Root beer floats are a classic and delicious summertime treat. There’s something about the creamy vanilla ice cream and the fizzy, sweet root beer that just goes so well together. But while the root beer float itself is perfection, you may be wondering what foods pair well with this iconic beverage. Keep reading for some tasty ideas for foods that complement a frosty mug of root beer float!
Savory Snacks
When it comes to root beer floats, salty and savory snacks can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness. Here are some savory pairings to consider:
- French fries – The classic side of fries is a no-brainer with root beer floats. The salty crunch balances out the sweetness.
- Pretzels – Salty and crispy pretzels are another great option. Pretzel rods can be used to scoop up some of the melting ice cream too.
- Popcorn – A light and airy snack, popcorn is a fun pairing with the richness of the float. The saltiness plays off the sweet root beer and ice cream.
- Nachos – For a more substantial snack, nachos loaded with cheese, beans, salsa, and other toppings can stand up to a frosty mug of root beer float.
- Mozzarella sticks – The mild saltiness of mozzarella sticks makes an indulgent pairing with sweet root beer floats.
In general, any salty snack from potato chips to pizza bites can balance out the sugary sweetness of root beer floats. Crunchy and crisp textures also provide a nice contrast.
Sweet Treats
While root beer floats themselves are plenty sweet, you can never have too many sweet treats! Here are some delicious ideas for satisfying your sweet tooth:
- Cookies – Chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter – you name it, cookies pair fabulously with root beer floats. Dunk them right into the melting ice cream.
- Brownies – Fudgy, chocolatey brownies are a divine match for the vanilla ice cream and root beer. The chocolate-vanilla combo is always a winner.
- Donuts – Glazed, powdered, or jelly-filled, donuts complement the sweetness and texture of root beer floats.
- Ice cream sandwiches – For double the ice cream impact, enjoy an ice cream sandwich alongside your root beer float.
- Pie – Pie flavors like apple, cherry, or pecan nicely accompany the flavors of a root beer float.
You really can’t go wrong pairing other sweet baked goods like cakes, pies, and pastries with a frosty mug of root beer float. The sweet flavors mesh perfectly.
Fruits
Fresh fruit can provide a dose of brightness and acidity to balance out the rich sweetness of root beer floats. Some fruit pairings to try include:
- Strawberries – Juicy strawberries complement the vanilla ice cream for a strawberry shortcake twist.
- Bananas – Sliced bananas can be used to scoop up the root beer float just like a banana split.
- Cherries – Both sweet and tart cherries pair well with the creamy vanilla.
- Pineapple – Pineapple’s tropical tartness stands up to the sweetness of the float.
- Peaches – Juicy fresh peaches are a delightful summery pairing.
Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries also make great additions, either on top of the float or on the side. Melons like honeydew would also be refreshing with creamy root beer floats.
Hearty Foods
For a more filling treat, enjoy your root beer float alongside some hearty comfort foods like these:
- Burgers – A juicy burger with all the fixings is a totally satisfying meal with a frosty mug of root beer float.
- Hot dogs – Another backyard BBQ classic. Enjoy your Coney dog with a float on the side.
- Pizza – The savory flavors of pizza complement the sweet ice cream float wonderfully.
- Sandwiches – Grilled cheese, BLTs, Reubens…you name it, sandwiches go great with root beer floats.
- Chili – A warm bowl of meaty, spicy chili can stand up to a cold sweet float.
Heartier foods like these allow you to enjoy the indulgence of a root beer float as part of a balanced meal.
Fun Mix-Ins
While the standard recipe calls for just vanilla ice cream and root beer, you can also get creative with these fun mix-ins:
- Whipped cream – For added richness, top your float with fluffy whipped cream.
- Chocolate syrup – Drizzle on some chocolate sauce for a chocolate-vanilla twist.
- Sprinkles – Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles provide extra color and crunch.
- Cherries – Perch a maraschino cherry on top for a retro diner feel.
- Crushed candy bars – Mix in crumbs from candy like Snickers, Butterfinger, or Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.
Let your imagination run wild with other possible mix-ins like caramel sauce, peanut butter, crushed cookies, or bananas. The possibilities are endless for customizing your perfect float!
Beverage Pairings
Of course, you’ll want something to drink alongside your frosty mug of root beer float. Some beverage ideas include:
- Iced tea – Brew up a pitcher of refreshing unsweetened tea to complement the float.
- Lemonade – Tart lemonade balances out the sweetness.
- Coffee – If enjoying your float for dessert, a cup of hot coffee can provide a pleasant contrast.
- Milk – A cold glass of milk washes down the richness of the ice cream.
- Hot chocolate – For dessert, follow up your float with a mug of creamy hot cocoa.
Stick with water or lighter drinks if eating your root beer float alongside a hearty meal. Sugary sodas or floats may be overkill. But feel free to indulge in a second float for dessert!
Conclusion
When it comes to root beer floats, the possibilities for pairings are endless! From fries and pretzels to donuts and cookies, you really can’t go wrong matching salty or sweet treats with these creamy, dreamy floats. For a full meal, enjoy your float with classic BBQ foods like burgers and hot dogs. And get creative with mix-ins like chocolate syrup, candy pieces, or fresh fruit. Sip on iced tea, lemonade, or coffee to complement your float. However you choose to enjoy it, a root beer float plus yummy food pairings is a guaranteed recipe for summertime happiness!