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This Root Beer Float recipe is made with root beer and vanilla ice cream. A classic American Summer dessert that’s easy to make and creates an amazing mix of flavors!

Ain’t that just a big ol’ glass of summer?! ☀️ Hi friends! I’m popping in with the sweetest throwback treat, Root Beer Floats!
I don’t think I’d had one since I was like… 12? But here I am, full-grown and fully obsessed again. My latest version is made with a scoop of frozen yogurt, and let me tell you, it’s every bit as refreshing and fun as I remember.
Why You Should Make a Root Beer Float
- Because it’s a frozen sip of childhood. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, that combo of vanilla ice cream and fizzy root beer hits every single time. I used to get the biggest root beer floats during open campus lunch, served in tall frosty glasses, even in the middle of winter. It’s pure nostalgia in a glass.
- Root beer floats are ridiculously easy to make. We’re talkin’ two ingredients. No stove, no prep, no mess. Just scoop, pour, and sip your way to happiness. You can even swap in frozen yogurt or dairy-free ice cream if that’s more your vibe.
- It’s a vibe for every season. Root beer floats scream summer, but honestly? I had them year-round growing up, and I fully support keeping that tradition alive. Make one for your kids, your partner, or just for yourself; you deserve a retro treat that feels like a mini party.
Root Beer Float Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream – You can also use frozen yogurt or dairy-free ice cream.
- Root Beer – Choose a good-quality root beer for the best flavor. I always use A&W.
- Whipped Cream – Optional, but it adds a sweet finish to a root beer float.
- Maraschino Cherries – For that classic soda shop touch!
Recipe Tips
- Use super cold root beer. The colder, the better! It helps keep the ice cream from melting too fast and gives you that frothy, fizzy top we all love in a root beer float.
- Pour slowly. Root beer foams quickly, so pour it gently down the side of the glass to keep everything contained and avoid spills.
- Freeze your glasses. Stick your glasses in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before assembling. It keeps the root beer float colder longer and gives that classic frosted look.
- Top it off. Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup can take your float to the next level. Or keep it classic—just root beer and ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Root beer floats are the perfect way to wrap up a laid-back summer meal. We love serving them after grilled favorites like my BBQ chicken skewers, juicy grilled chicken thighs, or a stack of California burgers hot off the grill. They’re also a great treat to pair with something lighter, like grilled vegetables or a big summer zucchini salad. Think of it as your backyard BBQ dessert! It’s chill, fun, and totally nostalgic.
More Summer Desserts
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Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, or you can use vanilla frozen yogurt
- ½ cup Root Beer
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Make the root beer float. Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass. Slowly pour root beer over the ice cream. Go slow because it foams up fast.
- Garnish and serve. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
I remember the open campus-I grew up in the 70’s.
My favorite summertime treat & to make it even healthier, use A&W Zero Sugar!๐
Honestly I’m just here for the picture as an example but the fact people actually make recipes for root beer floats made me laugh out loud! Thanks for making my day!<3
I can’t remember the last time I had a root beer float. This looks so good that I need to try one soon.
I haven’t had a float in ages, but that definitely has got to change. This looks awesome!
These totally scream summer time! Yum!
I’m not a huge fan of root beer. I wish I was, so I could make these delicious-looking floats! I may just have to sub in another soda just so I can try your recipe! Looks amazing, girlfriend!
I’ve tried this with cream soda instead of A&W Root Beer. It’s pretty tasty that way.
I need to try that! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐
I have never cared for pop/soda, but there is something about A&W root beer! Even my dad has to have one ๐ My daughter will love these!