There are few things better on a hot summer day than a root beer float! I mean, what could be better…? How ’bout this: Alcoholic Root Beer Float! It’s a fun twist on an old favorite, combining three of my favorite things: good root beer, vanilla bean ice cream, and vanilla vodka.
What’s in an Adult Root Beer Float?
When summer is in full swing, mix up your cocktail game with an Adult Root Beer Float! This is one of those amazing treats of summer: so simple, so tasty.
- Vanilla Vodka: I like Smirnoff. It’s smooth and clean tasting. Whipped cream-flavored vodka would also work well.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Use your favorite brand, and if you can get vanilla bean, go for it!
- Root Beer: I love IBC brand!
Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of vodka, try dark rum, Kahlua, or Bailey’s instead!
Variations on a Boozy Root Beer Float
There are so many ways to change up this recipe! Try changing up the alcohol by swapping in whipped cream-flavored vodka, dark rum, Bailey’s, or Kahlua. You could even swap the root beer for a hard root beer!
Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor, like butter pecan, chocolate, or cherry! You can even swap the root beer for your favorite soda, like Coke, Pepsi, orange soda, or cream soda.
Everybody will have their own thoughts on this, but my favorite root beer brand has always been IBC. My dad used to buy it by the case and swear, there was no better root beer in America.
I have tried many different types and have never found one I like better. This drink will work with whatever your favorite type is, so try to locate whichever brand brings back the best memories.
Adult Root Beer Floats use vodka. It has a light and subtle flavor, and vodka goes with nearly everything. I’m particularly fond of the combination of root beer with vanilla-flavored vodka!
This sweet and tasty combination of vanilla and root beer will take you right back to your childhood. But if you’re not a vodka fan, you could also try rum. Some of the blended alcohols might be nice, too: Kahlua or Bailey’s, for instance, would add a creamy zing to the mix.
Adding ice cream to the mug before you pour in the root beer helps keep the foam to a minimum. But to keep the foam down even more, slightly tilt the mug or glass at about a 20-degree angle and pour in the root beer as slowly as you can.
Yup: Just like with regular beer! Gently adding the root beer prevents a head full of bubbles from forming at the top of the mug.
What to Serve with a Spiked Root Beer Float
Enjoy this creamy, boozy root beer float with classic diner dishes, like burgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries, or chili dogs.
They’re super refreshing on a hot day paired with barbecue staples, like grilled chicken, St. Louis ribs, or pulled pork. Or, sate your sweet tooth by pairing them with a slice of New York cheesecake or cherry pie!
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Alcoholic Root Beer Float
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vanilla ice cream (¼ pint)
- 8 ounces root beer IBC recommended (¾ bottle)
- 1½ ounces vanilla vodka Smirnoff recommended (1 shot)
Instructions
- Place 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.4 ounces vanilla ice cream
- Fill halfway up with root beer.8 ounces root beer
- Pour 1 shot of vanilla vodka, and then top with root beer to fill to the top of the glass.1½ ounces vanilla vodka
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Serve with a straw and a spoon!
- Pour the root beer slowly at an angle to reduce fizz and the risk of overflow.
- Start with two scoops, but you can use more if you prefer to enjoy your floats with a spoon instead of a straw.
- Put mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving time for frosted glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Nutritional information will vary depending on the size of the mug, the brand of ice cream, and the size of your ice cream scoop. This recipe assumed a 1.3-ounce scoop, which is the average size. Learn more here. The brand of ice cream used in this recipe contains 59 calories per ounce.
Nutrition Information
I love IBC as well. For those that want a less subtle bubbly root beer, maybe an off brand. I think as far as mixing it up, because of the foam forming after pouring in the root beer with ice cream, pour root bear or vodka first, then add ice cream then of course more root beer. I found that if you add ice cream then root beer then vodka, the vodka tends to stay in the foam. But hey trial and error right? Over all, amazing and very good.
Thanks for sharing with us, Eric!
IBC is good but try Frostie Root Beer… exceptional
i’ve never tried that! i’ll have to look it up and give it a try!
What are the measurements of everything?
Hey Christine-
They are listed in the instructions section of the recipe card. Thanks for stopping by!
This looks SO good. I know what I’m having for dessert tonight. Thanks for the idea!
Yay! Hope you loved it :)
I am excited for it to be spring/summer and warm enough for root beer floats! These look delicious!!!
G’day! ove root beer! Brings me back to childhood!
Cheers! Joanne
Ohhhhhh I LOVE root beer floats….and add a touch of vodka and you win me over even more! Pinned!