National Root Beer Float Day
The simplest combination, the sweetest flavor: simply pour a tall glass or mug of root beer, add a scoop or two of ice cream, and enjoy this classic treat.
Join in on the fun of National Root Beer Float Day by celebrating this decidedly American classic drink. Or is it a dessert? It could be either. Or both!
How to Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day
Have a delightful time with this fizzy, creamy treat when celebrating National Root Beer Float Day! Get involved with the day by enjoying some of these ideas and activities:
Go Out for a Root Beer Float
Those who live in the United States might find it a fun activity to head out to a restaurant or ice cream shop and order up a root beer float.
Grab a buddy or family member to make the activity more enjoyable. Share one with two straws or each person can order their own!
While there are very few soda shops or counters left in classic style diners, it’s still possible to source a root beer float at many traditional mom and pop diners. In addition, a few national chains in the US offer root beer floats on their menu, including A&W restaurants, BJ’s Restaurants, Culver’s and several others.
Make a Root Beer Float
To celebrate National Root Beer Float Day why not create your own float? Make the float colorful and presentable so that other people can see you have really made an effort for this special occasion.
For those who might be new to the concept and are wondering how to make one of these superb drinks, simply add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to a cold glass of root beer. The taste of a root beer float makes the taste buds tingle with utter excitement, especially on National Root Beer Float Day!
Host a National Root Beer Float Day Party
The only thing more fun than enjoying a root beer float alone is getting the gang together to celebrate this delightful treat! Invite some friends over to the house, or set up a little celebration in the break room at work in honor of National Root Beer Float Day.
To make things easier on the host, invite guests to bring their favorite kind of root beer or a container of vanilla ice cream.
Pull out some frosty mugs, spoons and an ice cream scoop, and have a blast enjoying the day. Tall glasses or canning jars make the perfect vessel for a root beer float creation.
History of National Root Beer Float Day
The history of the root beer float is obviously predicated on the invention of root beer as well as the creation of vanilla ice cream! These two most important parts make up the incredible whole that is the beloved and delicious root beer float.
Root beer was originally made from sassafras or sarsaparilla, making its commercial debut in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Root beer was originally sold as a health agent for its medicinal benefits but eventually morphed into a soft drink in the early 20th century.
Ice cream has roots that can be traced back in the US to early colonial days when founding father, Thomas Jefferson, wrote his own recipe for vanilla ice cream that is still housed at the Library of Congress today.
But the combination of the two elements, root beer and vanilla ice cream, are typically attributed to a gentleman named Frank Wisner who created the first root beer float towards the end of the 19th century.
This drink was introduced at his Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Colorado. This float was originally nicknamed the “black cow”, attributed to the peak near the brewing company, called Cow Mountain.
National Root Beer Float Day is celebrated on August 6th every year. Between the luxurious vanilla ice-cream and the sumptuous root beer foam, how can any individual resist this delightful beverage? This amazingly refreshing summer treat has its own special day to celebrate its undeniable brilliance.
National Root Beer Float Day FAQs
What inspired the invention of the first root beer float?
The first root beer float came about in 1893 when Frank J. Wisner noticed a snow-capped mountain that reminded him of vanilla ice cream.
He added a scoop to root beer, creating a drink that looked like the mountain. This moment of inspiration transformed soda fountain culture forever.
Did root beer floats ever play a role in early soda fountain culture?
Yes, during the early 20th century, soda fountains were community hubs.
Root beer floats were a staple menu item, celebrated for their frothy, eye-catching appeal. They symbolized the playful creativity of fountain operators experimenting with flavors and textures.
What’s the difference between a root beer float and other “floats” around the world?
While root beer floats are popular in the U.S., other countries use unique bases.
In Japan, melon soda floats are a favorite, often served with vanilla ice cream. Similarly, the Philippines loves “sago’t gulaman” floats, made with a local sweet drink topped with shaved ice or ice cream.
Were there any unusual early ingredients in root beer?
Original root beer recipes included sassafras, wintergreen, and even burdock root.
Sassafras was later removed after being linked to health risks, but early recipes captured the spirit of herbal tonics. Root beer floats retained that distinct herbal flavor, blending it with creamy sweetness.
Is there a connection between root beer floats and American nostalgia?
Root beer floats evoke memories of the 1950s, when soda fountains and drive-ins were cultural icons.
Families and teenagers enjoyed them during lazy summer afternoons or at celebratory outings. Their enduring charm lies in this connection to simpler, carefree times.
How have root beer floats influenced cocktail culture?
Modern mixologists have created alcoholic versions of the classic root beer float.
These often feature spiked root beer or liqueurs like amaretto. These twists honor the drink’s classic flavors while giving it an adult-friendly update for parties.
What are some unique ways to celebrate Root Beer Float Day?
Some communities host root beer float-making contests, challenging participants to create the most unique float using unexpected ingredients.
Others organize themed movie nights featuring classic films from the soda fountain era, serving floats as the main treat.
Can root beer floats be paired with savory foods?
Yes, root beer floats pair surprisingly well with salty snacks like pretzels or savory burgers.
The sweetness and creaminess balance out salty and umami flavors. They’ve even been included in gourmet tasting menus for a playful dessert course.
What are some fun myths about root beer floats?
One playful myth claims that root beer floats have magical cooling properties.
While untrue, it’s a common joke on hot summer days. Another amusing misconception is that root beer floats were invented to trick kids into drinking herbal tonics.
Are there health-conscious versions of root beer floats?
Yes, diet root beer and low-calorie ice creams allow for a lighter treat. Dairy-free ice cream alternatives also make this classic accessible to lactose-intolerant fans.
These adjustments let more people enjoy the float’s iconic taste.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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