Alcoholic root beer float cocktail served up in a coupe with a Soda Jerk Root Beer Shot bottle cocktail with Soda Jerk bottle
Root Beer recipe

Alcoholic Root Beer Float (Boozy, No Ice Cream Needed)

The drive-in classic, all grown up. This alcoholic root beer float skips the ice cream and the carbonation and goes straight for the good part: creamy, nostalgic root beer shaken cold with a splash of cream and served up like a nightcap. One glass, two minutes, zero soda-fountain cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Soda Jerk Root Beer Shot
  • 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter pour)
  • Ice, for shaking

Makes 1 cocktail.

How to make an alcoholic root beer float

  1. Add the Soda Jerk Root Beer Shot and heavy cream to a shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, until the tin is frosty.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve up.
  4. Sip slow. Be a Jerk responsibly.

Variations & swaps

  • Classic float (with ice cream): pour the Root Beer Shot over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a chilled glass.
  • Vanilla vodka version: add half an ounce of vanilla vodka for extra dessert-forward sweetness.
  • Boozier float: add a small pour of dark rum if you like it stronger.
  • Extra creamy: top with a small pour of cold foam or whipped cream.

FAQ

What kind of alcohol is good in a root beer float?

Creamy, vanilla-forward spirits work best. Soda Jerk Root Beer Shot is built for exactly this. It already tastes like a root beer float and only needs a splash of cream. Vanilla vodka, spiced rum, and bourbon are also popular add-ins.

Can you make an alcoholic root beer float without ice cream?

Yes. This version uses heavy cream shaken with the Root Beer Shot, so you get the creamy float flavor served up as a cocktail. No ice cream, no melt, no mess.

How much alcohol is in it?

Soda Jerk Root Beer Shot is 35% ABV. With 2 oz per drink, one float is a full-strength cocktail. Enjoy responsibly, 21+ only.

What is a dirty root beer float?

Dirty just means spiked: a root beer float with alcohol added. This recipe is a dirty root beer float, made cleaner by skipping the ice cream.

You need the Root Beer Shot for this one. $29.99 a bottle, flat $19 shipping.
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