Make a root beer/cola float
Make a root beer or cola float by scooping vanilla ice cream into a glass, pouring soda slowly, and enjoying the fizzy treat.
Step-by-step guide to make a root beer or cola float
How to Make a Root Beer Float!
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water until they are clean.
Step 2
Gather all the Materials Needed and place them on the table where you will work.
Step 3
Put the Tall glass on the Napkin or plate so spills stay on the napkin.
Step 4
Ask an adult to open the Root beer or cola bottle or can for you.
Step 5
Scoop one or two big scoops of Vanilla ice cream with the Spoon or ice cream scoop.
Step 6
Gently place the scoop or scoops of ice cream into the Tall glass.
Step 7
Tilt the glass slightly and slowly pour the soda down the side until the glass is about three quarters full.
Step 8
Stop pouring and wait for the foam to settle if the fizz starts to rise too high.
Step 9
Put a Straw or spoon into your float so it is ready to eat.
Step 10
Sip or spoon a small taste slowly to enjoy and avoid a brain freeze.
Step 11
Share a photo and a description of your finished float on DIY.org
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have vanilla ice cream or root beer/cola?
Substitute Vanilla ice cream with frozen yogurt, sorbet, or whipped cream, and swap Root beer or cola for cream soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water mixed with a splash of cola syrup.
The foam keeps rising and spilling over—how can we stop that?
If the fizz starts to rise too high, tilt the Tall glass and slowly pour the soda down the side, stop pouring and wait for the foam to settle, or use a chilled glass and reduce to one scoop of Vanilla ice cream.
How should I adapt the steps for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children have an adult open the Root beer or cola and pour while the child places one small scoop of Vanilla ice cream into a plastic cup set on a Napkin, and for older kids let them measure scoops, try different sodas, and write the photo description for DIY.org.
What are some fun ways to extend or personalize the float activity?
Personalize your float by adding toppings like sprinkles and a Maraschino cherry, experimenting with different ice cream flavors or sodas, or turning it into a tasting game and sharing the best combo photo and description on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a root beer or cola float
How To Make A Rootbeer Float - Step By Step
3 Videos
How To Make A Rootbeer Float - Step By Step
Root Beer Float
Mini Root Beer Floats 🍦 Easy Summer Treat Idea!
Facts about kid-friendly beverages
🥤 The ice cream float (also called a soda float) dates back to the late 1800s when soda fountains first mixed soda and ice cream for a frothy treat.
🍨 Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor worldwide — perfect for classic root beer or cola floats!
🧪 Early root beer recipes often used sassafras for flavor, but most commercial versions now use safrole-free or artificial flavors for safety.
🎈 The fizzy foam on a float happens because carbon dioxide bubbles form on the ice cream's surface and make lots of froth.
🎉 Floats go by many names in different places — you might hear 'root beer float,' 'black cow,' or 'brown cow' depending on where you live.
How do I make a root beer or cola float with my child?
What materials do I need to make a root beer or cola float at home?
What ages is this activity suitable for?
How can I keep my child safe when making and eating a root beer or cola float?
