Root Beer Float: Iconic American Dessert (And Why Root Beer Isn't Beer)

Root beer in a glass - American beverage

Image source: A&W Restaurants (official site) – awrestaurants.com/menu/drinks/aw-made-fresh-root-beer

First, let's clear up the confusion: root beer is not beer. Despite the name, it is a non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage with a warm, spicy flavour – and a key ingredient in one of the most famous American desserts, the root beer float.

Why is root beer called "beer" if it contains no alcohol?

The name dates back to the 19th century when the term "beer" was used more broadly for various carbonated drinks made from the fermentation of roots and herbs (like sassafras), not exclusively for alcoholic beverages. Modern root beer, like A&W Root Beer, is completely alcohol-free and contains 0% alcohol – just carbonated water, sugar, and a blend of natural and artificial flavours reminiscent of vanilla, root, and mild spices.

Root Beer Float – how did it come about?

The concept of the "ice cream float" – a fizzy drink topped with a scoop of ice cream – was first created by Robert M. Green in Philadelphia in 1874 during a grand exhibition. Legend has it that he ran out of ice for the drink he was selling, so he reached for a nearby ice cream stand – and thus accidentally invented a new dessert. Over time, root beer became the most popular combination due to its pronounced, spicy profile that pairs perfectly with creamy vanilla.

How to make a root beer float at home (2 ingredients)

  • Chill a glass or pitcher in the freezer for 10-20 minutes for a "frosty" effect.
  • Add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to the bottom of the chilled glass.
  • Slowly pour the chilled root beer over the ice cream – the foam will rise, so gently tilt the glass while pouring.
  • Serve immediately, with a straw or spoon, while the ice cream slowly melts into the drink.

Preparing a root beer float with vanilla ice cream

Image source: Taste of Home – tasteofhome.com/recipes/root-beer-float-recipe

Variations worth trying

  • Brown cow – swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream.
  • Cola float – use classic cola instead of root beer.
  • Purple cow – grape soda instead of root beer for a fruitier, sweeter version.

Finished root beer float dessert in a glass

Image source: Taste of Home – tasteofhome.com/recipes/root-beer-float-recipe

Where to buy root beer in Europe

The original A&W Root Beer can be found in our selection, with fast delivery across Europe. If you want the root beer flavour in candy form without any preparation, try the Mike and Ike Root Beer Float candies from the same collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does root beer contain alcohol?

No, standard versions like A&W Root Beer are completely non-alcoholic. There is a rare "hard root beer" variant that contains alcohol, but that is not a standard product.

What does root beer taste like?

A warm, sweet, and slightly spicy profile reminiscent of a blend of vanilla, root, and light bitterness – completely different from classic carbonated drinks like cola.

Does a root beer float have to have vanilla?

No, the classic version uses vanilla, but chocolate or other ice creams make equally good variations (e.g. "brown cow").

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