The Ultimate Root Beer Float Guide: From Old-School to Outrageous

There’s a kind of magic in a root beer float. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need a special occasion—just a warm day, a chilled glass, and a little time to enjoy something simple. But just because it’s nostalgic doesn’t mean it has to be basic.

Whether you’re craving that classic soda-shop vibe or looking to shake things up with bold flavors and boozy twists, this guide has you covered. From easy upgrades to grown-up float cocktails, we’re giving the root beer float the glow-up it deserves.

Start With the Basics: Ice Cream + Root Beer

Before we get wild with toppings and spirits, let’s talk about the heart of the float: the root beer and the ice cream. A good float starts with quality basics.

Great store-bought root beers to try:

• IBC Root Beer – Classic, creamy, and easy to find in most grocery stores. Great with simple vanilla.

• Virgil’s – Small-batch, bold flavor, no artificial sweeteners. (Pairs beautifully with salted caramel.)

• Boylan Root Beer – Smooth and spiced with a hint of wintergreen. Also comes in glass bottles for that retro touch.

• Maine Root – Organic, fair trade, and slightly less sweet than others. Ideal for a more grown-up palate.

• Dad’s Root Beer – A nostalgic pick. Slightly fizzy, slightly sweet, and unapologetically old-school.

• Barq’s – It’s got bite. A bit sharper than others—great for coffee or bourbon pairings.

(Tip: Your local specialty shop or Whole Foods often carries some of these craft sodas. Or browse online at Soda Emporium, Rocket Fizz, or BevMo.)

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Now, let’s talk ice cream: Vanilla is the go-to, but there’s no reason to stop there.

Try these combos:

• Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream + Virgil’s Root Beer

  A deeper vanilla with a warm, almost toasty finish. Like the cozy sweater of floats.

• Salted Caramel Ice Cream + Boylan

  The salty-sweet flavor contrast is unexpectedly addictive. You'll wonder why this wasn’t the default all along.

• Coffee Ice Cream + Barq’s + Espresso Syrup

  A bit indulgent, a little buzzy—perfect for that mid-afternoon slump when you’re debating your third cup of coffee.

  
  

Float Tip: Add ice cream first, then pour the root beer slowly along the inside of the glass. It helps manage the foam. Unless, of course, you’re in it for the dramatic overflow—that’s a core memory in the making.

For the Grown-Ups: Boozy Root Beer Floats

Once the sun goes down (or let’s be honest, once your Zoom calls are over), it’s time for a more spirited take on the classic. These are fun, surprisingly balanced, and easier than most cocktails.

Here are a few easy float cocktails to try:

• Vanilla Bourbon Float

  Vanilla ice cream + IBC Root Beer + a splash of bourbon. Smooth, sweet, with just enough warmth to feel like you’ve earned it after a long day.

• Spiked Vanilla Dream

  French vanilla ice cream + Virgil’s + vanilla vodka. A grown-up creamsicle situation, but fizzier.

• Coffeehouse Float

  Espresso ice cream + Barq’s + coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa). Dessert + digestif = a win-win.

• Caramel Pretzel Float

  Salted caramel ice cream + Maine Root + spiced rum + crushed pretzels. Sweet, salty, and satisfying enough to count as dinner. We won’t tell.

  
  

Serving idea: Serve in chilled mason jars with long spoons and a napkin (you’ll thank us later). It’s casual, cute, and won’t feel fussy.

Toppings That Bring It All Together

This is where you can have fun and get creative. A few unexpected toppings can take your float from “cute” to “whoa, you made this?!”

Topping Ideas:

• Crushed pretzels (seriously, don’t skip this)

• Toasted coconut flakes

• Whipped cream (plain or boozy with a splash of Baileys or bourbon)

• Chocolate or caramel drizzle

• Sea salt or cinnamon sugar

• Crushed graham crackers

• A scoop of peanut butter (for the brave)

Make It Yours

One of the best things about root beer floats? There are no rules. Whether you keep it classic with a scoop of Breyers and A&W, or turn it into a spiked masterpiece with espresso ice cream and craft soda, it’s all fair game.

Have fun with it. Try new combos. Let it get a little messy. That’s half the joy!