Name: Spiked Root Beer Float
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 - 6 ounces preferred whiskey (we use Maker's Mark); 20 ounces root beer (chilled); 2 cups vanilla ice cream (vanilla bean works well)

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A shot of whiskey added to a traditional ice cream drink makes a creamy and delicious Spiked Root Beer Float!

This post is sponsored by the Glass Barn, Indiana Soybean and Corn Farmers but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alcoholic Root Beer Float

This adult root beer float is a favorite when entertaining guests. Kids love root beer and ice cream and adults can easily personalize their float with a shot or two of whiskey.

We enjoy putting ice cream in a variety of flavors of soda pop all year around, but adding whiskey to root beer creates the best combination of flavors in a mixed drink with ice cream.

The ice cream chills the whiskey and the whiskey softens the ice cream creating a creamy drink. The carbonation and natural root beer flavors make this alcoholic drink a great way to top off a meal or enjoy as a dessert.

Root beer bottle pouring into glass with vanilla ice cream and whiskey

The ice cream will have a marbled look that is easier to admire in a clear glass.

Whether it’s our Pink Slush or another simple drink a homemade treat can make a small party at home more fun!

How to Make a Root beer Float an Alcoholic Drink

Your favorite whiskey can simply be added to a root beer float. Any brand may be used, but we typically use Maker’s Mark Whiskey.

We find the best way to make a float is to begin by pouring the whiskey in the glass and then pack the ice cream lightly down into the whiskey.

Use one shot of whiskey. A shot which is officially two ounces of liquor can be adjusted to each person’s preferences.

Vanilla bean is the most popular type of ice cream for a root beer float, but I also like French vanilla or a homemade style vanilla that is a bit more yellow in color.

Mug with an adult root beer float with whiskey added

How to Make a Root Beer Float without Foam

To minimize foam pour hold the cup at an angle and pour the cold root beer slowly down the side of the glass.

Chilling the glass before adding the drink ingredients can help too.

Adult Root Beer Float Recipe

Measure out one shot or two ounces of your preferred whiskey and pour into a large glass.

Dip ice cream scoop in hot water to make small, neat scoops. Small scoops are easiest to drop into the glass without smearing the sides. Use scoop to gently pack ice cream into the whiskey.

Ice cream chilling whiskey and whiskey softening the ice cream in a mug

Slowly pour cold root beer into the glass to reach the desired fill level. We find about half of a bottle works well to begin with. More pop can be added as desired.

Typically no blending is required. Serve with a wide straw and long handled spoon and enjoy!

What is the Best Root Beer To Use?

Any flavor of root beer that you enjoy works well in a root beer float. We typically have A & W Root Beer on hand because it seems to go on sale most often.

What Goes with Root Beer Floats?

Hamburgers, grilled chicken, grilled pork chops and loaded fries are our favorite meals to top of with a float.

We also enjoy Pulled Pork Sliders, Ham Sliders, and Turkey Sliders with an adult root beer float.

Printable Spiked Root Beer Float Recipe