Sweet, creamy and the perfect treat for any day, the root beer float has secured its spot as one of the most beloved drinks throughout history!
The first root beer float was actually created with a little inspiration from nature. According to the website Historyoasis.com, Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Brewing in Colorado, was inspired by the snow-covered Cow Mountains. Their white peaks sparked the idea to create a drink that resembled the winter view. With just two simple ingredients, root beer poured over vanilla ice cream, the root beer float that we know of today was born.
The drink gained popularity during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) and was originally named by Wisner as the “Black Cow Mountain” in ode to the mountains that inspired it, said Historyoasis.com. With the ice cream bubbling at the top after mixing with the carbonated drink, it quickly became popular as a legalized substitute for beer during that time. It has since become the catalyst for other creamy fizzy drinks like the Coke Float!
Did You Know…
The longest line of root beer floats was recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records on July 24, 2019. According to their website, 1,020 root beer floats were lined up at the City Creek Food Court and once they achieved their goal, they were given away to the audience in celebration of Pioneer Day.
How to make the perfect root beer float:
1. Chill glass
2. Add scoops of vanilla ice cream first
3. Then, top with your favorite root beer
4. Want it less foamy, tilt glass to the side while pouring in the root beer
5. Additional add ins: sprinkles, hot fudge, whipped cream, caramel sauce
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