Alcoholic Root Beer Float

There are few things better on a hot summer day than a root beer float! I mean, what could be better…? How ’bout this: an 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.

When summer is in full swing, I love to mix up my cocktail game with a cold, refreshing alcoholic root beer float! This is one of my favorite summertime treats: so simple, so tasty.

What’s in This Alcoholic Root Beer Float Recipe?

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: 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.

2 alcoholic root beer floats in tall clear glasses with handles with paper straws.

Tips for Success

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.

three-quarters view of an alcoholic root beer float in a tall clear glass with a handle with a cherry on top.

Serving Suggestions

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!

Alcoholic Root Beer Float

Root beer over vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert–just add vodka to turn this into a Root Beer Float cocktail!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course cocktail

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings float

Calories 426kcal

Author Becky Hardin

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

Video

Notes

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.
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

How to Make an Alcoholic Root Beer Float Step by Step

Scoop the Ice Cream: Place 2-3 scoops (about 4 ounces) of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.

2 scoops of vanilla ice cream added to a clear glass.

Make the Float: Fill halfway up with 4 ounces of root beer. Pour 1 shot (1½ ounces) of vanilla vodka, and then top with the remaining 4 ounces of root beer to fill to the top of the glass.