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The Recipe · No.620 · Root Beer Float

Root Beer Float, and where to source it

Root Beer Float — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Root Beer Float American 5best2buy.com

A float is two ingredients, so quality and technique are all you have: use a real craft root beer and a dense vanilla ice cream, and chill the glass. Add the ice cream first and pour the root beer down the side slowly, or the foam erupts over the rim.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Root beer
A craft root beer with real sassafras and cane sugar tastes worlds better than mass-market soda.
1 bottle, cold
Source it →
Vanilla ice cream
A dense, high-fat vanilla holds its shape and melts into a creamy head instead of dissolving.
4 scoops
Source it →
Fresh whipped cream
A little real whipped cream on top is optional but classic.
to top
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Chill the glassFreeze the glasses 10 min; a cold glass keeps the float from foaming over instantly.
  2. Ice cream firstDrop two scoops into each glass so the soda has to flow around it.
  3. Pour slowTilt the glass and pour the root beer down the side slowly to keep the foam under control, then top with whipped cream.
The Toolkit

Tall glasses · Ice cream scoop · Long spoons · Straws

Straight Answers
Can you make Root Beer Float in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Root Beer Float? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Root Beer Float ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Root Beer Float gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Root Beer Float vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.620

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