Root beer ice cream, also known as root beer float ice cream or simply root beer float, is a delicious frozen treat that combines rich and creamy vanilla ice cream with the bubbly, sweet taste of root beer soda. The name “root beer float” comes from the way the frothy soda floats on top of the denser ice cream base when served together in a glass or bowl.
What are the origins of root beer ice cream?
The root beer float has its origins in the late 19th century, around the time when carbonated sodas first became popular in America. Early versions combined vanilla ice cream with birch beer, a type of root beer made from the bark of birch trees. The term “root beer” eventually became the common name for all soda-and-ice-cream combinations.
The first printed root beer float recipe appeared in the 1888 book “Soda Water: A Treatise on the Manufacture of Carbonated Beverages” by Charles Herman Sulz. This early recipe called for pouring a glass of plain root beer over two scoops of vanilla ice cream. The recipe noted that “a frothy head will rise to the top, looking like soda foam.”
By the early 1900s, the root beer float had become a popular soda fountain and ice cream parlor treat across America. The concept of adding ice cream to carbonated beverages like root beer caught on as a fun, indulgent way to enjoy both treats at once.
What are some other names for a root beer float?
Root beer floats are known by several creative alternate names, including:
- Black Cow – One of the earliest and most popular nicknames for the classic vanilla/root beer combo, dating back to the 1920s.
- Brown Cow – A variation on “Black Cow” used in some regions.
- Dog – Rumored to be a shortening of “Black Dog,” another early root beer float nickname.
- Boston Cooler – The term used for a root beer float made with Vernor’s ginger ale instead of root beer, popular in Detroit, Michigan.
- Snowstorm – A root beer float made by drizzling softened ice cream into a glass of soda rather than scooping it.
Despite the fun alternate names, “root beer float” remains the most common way to order the creamy treat in restaurants across America.
What are the main ingredients in a root beer float?
The two essential components of a classic root beer float are:
- Vanilla ice cream – Rich, creamy vanilla ice cream is the standard base for root beer floats. Vanilla’s subtle flavor pairs perfectly with root beer without overpowering it.
- Root beer – Traditionally made from a combination of roots, herbs, and berries, root beer offers a distinct sweet, slightly spiced taste. The carbonation provides the “float” effect.
Beyond the core ingredients, there are many possible ways to customize a root beer float:
- Other ice cream flavors like chocolate or strawberry.
- Premium ice cream styles like gelato or custard.
- Different sodas such as birch beer, cream soda, or ginger ale.
- Whipped cream, marshmallow sauce, or other sweet toppings.
Sticking with the classic vanilla/root beer combination results in the quintessential version that most people know and love.
Why does the ice cream float on the root beer?
The physical properties of ice cream and soda cause the float effect when they are combined:
- Ice cream has a higher density than root beer. The creamy base contains fat, milk proteins, air bubbles, and very little water content. This makes it less dense than water-based soda.
- Root beer is carbonated. The dissolved CO2 bubbles lower the density of the soda, making it able to float more solid objects.
- Ice cream begins to melt when soda is poured over it. A small amount of melting increases surface area contact between the liquids.
- The smooth, creamy ice cream forms a barrier between the root beer and the air. This helps maintain carbonation rather than letting it fizzle out.
The combined effect lets the ice cream float up and form a frothy top layer while maintaining the carbonation bubbles rising up from the soda below.
What is the best way to make a root beer float?
Here are some tips for making the perfect root beer float at home:
- Use good quality ice cream – Rich vanilla bean ice cream or custard-style results in the best flavor and texture.
- Choose an ice cream with some overrun – Overrun refers to the amount of air incorporated during freezing. 20-30% overrun prevents the ice cream from sinking into the soda.
- Ice cream should be slightly soft – Letting ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes allows it to melt slightly so it will float more.
- Use chilled soda – Pouring root beer over the ice cream is more effective when the soda is ice cold. This helps maintain carbonation.
- Add ice cream to glass first – Scooping ice cream into the glass before gently pouring soda over it keeps the layers intact.
- Use a spoon to gently mix – Lightly fold the ice cream into the soda to blend the flavors without losing carbonation.
What are the health benefits and concerns?
Like most desserts, root beer floats should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Here are some of the health considerations:
Potential benefits:
- Ice cream provides calcium, protein, and other nutrients from milk.
- The recipe typically doesn’t require added sugars beyond the natural sweetness of soda and ice cream.
- Can satisfy a sweet tooth craving in a portion-controlled way.
Potential downsides:
- Ice cream and soda both pack a lot of calories, fat, and sugar into a small serving.
- Carbonated soft drinks have been linked to adverse effects on dental health.
- The caffeine content of some root beers may cause problems for sensitive individuals.
- Some sodium is added in the soda-making process.
Overall, root beer floats are best saved for an occasional warm weather indulgence. Water or lowfat milk make healthier everyday beverage choices.
Are root beer floats gluten-free?
Traditional home-brewed root beer made from roots, berries, and sugar is naturally gluten-free. However, some mass-produced root beer brands may contain gluten, especially varieties that include wheat, barley, malt, or caramel coloring derived from gluten sources.
When choosing a root beer to make a gluten-free float, look for brands certified gluten-free or that are transparent about using 100% gluten-free ingredients. Popular gluten-free root beer options include:
- A&W Root Beer
- Fitz’s Root Beer
- Red Ribbon Root Beer
- Virgil’s Root Beer
The ice cream itself also needs to be gluten-free. Many major brands offer certified gluten-free vanilla ice cream varieties. As long as both components are gluten-free, root beer floats can be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.
Fun facts about root beer floats
- The first printed root beer float recipe is credited to Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek, Colorado in 1893. However, the origins may go back even earlier.
- August 19th is National Root Beer Float Day in the United States.
- The world’s largest root beer float was created in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in 2019 with over 4,200 gallons of root beer and ice cream.
- The original 1919 root beer recipe for A&W Root Beer called for 16 herbs, bark, roots, and berries including sarsaparilla, vanilla, and wintergreen.
- The first ICEE machines in the 1960s actually made a slushy version of an ice cream soda, not the fruit-flavored slushies the brand is known for today.
- National brands like A&W and Hires began marketing root beer concentrate syrups to soda fountains in the 1920s, increasing popularity.
- Some speculation suggests “Black Cow” became root beer float slang due to the drink’s dark color being similar to jersey cows.
- Bucking tradition, some regions of the U.S. prefer root beer floats made with cola instead of root beer.
Creative ways to customize a root beer float
While the classic vanilla ice cream and root beer combo is hard to beat, there are many fun ways to customize your floats:
- Use unique sodas – Birch beer, sarsaparilla, ginger beer, cream soda
- Swap in different ice cream flavors – Chocolate, strawberry, coffee, mint chip
- Add candy bar toppings– Chopped chocolate bars, butterfinger crumbs, crushed peppermint
- Blend with cookies – Chocolate chip, Oreo, gingersnap
- Swirl in sauces – Chocolate, butterscotch, strawberry syrup
- Top with fruits – Bananas, strawberries, pineapple tidbits
- Add some crunch – Chopped nuts, toffee, sprinkles, malt balls
Let your imagination run wild coming up with your own signature float combos! The possibilities are endless for reinventing this classic treat.
Where can I find the best root beer floats?
Here are some top spots to find excellent traditional and gourmet root beer floats across the United States:
- A&W Restaurants – The classic drive-in chain famous for root beer and floats since 1919.
- Zinburger – Gourmet burger joints by acclaimed chef Sam Fox serving beer-battered floats.
- Joe’s Ice Cream – Scoop shops in New York, Florida, and Bahamas with unique specialty floats.
- Fentons Creamery – Bay Area legend crafting floats with exotic soda & ice cream choices.
- Maxline Brewing – Microbrewery in McMinnville, Oregon with root beer floats on tap.
- Beale Street Root Beer – Memphis, TN float shop with 30+ artisanal root beers on rotation.
Searching for “best root beer floats near me” is a tasty way discover the top spots in your own community!
Delicious root beer float recipes to try at home
Here are some tasty ways to reinvent the root beer float from the comfort of your own kitchen:
Classic Root Beer Float
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 12 oz chilled root beer
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions:
- Scoop ice cream into tall glass.
- Slowly pour root beer over ice cream until glass is full.
- Top with whipped cream and cherry if desired.
- Serve with spoon and straw.
Black Cow Root Beer Float
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
- 12 oz chilled root beer
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions:
- Scoop chocolate ice cream into glass.
- Pour root beer over ice cream.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over top.
- Top with whipped cream and cherry if desired.
- Serve with straw.
Boston Cooler
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 12 oz Vernor’s ginger ale
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Scoop ice cream into glass.
- Slowly pour ginger ale over ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
- Serve with straw.
Be creative and come up with your own signature float flavors! Root beer floats are the perfect summer treat to enjoy on a hot day.
Conclusion
With its sweet, creamy taste and fun bubbly texture, the root beer float is a timeless drink that kids and adults alike have been enjoying for over a century. While the core vanilla ice cream and root beer combination provides that classic flavor combo, the possibilities are endless when it comes to giving this retro treat inventive twists and customizations. Soda fountains may no longer be around every corner like the old days, but it’s never been easier to DIY the perfect float right from your home kitchen. So next time you need to indulge your sweet tooth craving on a hot summer day, reach for a tall glass and whip up one of America’s most iconic ice cream drinks.