook dessert that works every single time. And if you enjoy fun twists on desserts, you’ll love this just as much as the Pink Lemonade Pie that I recently shared.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this float several times, I found a few tricks that make it even better:

• Always chill the root beer before using; warm soda melts the ice cream too quickly.
• If you want a less sweet float, use sugar-free root beer and balance it with rich ice cream.
• Try different ice cream flavors like coffee, cookie dough, or caramel swirl for variety.
• For parties, pre-scoop ice cream balls on a tray, freeze them, and drop them into drinks quickly.
• A drizzle of caramel or peanut butter sauce can elevate the flavor.

Cooking Time

Quick and effortless, here’s how long it takes:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Just a few kitchen essentials are required to put this float together:

• Tall glasses – Perfect for serving with enough space for fizz and toppings.
• Ice cream scooper – Makes even, round scoops for a neat presentation.
• Long spoon – Helps you enjoy the ice cream at the bottom.
• Straw – Great for sipping the soda without a mess.

Fun Variations to Try

The beauty of a root beer float is that you can make it your own. Here are some variations:

• Dairy-free option – Use coconut or almond milk ice cream for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Sugar-free option – Pair diet root beer with sugar-free ice cream for a lighter treat.
• Chocolate float – Swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream for a richer flavor.
• Coffee twist – Add a splash of cold brew for a kick.

You can also explore other dinner recipes if you’re planning a full meal before serving these floats as dessert.

How to Serve Root Beer Float?

Presentation can take your float to the next level. Here are some serving ideas:

• Use mason jars for a rustic, party-style look.
• Top with a maraschino cherry for a diner-inspired vibe.
• Add mini cookies or wafers as garnishes.
• Serve alongside small desserts like Root Beer Float Pie for a sweet spread.

Calories Count (per serving – approx. 250g)

• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

How to Store the Float

Since a float is best enjoyed fresh, storing isn’t ideal. But here are a few guidelines:

• Restoring – If it melts, blend it into a milkshake and serve chilled.
• Freezing – You can freeze leftover floats, but they’ll turn icy. Blend again before serving.
• Reheating – Not recommended, as this is a cold dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons this recipe will win you over:

• Quick and Easy – No cooking, no baking, just a few minutes of prep.
• Customizable – You can change ice cream flavors, toppings, or soda types easily.
• Perfect for Parties – Fun, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Kid-Friendly – Children love the fizz and sweetness, and adults enjoy the nostalgia.
• Versatile – Can be made dairy-free, sugar-free, or extra indulgent.

Ben Carraoli

Root Beer Float

A root beer float is one of the simplest yet most loved summer treats. The combination of fizzy soda and creamy ice cream makes it a nostalgic favorite for kids and adults alike. It’s quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You can also play around with flavors by adding toppings, syrups, or different ice cream choices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Dessert

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups root beer – Use your favorite brand. Chill it first for a frothier float.
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream – Creamy vanilla works best but you can try chocolate or caramel for variety.
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup – Optional but it adds a rich twist to the classic.
• Whipped cream – For topping giving it a creamy finish.
• Sprinkles – Optional for a colorful fun look.

Method

 

1. Start by chilling your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 5–10 minutes. Cold glasses help keep the float frosty for longer and also make the fizz stronger when you pour in the root beer. This little step adds a restaurant-style feel at home.
2. Take the chilled glasses out and fill each one halfway with root beer. Pour slowly to avoid too much foam forming right away. A gentle pour gives the drink just the right fizz while leaving enough space for the ice cream scoops.
3. Carefully add one to two scoops of vanilla ice cream into the glass. As soon as the ice cream hits the soda, it will fizz and create that foamy top. Go slow so the glass doesn’t overflow, and enjoy the fun bubble-up moment.
4. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream for an extra sweet kick. Top with whipped cream for a creamy finish, and add sprinkles if you’re serving kids or want a playful look. This is where you can be creative and make it your own.
5. Serve the floats immediately with a straw or a long spoon. Root beer floats are best enjoyed fresh, while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream creamy. They melt quickly, so serve as soon as they’re made