Description
A simple, nostalgic, and boozy game day drink made with root beer, vanilla ice cream, and your choice of alcohol. Perfect for crowds and requiring zero mixology skills.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (2 liters) full-sugar root beer (A&W or Barq’s recommended)
- 1 pint (473ml) high-quality vanilla ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs)
- 1.5 oz (45ml) Bourbon OR Dark Rum (per float)
- 1 oz (30ml) Butterscotch Schnapps (alternative, per float)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill old-fashioned glasses or mason jars in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Pre-measure the alcohol into shot glasses or a measuring cup for quick assembly.
- Open the root beer bottle just before serving to maintain carbonation.
- If using chocolate or caramel sauce, drizzle it on the inside of the chilled glass.
- Pour the measured alcohol into the glass.
- Slowly pour the root beer into the glass, leaving about an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow.
- Drop a generous scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream into the glass.
- Top with whipped cream, nuts, or cherries if desired.
- Insert a thick straw and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve immediately as the ice cream will melt and the root beer will go flat. Use cold root beer to reduce overflow. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol. For dairy-free/vegan options, use plant-based ice cream and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: spiked root beer float, game day cocktails, easy party drinks, bourbon float, root beer float recipe, super bowl drinks, nostalgic cocktails