Description
A quick, boozy, and fizzy dessert drink perfect for tailgating, combining vanilla ice cream, root beer, and bourbon for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make float.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (355ml) cold Root Beer (e.g., A&W or Barq’s)
- 1.5 oz (45ml) Smooth Bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Bulleit)
- 1–2 scoops (approx. 100g) Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream (optional, for garnish)
- Maraschino Cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Chocolate or Caramel Syrup (optional, for drizzle)
- Ice cubes (optional, for chilling)
- Nutmeg (optional, freshly grated)
Instructions
- Chill mason jars or tall glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
- Place 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into the chilled glass.
- Measure 1.5 oz of bourbon per serving.
- Slowly pour the cold root beer over the ice cream, aiming for the side of the glass to minimize excessive foaming.
- Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.
- Serve immediately with a long spoon.
Notes
Chill glasses beforehand to keep the float cold longer. Pour root beer slowly to prevent overflow. This recipe can be made non-alcoholic by skipping the bourbon and adding vanilla extract. For a batch, mix bourbon and root beer in a pitcher, but assemble individual floats just before serving to maintain carbonation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 float in a tall gl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 5
Keywords: football game day, tailgating recipes, spiked root beer float, bourbon dessert, easy cocktail, game day treats, root beer float recipe, boozy dessert