Root Beer Float
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
- A Nice Frosty Mug is Recommended a 20 ounce glass should fit this recipe; 24 ounces would be better
Ingredients
- 1 12 Oz. Root Beer or soda of your choice
- 1 C Vanilla Ice Cream about 2 scoops
Instructions
- Grab your mug or glass. It is great if the glass is cold.
- Scoop the ice cream into the glass.1 C Vanilla Ice Cream
- Slowly pour the root beer over the ice cream until it fills the glass. The carbonation, mixed with the ice cream, will create a sweet foam. The slower you pour, the less foam there will be.1 12 Oz. Root Beer
- Enjoy right away!
Root Beer: A Classic American Beverage with a Rich History
Root beer isn’t just a sweet, fizzy treat; it’s a true American classic. Fun fact: root beer is two words—something I often forget! This unique beverage has evolved from medicinal roots and herbs into the creamy soda we enjoy today. If you love bold, nostalgic flavors, you’re in for a treat.
Root beer traces its origins back to the 18th century. Colonial Americans brewed it as a herbal remedy, using ingredients like sassafras and sarsaparilla. Charles Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, commercially produced root beer for the first time in 1876. He initially marketed it as “Hires Root Tea” but rebranded it as “root beer” to appeal to a broader audience, including beer drinkers.
The root beer float, also called the “black cow,” was invented by Frank J. Wisner in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1893. Inspired by the snowy peaks of Cow Mountain, Wisner added vanilla ice cream to root beer, creating a frothy, creamy masterpiece. Today, the root beer float stands as a beloved summer treat, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Floats: Not Just for Root Beer Anymore
While the root beer float holds a special place in dessert history, it’s not the only soda-and-ice-cream combo people love. Coke floats have become a popular option for cola fans. Where I’m from, though, Dr Pepper® floats are the go-to choice. If you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out!
No matter which soda you use, floats are easy to customize. Try experimenting with different sodas to find your favorite combination. Try different flavors of ice cream. You can even top it with a cherry or some whipped cream.
Why Root Beer Stands the Test of Time
Root beer remains a favorite because of its versatility and nostalgia. While traditional versions contain herbal extracts, modern root beer can be crafted with simple ingredients. It’s easy to make at home, allowing you to customize sweetness and spice levels. Whether you prefer it fizzy or with a richer, syrupy base, root beer can be tailored to suit any palate.
For those who love experimenting, root beer is the foundation of many creative drinks and desserts. From root beer floats to root beer-flavored cakes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this classic soda.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try a tangier cold drink, check out my recipe for Brazilian Lemonade. It’s another refreshing treat that pairs well with hot summer days.
Final Thoughts on Root Beer
Root beer is a drink with heart, history, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re sipping it straight, swirling it into a float, or adding your unique twist, this beverage always delivers. So, grab a glass, scoop in some ice cream, and toast to the timeless joy of root beer.
Dr Pepper is a registered trademark of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.
Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/