Root Beer Float Cocktail

An easy 3 ingredient root beer float cocktail recipe with vanilla ice cream, root beer, and butterscotch schnapps. It’s smooth, creamy, and tastes just like a nostalgic root beer float!

Why this recipe works

This root beer float cocktail is perfectly crafted to taste just like a classic float, with a little extra bite. We’re using butterscotch schnapps here, which adds a nice punch of flavor without overpowering the root beer and ice cream. It pulls out the rich caramel notes and complements the ice cream, exactly how a dessert cocktail should be! That’s the key to keeping it creamy, sweet, and smooth.

Growing up, I was never a Coke or Pepsi kid. It was all root beer for me! My dad would make us root beer floats as a treat once in a while, and they are so nostalgic for me now. I now have the freedom to add a little grown up juice to the mix as an after dinner cocktail. I think you’re going to love this one!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

ICE CREAM – Vanilla ice cream is quintessential to a classic root beer float, however, I have also made floats with homemade root beer ice cream to double up on the flavor. Both ways are great!

ROOT BEER – A simple can of root beer will do the trick, the brand is up to you, so go with your favorite! Bottled root beer or craft root beer tends to have more of a rich, creamy flavor compared to canned. I’ve made it with both depending on what I have on hand! It also works well with zero-sugar root beer, which you can see we used in the photo above.

LIQUEUR – Butterscotch schnapps adds a caramelized sweetness to this cocktail that goes really well with the root beer and ice cream. It’s also the secret behind my butterscotch milkshake cocktail. This is by far the best liqueur for a sweet, caramel-vanilla forward cocktail!

Other Liqueurs You Can Use in a Root Beer Float Cocktail

Keep in mind that this recipe is built around using Schnapps, which has a lower concentration of alcohol compared to other liqueurs. Taste and adjust as needed if swapping.

• Bourbon
• Tequila
• RumChata
• Gold, dark, or spiced rum
• Vanilla or whipped cream vodka

How to Make a Root Beer Float Cocktail

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each mug.
2. Pour the butterscotch schnapps over the top of the ice cream.
3. Tilt glass and slowly pour root beer down the side; this helps to control the amount of foam.
4. Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and add a straw. You may need to scoop some extra foam off the top first.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Sure, you can skip the ice cream, but it won’t be a float at that point! You’ll simply have a spiked root beer cocktail. If you still want the creamy factor without ice cream, try adding a bit of heavy cream, half and half, or vanilla coffee creamer.

This depends on your flavor preferences, but any root beer will do! Craft root beers are richer in flavor, while canned root beer is more cost-effective while still tasting great.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your root beer float cocktail with some whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Chopped butterscotch bits, toffee, or caramel drizzle add a little extra pizzazz! Personally, I love to serve it in a frosty glass beer mug that’s been chilled in the freezer with a pretty red striped paper straw.

We especially love this cocktail for game or movie nights in, but it’s a great sipper on a hot summer day too. Enjoy!

More Dessert Cocktail Recipes

• Grasshopper Drink
• Baileys Coffee Float
• Sugar Cookie Martini
• Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail

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