An adult twist on the classic soda float! This boozy maple ice cream root beer float combines maple ice cream, whiskey, and root beer for a decadent treat!
Let’s reminisce about our carefree childhood summers. Mine were spent chasing around the ice cream truck, running through the sprinklers, and lounging around with a worry in the world.
Two things I enjoyed eating during summer vacation: s’mores and root beer floats! Here’s an updated adult version. Whiskey root beer float with maple ice cream!
Adult Root Beer Float Cocktail
As a child, root beer floats took me to my happy place. Years later, root beer with ice cream still does the trick.
With cooler temps finally the norm in Los Angeles, I’ve been wearing cozy pajamas (read: ALL-DAY) and sitting next to our fireplace in the evenings. With the house all warm and toasty, chilly boozy beverages are very much welcome while we TV binge at night.
These floats are a perfect for cozy nights in. They’re a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite ice cream flavors and spirits together!
Ingredients
There are three key ingredients to this adult float cocktail: ice cream, liqueur, and soda.
Ice Cream: This version uses homemade maple ice cream for a kick of flavor! However, any store-bought ice cream works. Ideal flavors: vanilla ice cream, butter pecan ice cream, or caramel ice cream.
Liqueur: Maple ice cream and vanilla ice cream pair well with whiskey or bourbon. Or, sub in dark rum or spiced rum. Vanilla vodka is another delicious alternative.
Soda: Use the best quality root beer you can find! I recommend IBC, Dad’s, or Stewarts. Alternatively, use cream soda for a much sweeter float.
Other Variations on the Alcoholic Float
Classic float pairs together ice cream and soda. Here are some more adult versions to try:
- Orange Creamsicle = vanilla ice cream + vanilla vodka + orange soda
- Affogato = vanilla ice cream + kahlua + espresso
- Cream Soda Float = chocolate ice cream + dark rum + cream soda
Let’s Build Root Beer Float Cocktails
Just like regular root beer float, this is just as easy to assemble.
- For extra decadence, I add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup at the bottom of the serving glass. This is optional.
- Add two scoops of homemade maple ice cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Follow with 2 oz of whiskey or bourbon of choice.
- Top with chilled root beer.
- Eat and enjoy!
That’s it. CHEERS! Drink up and enjoy. If you’re feeling fancy, you can go ahead and drizzle so more caramel on top of the root beer foam.
More Float Drink Recipes
Boozy Maple Ice Cream Root Beer Float
Ingredients
- 2 scoops maple hazelnut ice cream * or vanilla ice cream
- 2 oz whiskey or bourbon of choice
- 5 oz chilled root beer, to top
- store-bought caramel sauce, optional
Instructions
- Drizzle optional caramel sauce in serving glass. Add ice cream, follow with whiskey, and top glass with chilled root beer. Serve immediately.
This is my kind of float. Killing it, girl!
Bring on the root beer floats!! I’m in!! These sound delicious Maryanne!
Oh man my husband would absolutely love these!
FIRST of all, that maple hazelnut ice cream just kinda blew my mind. I just want to dive right into that mug!
Yum, these floats would warm you on those cold winter night! Love it!
You had me hooked at “boozy” ;) Seriously though, this looks soooo delicious!!
I just really want to be you. This is perfection!
Love these grown up floats!
Yum!!
You had me at boozy. I’ve got my straw ready ; )