August 6th, 2025

National Root Beer Float Day

Sweet, creamy, and fizzy—it’s a triple-threat delight! NationalRootBeerFloatDay is all about indulging in the classic ice cream soda treat that’s been tickling taste buds for generations. A scoop of vanilla ice cream plopped into a frothy glass of root beer is pure nostalgia in a cup. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional recipe or like to add a twist, today is the day to sip, savor, and maybe even share this bubbly dessert with friends. So grab a straw and celebrate with a float down memory lane!

Written by:

Rajesh Kumar - (updated: October 8th, 2024 at 8:12PM)

National Root Beer Float Day: A Celebration of Fizzy Delight NationalRootBeerFloatDay

In the United States, there's a special day dedicated to honoring the quintessential combo of root beer and vanilla ice cream – a classic American treat that never goes out of style. Welcome to National Root Beer Float Day, a festive holiday that brings people together to savor the sweet and fizzy goodness of this beloved duo!

The Origins of a Timeless Treat

While the exact origin of the root beer float is shrouded in mystery, its popularity can be traced back to the late 19th century when pharmacist Charles Hires invented root beer. A clever entrepreneur, Hires displayed his brainchild at the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia, and it quickly gained popularity. Later, some ingenious soul decided to pair it with vanilla ice cream, and the iconic root beer float was born!

A Day of Celebration

On National Root Beer Float Day, people gather at local diners, restaurants, or even host their own backyard bashes, all in the name of celebrating this tasty treat. It's a time to share root beer floats with friends and family, creating new memories and reinforcing old traditions. Many establishments offer special deals and discounts on root beer floats, making it the perfect excuse to try new flavors and variations. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the joy of root beer floats, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to raise a glass (or a mug) and toast to this beloved treat!

Host your own root beer float party! Invite friends and family over for a fun-filled afternoon of floats, games, and good company.
Visit local diners or restaurants that offer special deals on root beer floats.
Experiment with new flavors by trying different types of root beer or adding unique toppings to your float.

The Magic of Root Beer Floats

So, what makes root beer floats so special? For starters, the combination of the creamy, sweet vanilla ice cream and the bubbly, slightly bitter root beer creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Then, there's the nostalgia factor – root beer floats evoke memories of summertime, family outings, and carefree days. And let's not forget the sheer joy of watching the root beer foam mingle with the melting ice cream, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that's almost too beautiful to disturb!

As we celebrate National Root Beer Float Day, let's raise a glass (or a mug) to this timeless treat. Whether you're a youngster experiencing the thrill of a root beer float for the first time or a seasoned aficionado, this holiday is all about embracing the simple joys in life and sharing them with the people you love.

So, grab a root beer float, sit back, and savor the delight of this beloved American classic!

Recipe for National Root Beer Float Day

In honor of National Root Beer Float Day, we're celebrating with a twist on the classic treat. Introducing Root Beer Float Crème Brûlée, a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of root beer and vanilla ice cream with a caramelized sugar crust. This indulgent treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether you're hosting a backyard bash or simply want to elevate your dessert game.

Nutrition Facts

Calories350 calories

Total Fat20g

Total Carbohydrate40g

Protein5g

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cooking Method: Baking

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Suitable For Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Heavy cream: 2 cups
Granulated sugar: 1 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Root beer extract: 1 tsp
Egg yolks: 4 large
Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tbsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Granulated sugar (for caramelizing): 1/2 cup

Materials

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Ramekins or small baking dishes
Torch for caramelizing

Steps

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and root beer extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually add the melted butter to the egg yolks, whisking until smooth.
Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
Pour the mixture into ramekins or small baking dishes. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top of each ramekin. Caramelize the sugar with a torch or under the broiler.
Serve chilled, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if desired.

Timeline

1893

Root Beer Invention

Charles Hires invented root beer, which later led to the creation of the root beer float.

1926

A&W Restaurants Founded

A&W Restaurants was founded, popularizing the root beer float across the United States.

1955

Fast Food Industry Growth

The fast food industry grew rapidly, increasing the availability of root beer floats nationwide.

1985

Frozen Mug Root Beer Float

A&W introduced the frozen mug root beer float, a twist on the classic treat.

2015

National Recognition

National Root Beer Float Day was officially recognized, celebrating the classic American treat.

National Root Beer Float Day Quiz

What is the main ingredient in a traditional root beer float?

Score: 0/5

FAQ

What is the history behind National Root Beer Float Day?

National Root Beer Float Day commemorates the invention of the root beer float, which is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The exact date is unclear, but August 6th was declared the official holiday in 2008.

What are some popular root beer float variations?

While classic root beer floats are a staple, you can experiment with different flavors by using cream soda, birch beer, or even ginger ale. Try adding a scoop of unique ice cream flavors like mint, pistachio, or strawberry for a refreshing twist.

How do I make the perfect root beer float at home?

To make the perfect root beer float, pour 1-2 ounces of root beer into a glass, followed by a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. You can also add whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry on top for extra flair.

What are some fun ways to celebrate National Root Beer Float Day?

Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day by hosting a root beer float party, where guests can customize their own floats with various toppings. You can also share your favorite root beer float recipes on social media or participate in a root beer float-making competition.

Are there any health benefits to drinking root beer?

While root beer is primarily considered a tasty treat, it does contain some antioxidants and B vitamins from the roots and herbs used in its production. Moderation is key, as root beer is still a sugary drink. Enjoy in limited quantities to savor the flavor while maintaining a balanced diet.

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National Root Beer Float Day

The Origins of a Timeless Treat

A Day of Celebration

The Magic of Root Beer Floats

Recipe for National Root Beer Float Day

Ingredients

Materials

Steps

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