Ice Cream Floats: Root Beer Floats and Beyond
An ice cream float is one of the simplest, most nostalgic desserts: a scoop of ice cream dropped into a fizzy drink, where it creates a creamy, foamy treat that's half drink and half dessert. The root beer float is the icon, but the format works with all kinds of sodas. Here's how to make a great one and the pairings worth trying.
How to Make a Classic Root Beer Float
- Chill everything — cold root beer and a chilled glass keep it from melting too fast.
- Add ice cream first, or soda first? Adding a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to the glass, then slowly pouring root beer over it, gives the best foam control. Pour slowly — it foams up fast.
- Top with another small scoop and serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
Vanilla is the classic ice cream for a root beer float, and its simple flavor lets the root beer shine.
Why Floats Get So Foamy
The dramatic foam is the fun part — and it's simple science. Soda is full of dissolved carbon dioxide, and when it hits the ice cream, the fat and tiny air bubbles in the ice cream give the CO2 countless places to form bubbles at once, releasing a burst of creamy foam. That's why pouring slowly matters.
Best Soda-and-Ice-Cream Pairings
Beyond root beer, floats are a playground:
- Cola + vanilla — a classic "brown cow."
- Orange soda + vanilla — tastes like a creamsicle.
- Cream soda + vanilla — doubles down on the creamy-vanilla note.
- Ginger ale or lemon-lime + sorbet — light and refreshing; see sorbet vs sherbet vs gelato.
- Coffee or cold brew + vanilla — an affogato-style float; compare what is an affogato.
- Grape or cherry soda + vanilla — bright and fun for kids.
Floats vs. Milkshakes
A float keeps the ice cream mostly intact in a fizzy drink, so it's bubbly and layered, while a milkshake blends ice cream and milk into a thick, smooth drink — see milkshake vs malt. Different textures, both delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ice cream is best for a root beer float?
Vanilla is the classic choice — its simple flavor lets the root beer come through, and its creaminess makes the best foam. You can experiment with other flavors, but vanilla is the reliable favorite.
Why does a root beer float foam so much?
The carbon dioxide dissolved in the soda rapidly forms bubbles on the fat and air in the ice cream when they meet, releasing a burst of creamy foam. Pouring the soda slowly over the ice cream helps control it.
What sodas make good floats?
Root beer is the classic, but cola, orange soda (like a creamsicle), cream soda, and cherry soda all make great floats with vanilla, and lighter sodas pair nicely with sorbet for a refreshing version.
Want one made at an old-fashioned fountain? Find an ice cream shop near you.