The annual company end-of-year party always promises a few things: awkward dancing, way too much food, and at least one person who tries to turn karaoke into a professional concert. This past year, I decided to contribute something a little unexpected to the festivities — a tray of RumChata Root Beer Floats. After all, if there was ever a crowd that could appreciate a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite, it was my colleagues.
Setting up a mini “float station” felt both thrilling and a little risky. I could see curious glances as I scooped vanilla ice cream into tall glasses, the chilled root beer fizzing dramatically as it met the creamy scoops. Then came the pour of RumChata — its cinnamon-vanilla aroma weaving through the air and making a few heads turn before the first taste even happened.
Within minutes, the line started forming. Cups clinked, laughter bubbled up louder, and even the company’s most reserved accountant was spotted balancing two floats in one hand. That night, the floats didn’t just serve as drinks; they became part of the celebration itself, slipping seamlessly into the rhythm of the evening. Ever since, I can’t imagine a party without them.
Short Description
A creamy, fizzy, boozy twist on a classic childhood favorite! These RumChata Root Beer Floats mix smooth vanilla ice cream, spiced RumChata, and bubbly root beer for a nostalgic yet grown-up treat.
Key Ingredients
- 2 oz RumChata
- 1 cup chilled root beer
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Tall glass
- Ice cream scoop
- Measuring jigger (for RumChata)
- Straw (optional but recommended)
- Spoon (optional for scooping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream
Place two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Choose a sturdy glass to handle the fizzy reaction later.
Step 2: Pour the RumChata
Slowly pour 2 oz of RumChata over the ice cream. Let it drizzle over the scoops so the cinnamon-vanilla flavors start soaking in.
Step 3: Add the Root Beer
Gently pour 1 cup of chilled root beer into the glass. Pour slowly along the side to control the foam — the goal is a fizzy crown, not a volcanic eruption!
Step 4: Top and Garnish
If desired, add a swirl of whipped cream on top. Finish with a bright red maraschino cherry for that classic float look.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon. Stir slightly before sipping for the perfect creamy, fizzy blend.
Tip: If the foam overflows too quickly, simply pause pouring for a few seconds to let the bubbles settle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes with minimal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for adults at parties or casual get-togethers.
Creamy and Fizzy: Perfect balance of smooth ice cream and bubbly soda.
Customizable: Easy to tweak based on personal tastes.
A Nostalgic Treat: Brings childhood memories with a fun adult twist.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Pouring root beer too fast, causing overflow.
Pour along the side of the glass slowly, and pause when foam rises.
2. Using warm root beer.
Chill the root beer beforehand for best results and less foam.
3. Adding RumChata after the root beer.
Always pour RumChata before the root beer to blend flavors better and control foaming.
4. Scooping too much ice cream into a small glass.
Use a tall, wide glass to avoid overflow and mess.
5. Serving floats too early before drinking.
Make the float right before serving so the ice cream stays cold and firm.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve at casual gatherings, BBQs, birthday parties, or company happy hours.
– Pair with sweet treats like brownies, cookies, or caramel popcorn.
– Great for buffet-style dessert tables — set up a DIY float station with different toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and more cherries!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: These floats are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can scoop ice cream into glasses ahead of time and freeze them, then assemble floats quickly.
Reheating: Not recommended, as floats are meant to be served cold. If the root beer loses fizz, just top off with a fresh splash.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Simply skip the RumChata and enjoy a classic root beer float.
2. What type of root beer works best?
Use a high-quality, flavorful root beer like A&W, Barq’s, or your favorite craft brand.
3. Can I use a different alcohol instead of RumChata?
Absolutely! Try spiced rum, vanilla vodka, or even Kahlúa for a different twist.
4. How do I prevent the foam from overflowing?
Pour the root beer slowly along the side of the glass and take short breaks to let the foam settle.
5. Can I prepare these floats ahead of time?
It’s better to assemble them just before serving to keep the ice cream from melting and the root beer fizzy.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill the glass beforehand for an extra-cold float.
– Add a splash of heavy cream for an even richer texture.
– Use flavored ice cream like cinnamon or caramel for a fun twist.
– For an extra dessert vibe, drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before building your float.
– Serve with long-handled spoons for easy scooping!
Recipe Variations
Spiked Chocolate Root Beer Float
– Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream.
– Use chocolate-flavored root beer if available.
– Add 1 oz of chocolate liqueur along with the RumChata.
Salted Caramel Float
– Use caramel ice cream.
– Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce before pouring the root beer.
– Garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the whipped cream.
Cinnamon Roll Float
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the whipped cream topping.
– Use cinnamon ice cream or add ½ tsp ground cinnamon to the root beer before pouring.
Vanilla Dream Float
– Add an extra ½ tsp vanilla extract directly into the glass before pouring the RumChata.
– Top with a second maraschino cherry for extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Sharing RumChata Root Beer Floats at our company’s end-of-year party brought an unexpected burst of fun to the evening. The creamy sweetness, the fizzy root beer, and the warm kick of RumChata had everyone smiling after the first sip. Instead of sticking to the usual drinks, these playful floats made the night feel lighter, more relaxed, and full of small, memorable moments.
Food and drink often turn the simplest gatherings into unforgettable experiences. A recipe like this doesn’t just satisfy a craving; it becomes part of the laughter, the cheers, and the stories people carry home with them. Every float served that night added a little extra spark to the celebration, proof that sometimes the easiest recipes leave the biggest impression.
RumChata Root Beer Floats
Ingredients
- 2 oz RumChata
- 1 cup chilled root beer
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream optional, for topping
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Place two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Choose a sturdy glass to handle the fizzy reaction later.
- Slowly pour 2 oz of RumChata over the ice cream. Let it drizzle over the scoops so the cinnamon-vanilla flavors start soaking in.
- Gently pour 1 cup of chilled root beer into the glass. Pour slowly along the side to control the foam — the goal is a fizzy crown, not a volcanic eruption!
- If desired, add a swirl of whipped cream on top. Finish with a bright red maraschino cherry for that classic float look.
- Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon. Stir slightly before sipping for the perfect creamy, fizzy blend.
- Tip: If the foam overflows too quickly, simply pause pouring for a few seconds to let the bubbles settle.
