Soda Pop!
The root beer float that sinks all others.
At its most basic, the beloved root beer float is root beer, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a sweet cherry on top. But history reveals so much more about this classic American treat.
In 1893, a serendipitous moment of inspiration struck Frank J. Wisner, owner of Cripple Creek Brewing in Colorado, as he gazed upon the snow-capped peaks of Cow Mountain. Moved by the picturesque scene before him, Wisner set out to create a beverage that would ape the essence of those creamy-topped summits. Being a root beer aficionado, he combined it with vanilla ice cream—creating the iconic root beer float we know and love today.
As the mouthwatering drink’s popularity spread across the United States, regional variations and terminology emerged, with the Midwest using the names “Black Cow” or “Brown Cow.”
During the 1920s Prohibition in the United States, Americans sought out non-alcoholic alternatives to their favorite beverages. The root beer float, with its frothy, ambrosial sweetness, emerged as a popular choice among those seeking a refreshing and indulgent drink that could be enjoyed… legally. The float’s resemblance to beer, combined with its family-friendly appeal, made it a welcome comfort drink during difficult times.
Here’s a new and decidedly 21st-century root beer float. Delightful and familiar, Not Your Grandfather’s Root Beer Float is the perfect nightcap companion—full of savory root beer wistfulness, the right amount of THC, and some extra treats.
Read the root beer float recipe card
Ingredients from the original card: 3 scoops of Vanilla Swiss Almond Häagen-Dazs ice cream; 2 dollops of whipped cream; 1 bottle of Mary Jones' Hemp Delta 9 Root Beer (5 mg or 10 mg); 1 cherry.
The card suggests gelato as an alternative to ice cream. For homemade whipped cream, beat whipping cream and sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Optional additions shown: cocoa powder and Kanha Minis.
Tip: frost the mug in the freezer for at least 30 minutes rather than adding ice. For a slushie-like float, the card suggests freezing the root beer for 2½ hours first.
