A root beer float, also known as a black cow, is a classic American ice cream soda that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with the bold, complex flavors of root beer. When a scoop of vanilla ice cream is dropped into a frosty mug of root beer, the ice cream partly melts, creating a foamy topping and a delicious blend of flavors. This sweet treat has many names, though, including blended root beer float. Let’s explore the origin, history, and names for this beloved beverage in more detail.
What is a root beer float?
A root beer float consists simply of vanilla ice cream added to chilled root beer, served in a tall glass or mug. The sugar and carbonation in the root beer cause the ice cream to foam and become frothy. As the ice cream melts, it mixes with the root beer to create a creamy, decadent blended drink. Traditionally, a scoop or two of quality vanilla ice cream is used, but variations can be made with chocolate, strawberry, or other ice cream flavors. Some also add a dash of milk or cream to make it extra creamy.
When you blend the rich vanilla ice cream into the spicy, aromatic root beer, a wonderful interplay of flavors is created. The sweet creaminess of the ice cream balances the strong herbal, vanilla, wintergreen, and citrus notes in the root beer. It’s a comforting, nostalgic drink that’s just the right blend of sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
What are the origins of the root beer float?
Root beer floats have a long history in America, dating back to the late 19th century. During the 1870s and 1880s, root beer and ice cream soda fountains were becoming popular at pharmacies and confectionaries. Flavored soda waters were often mixed with syrups, liqueurs, and even eggs at these fountains, and ice cream was also starting to become more readily available. According to legend, at some point a creative soda jerk decided to top a glass of root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at one of these fountains, inventing the first “black cow” or root beer float.
The tasty treat quickly caught on at soda fountains across the country. By the early 1900s, root beer floats were a sensation and were enjoyed by people of all ages. Prohibition in the 1920s likely contributed to the drink’s popularity, as root beer gave people a legal, non-alcoholic option reminiscent of beer. The float has remained a favorite American soda fountain and diner beverage for over a century.
Why is it called a black cow?
So how did the root beer float get the unusual name “black cow”? There are a few origin theories for this old-fashioned term:
- One claim is that the white ice cream foam contrasted against the dark root beer resembled the black-and-white spots of dairy cows.
- Some accounts say 19th century soda jerks referred to the mixture of sugary soda and cream as “black cow,” like a sweet, dark milkshake.
- Another explanation is that the foam pouring over the top of the glass resembled the foamy head on a glass of stout beer, which was nicknamed a “black cow” in the late 1800s.
Whatever the exact origin, the distinctive name black cow became widespread in the early 20th century along with the drink itself. Today, asking for a black cow at an ice cream parlor will likely get you a blended root beer float!
Other creative names for root beer floats
While black cow is the most common early name, variations of the root beer float have inspired many other fun, creative nicknames over the years, including:
- Brown cow – From using chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
- Pink cow – From strawberry or cherry ice cream.
- Purple cow – From grape ice cream, creating a light purple hue.
- Brown Derby – After the restaurant chain known for floats.
- Frosted mug – Describes the frosty, foamy topping.
- Moo pop – Comparing it to a chocolate-dipped ice cream pop.
Some regional names have also emerged, like the “Cape Codder” in Massachusetts. Anythingcombining rich, creamy ice cream and lively root beer can carry on the black cow tradition.
Why “blended” root beer float?
The term “blended root beer float” brings us back to the drink’s essence – ice cream blended together with root beer to create a luscious, frothy treat. As the ice cream melts into the root beer and becomes incorporated, it creates a smooth, creamy blended beverage.
Some modern frozen blender drinks are even made by blending soft vanilla ice cream with root beer, chocolate syrup, and milk. So blended root beer float is an apt, descriptive name capturing how the drink combines two key ingredients into one tasty fusion. It focuses on the texture rather than just the appearance of this beloved soda fountain specialty.
Key features of a blended root beer float:
- Ice cream added directly to chilled root beer
- Foamy, frothy texture from carbonation
- Creamy, smooth, spoonable consistency
- Distinct two-toned color effect
- Balanced sweetness and intensity of flavors
The melting and blending of flavors is what makes this drink so delicious and iconic. Any bubbly soda can be used as the base, but root beer’s spices pair perfectly with creamy ice cream.
How to make the best blended root beer float
While simply combining root beer and ice cream is enjoyable, following a few tips will ensure you make the very best blended root beer float at home:
- Use very cold, fresh ice cream – right from the freezer.
- Choose a premium quality vanilla ice cream with pure ingredients.
- Use chilled root beer – not room temperature or warm.
- Look for root beers with natural wintergreen, vanilla, and spice flavors.
- Use a tall, wide glass like a pint glass to allow for blending and froth.
- Add 2-3 scoops of ice cream so it’s proportional to the root beer.
- Gently stir just a few times to lightly blend it without losing carbonation.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate or caramel syrup, or maraschino cherries if desired.
- Enjoy with a spoon and straw for the complete experience.
Making your float with high quality, fresh ingredients and gently blending minimally are keys for that perfect creamy drink you remember from childhood trips to the soda fountain. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking as well!
Nutritional content
Root beer floats are indulgent, creamy treats, but how many calories are actually in them? Here is the typical nutritional breakdown for a small blended root beer float:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 cup vanilla ice cream | 220 |
| 1 can (12 oz) root beer | 140 |
| Total | 360 calories |
So enjoying an ice cream float is no diet drink, but an occasional small float can be a delicious treat within a balanced lifestyle. Those 360 calories are packed with sweet satisfaction!
Popularity and prevalence of root beer floats today
While more complex coffee drinks and new soda flavors may be trendy, you can’t beat the timeless appeal of a simple blended root beer float. Ice cream and root beer brands keep the classic treat alive by featuring it on menus, in ads, and with products that make it easy to recreate at home. You can even find bottled pre-made root beer float drinks at many grocery stores now.
Ice cream parlors, burger joints, and diners across America still serve frosty root beer floats to thirsty patrons looking to quench their nostalgia. A&W restaurants famously pour their mugs of root beer from frosted pitchers and plop in big scoops of vanilla ice cream. Other chains like Sonic Drive-In also boast classic float recipes.
According to market research, over 17 million root beer floats are still enjoyed by Americans each year. That’s a whole lot of frothy, creamy goodness! Clearly, this old fashioned soda shop treat remains a beloved official drink of summer.
Why root beer floats are still so popular:
- Nostalgic and reminds people of childhood
- A perfect balance of flavors – creamy and spicy sweet
- Simple recipe with just two beloved ingredients
- Brings back memories of visiting soda fountains
- A tasty way to cool down on a hot day
- Kids and adults alike enjoy this drink
No trendy new shake or soda concoction can replace this oldie-but-goodie beverage in Americans’ hearts. The black cow reigns supreme!
Blended root beer float variations
While vanilla ice cream and classic root beer make the traditional float, infinite tweaks and variations on this dessert drink have emerged over the years. Get creative with different flavors and combinations!
Ice cream variations:
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Neapolitan
- Cookies and cream
- Mint chocolate chip
- Rocky road
- Coffee
- Vegan coconut ice cream
Root beer and soda alternatives:
- Cream soda
- Birch beer
- Ginger beer or ale
- Orange soda
- Grape soda
- Cherry cola
- Vanilla cream soda
Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Peanuts or peanut butter
- Cherries
- Banana slices
- Coconut flakes
Float flavors are limited only by your imagination. Come up with your own tasty combinations and name them whatever you like!
Where to find the best root beer floats
While it’s easy and fun to whip up root beer floats at home, you can also seek out the very best prepared floats across the country if you’re looking for an extra special treat. Here are some top spots people rave about for root beer float deliciousness:
| Location | Restaurant | Signature Float |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Margo’s Candies | The Cow Part II float with housemade vanilla custard |
| Salem, MA | Jahni Gallery Ice Cream Shoppe | Salted Caramel Banana Float |
| Houston, TX | El Milagrito Cafe | Mexican Vanilla Bean Float |
| Minneapolis, MN | Izzy’s Ice Cream | Turquoise Tiger float with blue ice cream |
| Portland, OR | Ruby Jewel Scoop Shop | Malted Chocolate Stout float |
From classic vanilla to bold new flavors, these renowned shops are serving their communities insanely decadent and creative modern twists on the old fashioned float. Partaking in their custom blends is a memorable experience for any root beer float lover.
Conclusion
With its nostalgic history and delicious blended flavors, it’s no wonder the beloved root beer float has so many fun nicknames like black cow, brown cow, frozen mug, and blended root beer float. This classic soda fountain treat has been enjoyed for generations thanks to its perfect balance of creamy, frothy, sweet, and spicy. While endless flavor combinations are possible, you can’t go wrong with the original vanilla ice cream and root beer pairing. So next time you get a hankering for a float, embrace its history and indulge in this old fashioned indulgence. I’m moo-ved to go make one myself!