National Rootbeer Float Day

A joyful child holding a tall glass filled with a rootbeer float, surrounded by colorful balloons and a sunny park backdrop.. — National rootbeer float day illustration

Hey there, rootbeer float enthusiasts! National Rootbeer Float Day is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate this deliciously frothy holiday. Get ready to dive into this bubbly and sweet concoction that has been delighting taste buds for ages.

When is Rootbeer Float Day?

It's national rootbeer float day on the 6th August.

The Rootbeer Float Story

Rootbeer floats, also known as black cows or brown cows for some reason, have a long and delicious history. Legend has it that this classic treat was invented back in the late 19th century by a clever soda jerk who wanted to combine the creaminess of ice cream with the fizzy goodness of rootbeer. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of this idea? Genius!

The rootbeer float quickly became a hit, spreading from soda fountains across the nation like wildfire. It's no wonder that we now celebrate this delectable combo on its very own day.

Celebrating National Rootbeer Float Day

So, how does one properly celebrate National Rootbeer Float Day? First things first, gather your ingredients: a tall glass, your favorite rootbeer, and a generous scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream. Pour the rootbeer into the glass, nice and slow to avoid any bubbling over mishaps. Then gently plop that creamy scoop of ice cream on top. Ahh, look at that creamy froth! Now, grab a long spoon and stir it all together. Take a sip and let the rich flavors dance on your tongue. Pure bliss!

Feel free to get creative with your rootbeer float, too! Add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, or even top it off with a cherry. The possibilities are endless, my friend. Let your taste buds run wild!

History behind the term 'Rootbeer Float'

1874

Creation of flavored soda water

In 1874, Charles Elmer Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, created a powdered root beer extract. He mixed this extract with carbonated soda water to produce a flavorful, non-alcoholic beverage. This marked the birth of root beer, a popular drink with a distinct taste.

1893

Origin of ice cream soda

The term 'float' finds its origin in the creation of the ice cream soda. In 1893, Robert McCay Green, a Philadelphia soda vendor, ran out of ice for his sodas during a heatwave. To quickly remedy the situation, Green improvised by adding a scoop of ice cream to the flavored carbonated drink. This innovative creation became known as the 'soda with ice cream floating on top,' popularly called the 'float.'

1893

Combining root beer and ice cream

The combination of root beer and ice cream became popular soon after the creation of the ice cream soda. People began adding scoops of ice cream to their root beer, creating a delightful and refreshing treat. The contrast of the fizzy root beer with the creamy ice cream made for a perfect concoction.

1893

Naming the drink 'Root Beer Float'

The term 'Root Beer Float' first appeared in an 1893 newspaper article in Pittsburgh. The article described a unique and enjoyable new beverage where a scoop of ice cream is 'floated' on top of a glass of root beer. The catchy name caught on quickly and became widely adopted to describe this delectable combination.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world record for the largest rootbeer float ever made was set in 2018? It measured a whopping 4,669.62 gallons, enough to satisfy the thirst of an entire town! Talk about a super-sized treat!