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.
- Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each mug.
- Pour the butterscotch schnapps over the top of the ice cream.
- Tilt glass and slowly pour root beer down the side; this helps to control the amount of foam.
- 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
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Root Beer Float Cocktail
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream divided
- 12 ounces root beer 1 can, divided
- 3 ounces butterscotch schnapps divided
Optional Garnish
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherry
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Chill the Glass: Place your mug or glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes beforehand. A frosty mug keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- We actually use zero sugar root beer for this! Regular root beer, craft root beer, or even cream soda will work too.
- One 12-ounce can of root beer makes 2 perfect root beer float cocktails.
Instructions
- Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each mug.4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Pour 1.5 ounces of butterscotch schnapps over the top of the ice cream in each mug.3 ounces butterscotch schnapps
- Tilt glass and slowly pour root beer down the side; this helps to control the amount of foam. One 12 ounce can will be enough to split between two cocktails.12 ounces root beer
- Top with whipped cream, a cherry, and add a straw. You may need to scoop some extra foam off the top first.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- 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!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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