The Best Vodka Flavors For A Spiked Root Beer Float

As warm weather approaches, you may crave a refreshing treat like a root beer float. While this frothy drink was first created in 1893, you can now find it floating around fast-food chains or restaurants like Sonic, Arby's, and Red Robin. Root beer first debuted as a product in 1876 after a pharmacist named Charles Elmer began selling the drink at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.   

Frank J. Wisner is the man to thank for the ice cream and root beer combo. On August 19, 1893, Wisner came up with the idea after looking at the snow dotting Colorado's Cow Mountain and the moonlight highlighting the scene. He believed the visual resembled ice cream resting on top of a drink. The following day, he began serving customers his root beer and ice cream combination, which he initially dubbed the Black Cow Mountain. Kids called the drink Black Cow. The drink we now know as a root beer float is officially celebrated on August 6. But if you'd like to prepare for the occasion a little early or spice up the traditional recipes, you might try making a spiked root beer float.    

Root beer initially gained popularity during the Prohibition era when alcohol was banned in the U.S. from 1920 to 1933, and people were seeking a tasty alternative. Now that the Prohibition days are behind us and spring is approaching, a few vodka varieties pair exceptionally well with this drink's flavor if you're looking to ease some stress after a long workday. What ingredients should you add to a grownup root beer float? First, you'll want some vanilla ice cream. People who love the grownup root beer float suggest that vanilla bean ice cream is especially delicious, typically found at places like Target, ShopRite, or ColdStone. 

The root beer brand you use depends on your personal preferences, but if you're feeling stuck, you can explore some of the best root beer brands, from Henry Weinhard's to the familiar A&W. Once you've selected your favorite ice cream and root beer, it's time to make your drink adult-friendly. Different vanilla-based vodkas, including Absolut Vanilia, Grey Goose La Vanille, or Smirnoff Vanilla, will likely help add to the drink's sweet taste. Similarly, you can use a whipped cream-flavored vodka such as Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka or Veil Whipped Cream Vodka. Because vodka is generally not too heavy, it is an excellent complement to some of the bulkier ingredients in this recipe. 

If you're not a big vodka drinker, there are some alternatives you can use in your frozen, creamy concoction. Try using spiced rum or bourbon if you'd like another way to tease out some of the flavors in the root beer. Similarly, if vanilla ice cream has never been your thing, try using chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, or creamsicle-flavored ice cream. Experimenting with the traditional root beer float will provide plenty of alternatives to serve at your next spring barbecue or pool party. 

Another option that may save you less work is locating spots in the U.S. that serve adult root beer floats, such as Lancaster Brewing Company Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, "Adult Root Beer Float! This is an amazing drink (although some bartenders prepare it better than others, but be warned, it goes down easy!" Alternatively, you can ditch the craft beer for a relatively new trend: alcoholic root beer. Try pouring the beverage into a glass and adding some ice cream or locating a restaurant that carries this brand and ice cream. This way, you can get the scoop before this year's Root Beer Float Day.