I can’t wait until David gets home this evening to remind him today is August 6th National Root Beer Float Day #RootBeerFloatDay and I can bet your bottom dollar David will want to either go to Dickey’s Bar B Que Pit or Soulman’s Bar-B-Que because they serve Ice Cream and Root Beer and after dinner David would be able to have a Free Root Beer Float. Would you like to go with us?
Diet? Not on August 6th because today is National Root Beer Float Day, after all. Atime to enjoy one of the best beverage/dessert combos on the planet. On National Root Beer Day, some even compete for Root Beer float greatness which started in Colorado back in 1893. Frank J. Wisner was inspired.
Surrounded by Cow Mountain where his Cripple Creek Brewing Company was located, Wisner came up with a novel idea. While Mountain gazing, he didn’t see snow-covered peaks. Instead, Wisner envisioned scoops of Ice Cream floating in Root Beer. Doesn’t that sound crazy? To celebrate today, enjoy the tallest, Root Beer Float you can find!
The unique blend of Ice Cream with Root Beer is unlike anything else. This Summertime delicacy has a history as rich as its texture and flavor! Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing, is the person to thank for creating the Root Beer Float on August 19, 1893.
The idea behind this extraordinary creation came to Wisner when he was looking at the snowy peaks of Colorado’s Cow Mountain that gave the illusion of Ice Cream floating on a beverage. While staring out of the window of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, Wisner thought the glow of the full moon made the snow-capped Mountains resemble Ice Cream.
The following day, Wisner got to work combining Vanilla Ice Cream with Root Beer and calling the result the ‘Black Cow Mountain.’ The soda he had used was Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. The Root Beer Float was served to his guests the very next day and became an instant hit. Children shortened the word to ‘Black Cow,’ and today it is simply known as a Root Beer Float
Since its creation, countless Root Beer Floats have been enjoyed throughout the world. The tradition of National Root Beer Float Day is to enjoy refreshing Root Beer Floats. The original recipe has evolved into many variations, each with their own unique flavor, while retaining the original Root Beer Float texture.
Popular Root Beer Floats that have become traditional favorites include the Coke Float, Boston Cooler, Purple Cow, and the Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer. I have a question for you do you prefer a Traditional Root Beer Float or something else and why?
I have heard Arby’s offers Coke- and Root Beer floats for $1 but they are a limited-time promotion begin going to a Arby’s’ I suggest calling to see if they have them today. Some McDonald’s features Root Beer Floats as part of their secret menu but again before going to purchase there Root Beer Float call to see if they are making them.
Here is a fun fact for you to shave with your friends and family. The Root Beer Float was originally known as ‘Black Cow,’ because the Root Beer Float got its name from the Ice Cream that floats on top of the Root Beer or Soda of your choice. For me it’s Coke. How about you?
National Root Beer Float Day Activities
- There’s no better way to celebrate National Root Beer Float Day than by preparing your own Root Beer Float. Grab a bottle of your favorite brand of Root Beer, pour into a chilled glass and top with Vanilla Ice Cream.
- The Root Beer Store sells more than 100 brands and flavors of Root Beer. You can check out customer reviews of all the Root Beers for sale and even order mix-and-match bottles. Your local specialty liquor store may also have a pretty good selection, so drink up!
- Did you know Hard Root Beer is blowing up/ Clever brewers have come up with Root Beers that include varying levels of Alcohol. Invite the neighbors over for a dessert party and indulge in Root Beer Floats. Be careful, while the Root Beer goes down fast and smooth, it’ll eventually catch up with you.
Reasons People Need A Root Beer Float
- Jeni’s Ice Cream Shops can double your pleasure with Root Beer Floats made with Root Beer Ice Cream and Boylan Root Beer.
- The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia creates authentic Root Beer Floats made with their own brand of Root Beer Syrup and Ice Cream.
- Scooter’s Frozen Custard in Chicago offers a Root Beer Float made with Vanilla Custard, a refreshing twist on the standard float.
- Instead of floating the Ice Cream on top of a glass of Root Beer, blend the two together to make a root Beer freeze.
- SpringHouse restaurant in Alexander City, Alabama, serves up a Bourbon Float made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Bourbon Ice Cream and a house-made Root Beer Syrup. I know if we were here David would want to try this. What about you?
Why PEOPLE Love National Root Beer Float Day
- A Roboteer Float seems like such a simple recipe when all you do is add Root Beer to a glass and Vanilla Ice Cream. If you’re trying to get beyond the ordinary, then use extraordinary ingredients. Like a Root Beer with a high Sarsaparilla content and loads of sweetness. Or you could use a different brand of flavor of Vanilla Ice Cream like Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and get creative with your toppings.
- The Boston Cooler was invented in Detroit, of all places, and is made with Vernor’s Ginger Ale and Vanilla Ice Cream.
- In many Asian eateries you can order a Snow White, which is composed of Vanilla Ice Cream and 7-Up or Sprite.
- In Mexico, you can grab a Holado flotante, a combination of Cola and Lemon Sherbet.
- On National Root Beer Float Day, A&W Restaurants collects donations for Disabled American Veterans, a charity that fights for better health care benefits for America’s injured heroes. Looks like its time to load up the family to visit a A&W Restaurant. Would you like to go with me?
For more facts on National Root Beer Day go here
Today is also National Wiggle Your Toes Day which would make having a Root Beer Float that much more fun.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates