Gourmet Root Beer Float with Chocolate Shavings
The Gourmet Root Beer Float elevates a classic childhood treat with the richness of artisanal vanilla bean ice cream and the unique depth of small-batch root beer, making it a delightful indulgence that captivates the senses.
Equipment
- Tall sundae glass or pint glass (16 oz / 475ml)
- Ice cream scoop
- Vegetable peeler or chocolate shaver (for chocolate shavings)
- Mixing bowl (medium) — if whipping cream from scratch
- Whisk or hand mixer — if whipping cream from scratch
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla bean ice cream about 1 cup / 140g total
- 12 oz root beer well chilled, 355ml
- 2 tbsp whipped cream or 1 tablespoon / 15ml heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate shavings about 0.25 oz / 7g
- 2 pieces maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Place two tall glasses (sundae glasses or pint glasses) in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to chill. A cold glass keeps the root beer fizzy longer and prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Remove the glasses from the freezer. Place one generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (about ½ cup / 70g) into each glass.2 large scoops vanilla bean ice cream
- Slowly pour the chilled root beer over the ice cream, holding the bottle close to the surface and tilting the glass slightly. Pour about 6 oz (180ml) into each glass. Pause to let the foam rise and settle, then top up with remaining root beer if there is room.12 oz root beer
- Top each float with a tablespoon of freshly whipped cream, letting it sit on the foam.2 tbsp whipped cream
- Sprinkle about ½ tablespoon of dark chocolate shavings over the whipped cream on each float and place a maraschino cherry on top. Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw.1 tbsp dark chocolate shavings, 2 pieces maraschino cherries
Notes
Storage: Root beer floats cannot be stored once assembled — serve immediately for the best foam and texture.
Make-Ahead: Chill glasses in the freezer for up to 1 hour and whip cream up to 4 hours ahead (store covered in the fridge). Scoop ice cream balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until ready to assemble.
Substitutions: Use coconut milk ice cream and coconut whipped cream for a vegan version. Diet or sugar-free root beer works with minimal flavour difference.
Boozy Variation: Add 1 oz (30ml) vanilla vodka or bourbon to each glass before pouring the root beer.
Pro Tip: Pour the root beer slowly and close to the ice cream surface rather than from height — this controls the foam so it rises tall instead of overflowing the glass.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 193mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 312IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
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