Root Beer Float: Beverage Or Dessert?

A root beer float is a drink that combines root beer and vanilla ice cream. It is typically served as a dessert or a snack and is a popular summertime treat. The drink is made by adding scoops of vanilla ice cream to a glass and then slowly pouring root beer over it. The concoction often results in foam and fizz, making it a fun and refreshing beverage. Root beer floats can also be made with different types of ice cream and soda, and adult versions of the drink include additional ingredients such as vodka or rum.

The history of the root beer float

The root beer float, also known as a black cow or brown cow, is a drink made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. It can be garnished with whipped cream and a cherry, and is a refreshing treat during the summer.

There are several other claimants to the invention of the root beer float, including Fred Sanders, Philip Mohr, and George Guy, one of Robert Green's employees. Guy claimed that he accidentally mixed ice cream and soda in 1872, much to the delight of his customers.

Another story sets the creation of the root beer float in a mining camp in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1893. According to this tale, Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Brewing Company, was inspired by the sight of Cow Mountain outside his window one night. The snow-capped peak against the dark mountain reminded him of ice cream floating in root beer, and thus, the "black cow" was born. This story, however, lacks definitive evidence and is mostly based on local folklore.

Regardless of its exact origins, the root beer float became a popular treat across the United States, especially during the temperance movement, as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer. It remains a beloved dessert, with many variations, and is often associated with nostalgic childhood memories.

How to make a root beer float

A root beer float is a delightful, refreshing drink, perfect for a hot summer's day. It's a simple pleasure, but one that requires a little care and attention to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect root beer float.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Root beer
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

Method:

• Take a tall glass and add one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream. It's important to use a tall glass, as the drink will start to foam up and you don't want it overflowing!
• Slowly pour the root beer over the ice cream. Take your time with this step, as the carbonation in the root beer will cause the drink to fizz up.
• Once the foam has receded, add another scoop of ice cream and more root beer. You can repeat this step as many times as you like, depending on how full you want your glass to be.
• Top with whipped cream and a cherry, if desired.
• Serve with a straw and a spoon.

Tips:

• It's usually best to add the ice cream first, as this allows you to control the foam more carefully. If you add the root beer first, be prepared for lots of foam!
• Experiment with different flavours of ice cream, such as chocolate, Neapolitan, or even root beer flavour!
• You can also switch up the soda—try using coke, cherry coke, or Dr. Pepper for a different take on this classic drink.

Variations of the root beer float

The root beer float, also known as a black cow or brown cow, is a drink with many variations. The traditional recipe calls for vanilla ice cream and root beer, but there are several ways to customise this classic beverage.

One way to change up the classic is to use different types of ice cream. Chocolate ice cream is a popular alternative, but you could also try Neapolitan, root beer, or even gelato or custard. If you're feeling creative, you can also mix and match different flavours of ice cream in the same float.

In addition to the ice cream, the type of soda used can also be varied. While root beer is the classic choice, some people like to experiment with different sodas. Coke, Pepsi, cherry coke, Dr. Pepper, and orange crush are all popular alternatives. You could even try a float with a different type of root beer, such as diet root beer.

Another way to customise a root beer float is to add toppings. Whipped cream and a cherry on top are traditional, but you can also get creative with other toppings like cool whip or chocolate sauce. Some people even like to blend their root beer float into a milkshake-like consistency.

The root beer float is a versatile drink that can be customised in many ways. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with mix-ins and toppings, it's a refreshing treat that's perfect for summertime.

The ingredients of root beer

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink that is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free. It is traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree (*Sassafras albidum*) or the vine of *Smilax ornata* (known as sarsaparilla). It has a thick and foamy head, a dark brown appearance, and a distinctive flavour.

Sassafras and sarsaparilla are the central ingredients in root beer. Sassafras is native to the southwestern United States and was used by Native Americans for culinary and medicinal purposes long before the arrival of Europeans. Sarsaparilla is a tropical woody vine native to South America, the West Indies, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Honduras, and Mexico. It was introduced to Europe by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

In addition to sassafras and sarsaparilla, other ingredients commonly used in root beer include:

• Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
• Birch (Betula species)
• Juniper (Juniperus species)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Hops (Humulus lupulus)
• Vanilla (Vanilla species)
• Burdock (Arctium minus) root
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root
• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
• Cherry (Prunus avium) bark
• Guiacum (Guiacum species) gum

Modern mass-produced root beer is typically made with carbonated water, sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, caramel colouring, and natural and artificial flavourings. The primary ingredients in modern root beer are filtered water, sugar, and safrole-free sassafras extract, which complements other flavours. Common flavourings include vanilla, caramel, wintergreen, black cherry bark, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, nutmeg, acacia, anise, molasses, cinnamon, sweet birch, and honey.

The history of root beer

In the 1840s, root beer began to be sold in confectionery stores and general stores, bottled in stoneware and marketed for medicinal use. The first commercial brand of root beer was created by pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires, who debuted his drink at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. Hires' root beer was non-alcoholic, targeting coal miners who were known for their drinking habits. The beverage quickly gained popularity, and by 1893, root beer was widely distributed across the United States.

The root beer float, a combination of root beer and vanilla ice cream, became popular as well. The exact origin of the root beer float is disputed, with several individuals claiming to have invented it. One story claims that Robert M. Green of Philadelphia created the float in 1874 when he added ice cream to flavored drinks to keep them cold. Another story credits Frank J. Wisner of Colorado's Cripple Creek Brewing with creating the first root beer float on August 19, 1893.

Root beer's popularity continued to grow, and by the early 1900s, several other brands entered the market, including Barq's and A&W. During Prohibition, non-alcoholic root beer became even more popular, and it remained a well-loved beverage throughout the 20th century. Today, root beer is produced by major companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, and it is enjoyed as a refreshing drink, often paired with ice cream to create the beloved root beer float.

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