I first encountered the classic American root beer float during a culinary exchange in Colorado—ironically, just miles from where Frank J. Wisner created this beloved treat in 1893. The moment that rich vanilla ice cream hit the spicy, aromatic root beer, creating that magical foam crown, I was transported. What captivated me most wasn’t just the contrasting temperatures, but how such simplicity could create such complexity: creamy sweetness slowly melting into effervescent spice, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
The Story
The root beer float (originally called a “Black Cow”) was born when Colorado’s Frank J. Wisner gazed at moonlight reflecting off snowy mountaintops and imagined scoops of ice cream floating in soda. What began as visual inspiration became America’s beloved summer refreshment. In France, where I’ve demonstrated this recipe, it’s sometimes called “soda racinet avec glace vanille”—less common but equally appreciated when introduced with quality ingredients.
Ingredients Spotlight
For 4 perfect floats:
- Vanilla ice cream: 8 scoops (about 1 pint/475ml) – Select a premium ice cream with visible vanilla bean specks for depth of flavor
- Root beer: 4 cups (32oz/950ml) – Artisanal brands like Virgil’s or Fentimans offer complex flavor profiles with notes of wintergreen, vanilla, and sarsaparilla
- Maraschino cherries: 4 (optional) – These add a pop of color and sweet contrast
- Unsweetened whipped cream: ½ cup (120ml) (optional) – Creates luxurious texture contrast
Can’t find root beer? While not traditional, cream soda makes an acceptable substitute. For ice cream, stick with vanilla—chocolate competes with rather than complements the root beer’s complex spice notes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation time: 2 minutes
- Pre-chill glasses: Place tall, heavy-bottomed glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes – this crucial step prevents premature melting and maintains the perfect temperature contrast.
- Prepare ice cream: Remove ice cream from freezer 2 minutes before serving to achieve perfect scoopability. Place 2 generous scoops in each chilled glass.
- Perfect pour technique: Hold the glass at a 45° angle and pour the root beer slowly down the side, allowing foam to develop gradually. Pause to let foam subside, then continue pouring until the glass is ¾ full.
- Garnish: Top with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for traditional presentation.
Chef’s Note: The pouring technique is everything here. I learned from a Montana soda jerk that pouring too quickly creates excessive foam that dissipates rapidly, while the slow-pour method creates a stable, creamy head that enhances the drinking experience throughout.
Expert Techniques
The magic of a perfect root beer float lies in textural contrast. For exceptional results, slightly stir the root beer before opening to distribute the aromatic compounds, enhancing flavor release. Using an ice cream with lower overrun (less air incorporated) creates a denser scoop that melts more slowly, extending the drink’s perfect state.
Common mistakes include serving in glasses that are too narrow (which causes overflow) and using room-temperature glasses (which accelerates melting). The ideal vessel is a chilled, heavy-bottomed glass with at least 1-inch clearance above your pour line.
Presentation & Pairing Ideas
For summer gatherings, I create a float bar with different ice cream flavors (vanilla bean, butter pecan) and garnishes (chocolate shavings, crushed pretzels). These floats pair beautifully with simple butter cookies or lightly salted popcorn—the sweet-savory contrast is sublime.
For an adult variation, add a splash of bourbon or create a more sophisticated dessert course by serving small float “shots” alongside a Charlotte au Chocolat. During winter months, warm the root beer slightly (to about 110°F/43°C) before pouring for a comforting contrast to the cold ice cream—similar to how a soufflé plays with temperature differences.
Remember that this American classic is ultimately about joy and simplicity. Make it your own—the best root beer float is the one that makes you smile as you watch that first perfect scoop begin its delicious descent into spicy, bubbly bliss.