This Is How I Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Abbe Odenwalder
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index from A-Z
    • Breakfast
      • Casseroles
      • Coffee Cake
      • Waffles
    • Starters/Appetizers
    • Main Course
      • Meat
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood and Fish
    • Soup
    • Sauce
    • Side Dishes
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Salads
    • Drinks
    • Breads
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Sweet Rolls
    • Snacks
    • Pickles and Preserves
    • Dessert
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Pie
    • Cookies and Bars
    • Chocolate
    • Asian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Jewish Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Family Favorites
    • Roundup Recipes
  • Denver & Beyond
    • Denver
    • And Beyond
×
Home » Dessert

Published: Jul 30, 2015 · Updated: Mar 29, 2025 · May contain affiliate links

How To Make a Root Beer Float

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review
Share this recipe!

How to make a root beer float? Start with easy homemade root beer ice cream! Want to make an adult version? I've got your bases covered!

Make some easy root beer ice cream, add some really good root beer and a little Root liquor and you have a very grown up dessert! #icecream #rootbeerfloats #dessert #drinks www.thisishowicook.com

I love root beer. Root beer is the source of many fond memories for me.

Long before the days that Kankakee had Kentucky Fried Chicken or Popeye's, we had Lloyd's.

Lloyd's was a grocery on the other side of town. Sunday nights found us often at Lloyd's picking up fried chicken, Dad's root beer and the best potato salad I can remember.

But I was probably like 5 then and who knows how good it really was.

Soda pop was a special treat for us as we always had milk at our meals, so being able to drink root beer was so over the top special.

We were then parked in front of the TV to watch Walt Disney that came on at 6:30. I used to love Walt Disney. It always began with the NBC peacock. Remember that peacock?

But on to the root beer stand; the famous Jaenicke's root beer stand located a bike ride distance from our house on the Kankakee River.

It is painted orange and has a giant car port that one pulls up into.

It used to be a waitress would meet you at your car and take your order. T

hose days are now gone, but the root beer stand itself is still there.

From what I remember the drive in didn't pay their waitresses minimum wage; they were just working for tips.

Now you actually have to get out of the car and place your order at the window.

I used to love that special tray covered with orange plastic mesh, hooked over the edge of the window.

The only place I know that does that now is Sonic and even though I love Sonic commercials, it just isn't the same.

But Zoe and Manservant love it!

how to make a root beer float

50 some years ago, A and W root beer was served in frosty, icy, giant, heavy mugs.

The kind of heavy, glass mug that you were worried your kids would spill in the car.

I swear A and W is not the same since they stopped serving root beer in those frosty mugs.

I haven't been to Kankakee in such a long time, but if I were ever close I would stop at the root beer stand.

And I'd also order a sauce bun with onions. Well. I'd order two sauce buns with onions. What I'd give for that recipe!

And so it is that summer brought back my root beer memories.

Or maybe it was the photo from my brother of his lap holding a sauce bun that he sent about a month ago.

As my mouth started drooling, my mind went to work.

And though I don't have a sauce bun, I did make a pretty good root beer float.

How To Make a Root Beer Float!

Using a no churn  ice cream recipe and some recently procured root beer extract, produced some great, but subtle root beer ice cream.

Add to that this new liquor that Manservant discovered called Root.

It is a very herbally root beer tasting liquor that he has made some awesome cocktails with.

If you can't find it I know there are other root beer liquors out there and if you can't find those I'm sure a good shot of bourbon would do the trick, but truth be told, who ever turned down a root beer float, even if it was a virgin? (That was a long sentence, wasn't it?)

I served these for dessert and what a perfect ending to a simple summer meal.

I also made one for Manservant a few days ago when he had a wisdom tooth pulled. (It ended up not hurting at all, but no-he didn't turn up his nose at the float.)

We sipped our floats while looking out at our yard that continues to improve with the help of our turf consultant.

Yes, Manservant hired a turf consultant. He is so much better than a sprinkler guy and I'm NOT kidding!

how to make a root beer float

I hesitate to tell you that I used real IBC root beer to make these for friends.

However, I did use diet A and W when I made these for Manservant and myself. Yes, there is a difference.

IBC makes a great float. The A and W is good and maybe the fact that it was diet soda made it just not as good.

The ice cream is a breeze to make and if you can't find root beer extract just add some vanilla.

Tradition is always a good thing! And the root beer liquor? What a way to chill!

Notes: The Root liquor has a very interesting background that you may want to read about. It also will tell you the story about how root beer came to be. (I won't tell you who made the first root beer, but I will tell you it came about because of prohibition and it was first made in Philadelphia!) Check it out. For all you alcoholic drinkers Root has been compared to an Italian amaro. And here's another good article from the Washington Post.

how to make a root beer float

More Summer Treats:

Hot Fudge Sauce
White Chocolate Crumb Topping
Oatmeal Crunch Topping
Chocolate Crumb Topping
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Maple Salted Macadamia Ice Cream

 
Print

Recipe

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Adult onlyRoot beer Float

Triple Root Beer Float (Grown Ups Only)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes*
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Cocktails/Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This adult root beer float is perfect on a hot summer evening!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Root Beer Ice Cream:

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

2 t vanilla extract

2 -3 t root beer extract

2 c heavy cream, whipped

Root liquor

You favorite root beer chilled

Root beer barrels for garnish


Instructions

Beat cream until stiff peaks form.

In a large bowl combine condesed milk with extracts.

Fold cream into mixture and spoon into a large covered container. Freeze.

To Make Float:

Using a tall glass, fill with about ¼ of Root liquor. Add one scoop of ice cream and fill with root beer to about ¾ of the top of the glass. Add another scoop of ice cream. If there is still room add more root beer. Add a straw, but have a spoon at the ready!

Garnish with crushed root beer barrels candy.


Notes

*Does not include 6 hours freeze time for the ice cream.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @this_is_how_i_cook on Instagram and hashtag it #thisishowicook

 

 

Share this recipe!

More Dessert

  • lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on green ceramic tray with lemons in background for can you freeze lemon bars
    Can You Freeze Lemon Bars (with recipe!)
  • Easy Old Fashioned Best Chocolate Fudge Pie Recipe
  • best german chocolate cake
    The Best German Chocolate Cake Recipe
  • chocolate honey cake recipes on cake platter
    Best Jewish Honey Cake Recipes

Comments

    I Love Comments! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    August 18, 2015 at 5:38 am

    Oh my I would love this love this root beer float right now !! It's makes my mouth salivating!!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:35 am

      Me too!

      Reply
  2. Biz says

    August 17, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    I can't even remember the last time I had a root beer float, but it definitely looks insulin worthy! Hugs!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:35 am

      Try sugar free Biz. My guess is you won't know the difference, but I did!

      Reply
  3. Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says

    August 17, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Oh happy that I am a grown up, these floats look irresistible!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:34 am

      Very funny Katalina! It is good to be grown up and this will make you feel young again!

      Reply
  4. Donalyn@TheCreeksideCook says

    August 12, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    As a teenager, I was a car hop at the A&W around the corner - fun job! I do adore a good root beer float still, and this version looks especially good for one of these hot humid summer evenings - thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:31 am

      You are so welcome Donalyn! Being a car hop brought great tips in my day!

      Reply
  5. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    August 05, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Australians don't drink root beer. It was the first thing I bought when Costco opened. I'm old enough to remember the roller skating A&W drive-ins where they put a tray on your window and you got the frosted glasses full of root beer along with your cheeseburger and fries. oh for the old days 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:24 am

      I remember that too Maureen! Only I always got a saucebun with onions!

      Reply
  6. Chris Scheuer says

    August 04, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    You have a great memory and have painted such a fun picture of "the old days". Love this fun float and the delightful twist you've given it!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:23 am

      Thanks Chris! I miss the old days, when I was young!

      Reply
  7. Tricia Buice says

    August 04, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Gosh this looks fantastic! My husband would adore it because he is a big fan of root beer. So refreshing for a hot summer night!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:19 am

      It is refreshing Tricia. Perfect for those long summer nights!

      Reply
  8. Carol at Wild Goose Mama says

    August 03, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    Gad this is THE most decadent float. I like rootbeer, but not with your passion. But you have gotten me fired up with this entry. Yeah, it's dessert all right!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:18 am

      This is a great dessert, Carol! For that matter and thing with ice cream would be a great dessert in my book. And so easy!

      Reply
  9. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    August 02, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    I used to love going to A & W when I was a teenager. What great memories! I have to check out that Root liquor! I've just learned something new!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:13 am

      Nothing really like that now, is there? It is a fun liquor and good for sipping!

      Reply
  10. Pam says

    August 02, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    I'm not in to root beer, but my hubby loves it and would love this, for sure! Interesting about the root liquor and thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:12 am

      You are so welcome Pam! It is a good one and I bet hubby would love it!

      Reply
  11. Sippity Sup says

    August 02, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    I'm a grown up and I'm first in line. GREG

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:12 am

      Aww Greg. Somehow I suspect you are always first in line!

      Reply
  12. chefmimiblog.com says

    August 01, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I once threw up after drinking root beer. Needless to say i've not tried it since, or in about 53 years. But I wanted to see what you did, because it sounded intriguing. Such stunning photos, too!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:07 am

      Oh Mimi! Not a good thing. But I always tell my kids that taste buds change. Regardless, thanks for looking!

      Reply
  13. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    July 31, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Root beer floats are our jam, we love them! Once we had a root beer float party - but now we can "adult' it up. Can't wait to taste!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 2:02 am

      A party would be so much fun, however we did serve them after dinner for dessert and it worked out great! Enjoy!

      Reply
  14. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    July 31, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    My only childhood memories of root beer are those frosty glasses of A&W. The sheets of ice would slide down the glass. ohmy. I agree about it not being the same. And I bet they started using corn syrup instead of sugar. Don't know that for sure. And Root Beer (and 7-up) floats were my favorite. Pinning your version, sounds wonderful with the milk. I've never heard of Root liquor - - a new adventure! 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:57 am

      Oh, I loved that ice. Great description, Lea Ann! Maybe we should share one together! It is about time!

      Reply
  15. Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says

    July 31, 2015 at 8:41 am

    I have never had root beer. I like your fond memories associated with it though. I love food also for that. It's like music 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:52 am

      I'm so sad. Surely there must be some place to find one. Food memories are usually the best, aren't they?

      Reply
  16. Angie Schneider says

    July 31, 2015 at 2:27 am

    I have never had a root beer. The float sounds and looks really fancy and tasty!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:51 am

      I don't know how to describe it Angie, but is is unique and creamy and sweet, but not too much! You really need to have one!

      Reply
  17. Kitchen Riffs says

    July 30, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    I love root beer floats! Such a great dish. Gotta use the sugared root beer, though -- the diet stuff just doesn't taste right, IMO. Love your recipe for root beer ice cream -- gotta try that! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:50 am

      Totally agree on the sugar root beer! I don't mind diet Coke, but the real root beer is so much better.

      Reply
  18. Liz Berg says

    July 30, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    Katie is my root beer fan! She'll order it whenever it's on the menu. I'll have to treat her to your ice cream---still need to make my first no-churn version 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:50 am

      It is subtle in flavor, but very rich. Perfect for the float. I'm getting thirsty now!

      Reply
  19. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    July 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Hi Abbe, I'm not a big soda person but if I drink soda I drink root beer, I love it, there is a brewery in the next town that makes the best rootbeer but you cannot buy it to take out you have to drink it there. And I love root beer floats. The root liquor sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      August 19, 2015 at 1:49 am

      The Root liquor is very complex which gives the float a lot of levels-so to speak! Now I have to find the alcoholic root beer that Zoe has told me about!

      Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

Welcome!

You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

More about me

Popular Posts

  • Lots of Cheese QuesadillasCrispy Mini Cheese Quesadillas - Easy Party Recipe January 22, 2020
  • New Mexican Green ChileEasy Green Chile New Mexican Style October 23, 2019
  • Pepperidge Farm stuffingDelicious and Easy Pepperidge Farm Stuffing November 19, 2019
  • Cornbread Blueberry Bread PuddingEasy Cornbread Bread Pudding with Blueberries February 13, 2020
  • Peruvian Green SauceAmazing Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe January 7, 2021

Footer

↑ back to top

Notices

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2011-2025 This is How I Cook. All Rights Reserved.