Adult Root Beer Float – The Cookie Rookie

There are few things better on a hot summer day than a root beer float! I mean, what could be better…? How ’bout this: Alcoholic Root Beer Float! It’s a fun twist on an old favorite, combining three of my favorite things: good root beer, vanilla bean ice cream, and vanilla vodka.

an alcoholic root beer float in a clear glass with a handle.

What’s in an Adult Root Beer Float?

When summer is in full swing, mix up your cocktail game with an Adult Root Beer Float! This is one of those amazing treats of summer: so simple, so tasty.

Vanilla Vodka: I like Smirnoff. It’s smooth and clean tasting. Whipped cream-flavored vodka would also work well.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Use your favorite brand, and if you can get vanilla bean, go for it!
Root Beer: I love IBC brand!

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of vodka, try dark rum, Kahlua, or Bailey’s instead!

Variations on a Boozy Root Beer Float

There are so many ways to change up this recipe! Try changing up the alcohol by swapping in whipped cream-flavored vodka, dark rum, Bailey’s, or Kahlua. You could even swap the root beer for a hard root beer!

Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor, like butter pecan, chocolate, or cherry! You can even swap the root beer for your favorite soda, like Coke, Pepsi, orange soda, or cream soda.

2 alcoholic root beer floats in tall clear glasses with handles with paper straws.

What’s the best root beer for this float?

Everybody will have their own thoughts on this, but my favorite root beer brand has always been IBC. My dad used to buy it by the case and swear, there was no better root beer in America.
I have tried many different types and have never found one I like better. This drink will work with whatever your favorite type is, so try to locate whichever brand brings back the best memories.

What alcohol goes best with a root beer float?

Adult Root Beer Floats use vodka. It has a light and subtle flavor, and vodka goes with nearly everything. I’m particularly fond of the combination of root beer with vanilla-flavored vodka!
This sweet and tasty combination of vanilla and root beer will take you right back to your childhood. But if you’re not a vodka fan, you could also try rum. Some of the blended alcohols might be nice, too: Kahlua or Bailey’s, for instance, would add a creamy zing to the mix.

How do I manage the foam on the float?

Adding ice cream to the mug before you pour in the root beer helps keep the foam to a minimum. But to keep the foam down even more, slightly tilt the mug or glass at about a 20-degree angle and pour in the root beer as slowly as you can.
Yup: Just like with regular beer! Gently adding the root beer prevents a head full of bubbles from forming at the top of the mug.

three-quarters view of an alcoholic root beer float in a tall clear glass with a handle with a cherry on top.

What to Serve with a Spiked Root Beer Float

Enjoy this creamy, boozy root beer float with classic diner dishes, like burgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries, or chili dogs.

They’re super refreshing on a hot day paired with barbecue staples, like grilled chicken, St. Louis ribs, or pulled pork. Or, sate your sweet tooth by pairing them with a slice of New York cheesecake or cherry pie!

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.