If you ask me, root beer floats are already pretty perfect on their own.
This grown-up twist on a classic dessert brings together creamy vanilla ice cream and spiced rum-spiked root beer for a nostalgic treat with a kick. The fizzy sweetness of the root beer mingles with the smooth, melting ice cream to create pure comfort in a glass.
The rum adds just enough warmth and depth to make it feel special, while staying true to those summer memories of drinking floats on the porch. A touch of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream take it over the top.
It’s a simple but fun dessert that feels both familiar and fresh – perfect for casual gatherings or just treating yourself after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Boozy Root Beer Float
- Super quick preparation – This grown-up version of a classic takes just 5 minutes to put together – perfect for those times when you want a fun dessert without any fuss.
- Only 3 ingredients – With just vanilla ice cream, root beer, and vanilla vodka, you probably already have most of what you need to make this treat.
- Nostalgic with a twist – It’s the perfect combination of childhood nostalgia and adult fun – your favorite root beer float with a grown-up kick.
- No cooking required – Just pour, scoop, and serve – there’s no cooking, no mixing, and practically no cleanup needed.
What Kind of Root Beer Should I Use?
For an alcoholic root beer float, the quality of your root beer really makes a difference in the final taste. While IBC is recommended in this recipe (and it’s a solid choice), you can also use other premium root beers like A&W, Barq’s, or craft options from smaller breweries. The key is to pick a root beer that’s well-carbonated since you’ll want those bubbles to create that classic foamy head that makes a float special. Regular root beer works better than diet versions here, as the real sugar helps create that perfect creamy texture when it meets the ice cream. Just make sure your root beer is nice and cold before using – warm root beer will melt your ice cream too quickly and throw off the whole drink.
Options for Substitutions
Want to mix things up with your boozy float? Here are some easy swaps you can try:
- Vanilla ice cream: While vanilla ice cream is classic here, you can use chocolate ice cream for a different twist. Non-dairy folks can use coconut, almond, or oat-based vanilla ice cream – just make sure it’s a creamy variety.
- Root beer: IBC makes a great float, but any quality root beer works well. You can even experiment with cream soda, birch beer, or cola for a different flavor profile. Just stick to regular versions rather than diet for the best texture.
- Vanilla vodka: No vanilla vodka? Regular vodka plus a splash of vanilla extract works great. You could also try spiced rum or bourbon for a different spin. For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka – it’ll still be tasty!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making alcoholic root beer floats is preventing an overflow mess – always use a tall glass with plenty of headspace since the foam can quickly expand when you add the root beer to the ice cream.
Temperature control is crucial: using ice cream that’s too hard makes it difficult to create that creamy texture, while too-soft ice cream will melt instantly and ruin the layered effect – let your ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping.
When adding the vanilla vodka, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers, and remember that warm root beer creates excessive foam, so make sure both your root beer and glass are well-chilled beforehand.
For the perfect balance, start with the ice cream first, then add vodka, and finish with a slow pour of root beer at a slight angle to control the foam development.
What to Serve With Alcoholic Root Beer Floats?
These grown-up root beer floats are perfect for a casual dessert party or summer gathering! Since they’re pretty rich and sweet on their own, I like to serve them with simple salty snacks like pretzel twists or salted peanuts to balance out the sweetness. You could also put out some classic diner-style cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles if you want to lean into that nostalgic soda fountain vibe. For a fun party setup, create a DIY float bar where guests can customize their drinks with different ice cream flavors or additional toppings like whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Storage Instructions
Serve: Root beer floats are best enjoyed right away while the ice cream is cold and the root beer is fizzy. The vanilla vodka adds a nice kick, but letting it sit too long will make the ice cream melt and the carbonation fade. I recommend making these drinks fresh when you’re ready to serve them!
Prep Ahead: If you’re planning to serve these at a party, you can pre-chill your root beer, vanilla vodka, and glasses in the fridge. Keep your ice cream in the freezer until the last minute – this way everything’s ready to go when your guests arrive.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-650
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Carbohydrates: 90-95 g
Ingredients
- 4 oz vanilla ice cream (high-quality, like Haagen-Dazs for creamiest texture)
- 8 fl oz root beer (chilled, prefer craft brands like A&W for better flavor)
- 1.5 fl oz vanilla vodka
Step 1: Chill Your Glass and Scoop Ice Cream
- 4 oz vanilla ice cream
Place your serving glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before assembling the float—a cold glass keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and maintains the crisp, refreshing quality of the drink.
While the glass chills, scoop the vanilla ice cream into 2-3 generous portions and set aside.
I like to use an ice cream scoop dipped in warm water between scoops for cleaner, rounder portions that look more appealing.
Step 2: Build the Float Base
- ice cream scoops from Step 1
- 4 fl oz root beer
Remove the chilled glass from the freezer and add the scooped ice cream from Step 1.
Pour the chilled root beer slowly over the ice cream until the glass is about halfway full, allowing the foam to settle as you pour.
This controlled approach prevents overflow and creates a stable base for the cocktail.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Vodka and Top with Root Beer
- 1.5 fl oz vanilla vodka
- 4 fl oz root beer
Carefully pour the vanilla vodka down the side of the glass, letting it integrate with the ice cream and root beer mixture rather than splashing directly into the foam.
This gentle technique prevents excessive foaming and ensures the vodka distributes evenly throughout the drink.
Top the float with the remaining chilled root beer, filling the glass nearly to the rim, and stir gently with a long spoon to combine the flavors while keeping the texture creamy and cohesive.
I find that a light stir—just a few swirls—gives you the best of both worlds: integrated vanilla vodka flavor without over-mixing and deflating all those delicious bubbles.
