Craving a root beer float on a hot day? You’re not alone! This classic treat, with its fizzy root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream, hits the spot like nothing else. But where can you find the best ones around you?
Key Takeaways
- Popular Chains: Enjoy classic root beer floats at well-known fast food restaurants like A&W, Sonic Drive-In, and Dairy Queen, which offer their unique twists on the beloved drink.
- Local Favorites: Seek out local diners, family restaurants, and specialty soda shops that craft delicious root beer floats, often with creative ingredients and flavors.
- Grocery Store Convenience: Grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger carry ready-made root beer floats, making it easy to indulge at home or on-the-go.
- DIY Option: Making your own root beer float is simple and customizable; just combine your favorite root beer with premium vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Seasonal Events: Check out summer festivals and local food trucks for unique root beer float offerings, often showcasing regional and creative flavors.
- Online Reviews: Utilize online reviews to discover the best local spots for root beer floats, ensuring you find top-rated places for your next sweet craving.
Popular Chains Offering Root Beer Floats
Root beer floats are widely available at various chains across the country. Enjoy these treats at locations known for their classic offerings.
Classic Fast Food Restaurants
Many fast food restaurants serve delicious root beer floats. Here are some popular choices:
- A&W: Known for their root beer, A&W offers a classic root beer float with rich vanilla ice cream.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic features a customizable root beer float, allowing you to add toppings or mix flavors.
- Burger King: Select Burger King locations provide root beer floats as part of their beverage menu.
Ice Cream Shops
Ice cream shops often create unique and tasty root beer floats. Consider visiting these places:
- Cold Stone Creamery: Cold Stone serves a signature twist on the root beer float by blending ice cream into root beer.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen’s root beer float combines soft-serve ice cream with fizzy root beer for a classic treat.
- Ben & Jerry’s: At Ben & Jerry’s, you can find creative variations on the root beer float, adding unique flavors and toppings.
You can easily find a satisfying root beer float from these popular chains. Check your local location for availability and enjoy a refreshing treat.
Local Favorites
Finding a delicious root beer float can turn any day into a special occasion. Here are some local favorites where you can enjoy this tasty treat.
Diners and Family Restaurants
Diners and family restaurants often serve classic root beer floats. Some popular chains include:
- A&W: Known for their root beer, A&W’s floats feature their signature drink topped with creamy ice cream.
- Denny’s: Denny’s offers a nostalgic float, pairing root beer with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Johnny Rockets: At Johnny Rockets, enjoy a classic burger and a root beer float made with quality ingredients.
Check local diners, as many independent spots craft their unique versions.
Specialty Soda Shops
Exploring specialty soda shops adds fun to your root beer float quest. These places often elevate the experience. Consider these options:
- Soda Shoppes: Look for soda shoppes in your area. They typically sell various craft sodas and might offer customized floats.
- Local Ice Cream Parlors: Many ice cream shops specialize in floats. These parlors often mix flavors and can create custom root beer floats with toppings.
- Gourmet Soda Stores: Some gourmet sodas shops focus on unique flavors. They feature artisan root beer, providing a delightful twist to your float.
Use online reviews to find the most popular local spots offering floats with unique flavors.
Grocery Stores and DIY Options
You can find root beer floats at grocery stores or easily make one at home. Both methods offer delicious ways to enjoy this classic treat.
Ready-Made Root Beer Floats
Several grocery chains carry ready-made root beer floats in their freezer sections. Look for brands like A&W or Blue Bunny, which often sell frozen, pre-packaged floats. Stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Target frequently stock these items, making it convenient to grab a treat while shopping. Check the ice cream aisle for these options, often alongside frozen desserts.
Making Your Own Root Beer Float
Creating your own root beer float is simple and allows for customization. Follow these steps:
- Gather Ingredients: You’ll need root beer and vanilla ice cream. Consider brands like Barq’s or IBC for root beer, and premium vanilla ice cream from brands like Haagen-Dazs or Breyers for the best taste.
- Prepare Glasses: Grab a tall glass for the float. Chilling the glass in the freezer beforehand can keep your float colder longer.
- Pour Root Beer: Slowly pour root beer into the glass, filling it about halfway to prevent overflow.
- Add Ice Cream: Gently add 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of the root beer. The ice cream should float at the surface, creating a fun visual.
- Enjoy: Serve with a straw and a long spoon for easy mixing.
Seasonal and Event-Based Offerings
Numerous seasonal events and local gatherings feature root beer floats, providing excellent opportunities to enjoy this classic treat.
Summer Festivals and Fairs
Summer festivals and fairs often offer delicious root beer floats among other sweet treats. Local vendors frequently sell floats made with regional root beer brands, giving you a chance to taste unique flavors. Look for booths specializing in classic carnival drinks; they often use recipes passed down through generations. Events like county fairs or music festivals usually include a variety of food stalls where you can find these refreshing beverages, often served in oversized cups to help you beat the heat.
Local Food Trucks
Local food trucks offer another delightful option for enjoying root beer floats, especially during warmer months. Many trucks feature creative flavor combinations, mixing root beer with different types of ice cream like chocolate or cherry. Check social media or local food truck events to see which trucks are in your area and follow their schedules. Some food trucks may even participate in community events or pop-up markets, allowing you to grab a float while supporting local businesses.
Conclusion
No matter where you are there’s a root beer float waiting for you to enjoy. From fast food joints to cozy ice cream shops local diners to grocery stores you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you prefer a classic float or want to try something unique there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget to explore seasonal events and local food trucks for even more delightful variations. With a little bit of adventure you can find the perfect spot to satisfy your craving. So grab a friend or two and treat yourself to this refreshing summer classic. Enjoy every fizzy sip and creamy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are root beer floats?
Root beer floats are a classic summer treat made by combining fizzy root beer with creamy vanilla ice cream. The result is a refreshing and sweet dessert that many enjoy during warm weather.
Where can I find the best root beer floats?
You can find great root beer floats at popular chains like A&W, Sonic Drive-In, and Dairy Queen. Local diners, specialty soda shops, and family restaurants also offer delicious versions, so it’s worth checking out your area.
Can I make root beer floats at home?
Yes! To make root beer floats at home, you need root beer and vanilla ice cream. Simply fill a glass halfway with root beer, add a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy! You can customize your float with different toppings or flavored ice creams.
Are there ready-made root beer floats available in stores?
Yes, many grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Target offer ready-made root beer floats in their freezer sections. Brands like A&W and Blue Bunny have convenient options if you want to enjoy a float without making it from scratch.
Are there seasonal root beer float offerings?
Yes, during summer festivals and fairs, local vendors often sell root beer floats, sometimes made with unique regional root beers. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic treat while exploring local flavors and supporting businesses in your area.