The Home Bartender: The Third Edition: 200+ Cocktails Made with Four Ingredients or Less
Buy Now →This Baileys Root Beer Float is a deliciously creamy and boozy twist on a classic soda float! Made with Baileys Irish Cream, root beer, and vanilla ice cream, this indulgent dessert drink is smooth, fizzy, and ultra-satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, enjoying a summer treat, or just craving something fun, this float is quick, easy, and totally irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 cup Root Beer (A&W, Barq’s, or your favorite brand)
- 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whipped Cream (for topping)
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- Swap vanilla ice cream for coffee or chocolate ice cream
Instructions Baileys Root Beer Float
Step 1: Prepare the Float
Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass.
Step 2: Pour the Baileys and Root Beer
Pour Baileys Irish Cream over the ice cream.
Slowly add root beer, stirring gently to combine.
Step 3: Top and Garnish
Add whipped cream on top.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve immediately and indulge in every creamy, fizzy, boozy sip!
Notes
Chill the Glass – A frosty glass keeps your float cold longer.
Pour Slowly – Prevent excessive fizz and overflow.
Experiment with Flavors – Try chocolate ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Non-Alcoholic Version – Omit Baileys and use vanilla or caramel syrup.
Helpful Tips for the Best Baileys Root Beer Float
Chill the Glass First – A frosty glass keeps your float cold longer and makes it extra refreshing!
Pour Root Beer Slowly – Adding root beer too fast causes excess foam and overflow. Pour gently and stir lightly.
Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors – Try chocolate, coffee, or caramel ice cream for a unique twist!
Make It Extra Boozy – Want more kick? Add a splash of vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, or spiced rum.
Turn It Into a Milkshake – Blend all ingredients together for a Baileys Root Beer Milkshake!
Drizzle for Extra Indulgence – A swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce takes this float to the next level.
Serving for a Party? – Set up a DIY Float Bar with different ice creams, toppings, and flavored syrups!
Non-Alcoholic Option – Skip the Baileys and add vanilla or caramel syrup for a delicious, kid-friendly version.
Storage Instructions Baileys Root Beer Float
Since this Baileys Root Beer Float is best served fresh, storing it for later can be tricky. However, here are a few ways to make the most of leftovers or prepare in advance!
Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Hour)
Freeze for a Short Time: If you need to delay serving, place the float in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to keep it cold without fully freezing. Stir gently before enjoying.
Long-Term Storage (Up to a Few Days)
Freeze as Ice Cream: Pour the leftover float into an airtight container and freeze. It will turn into a creamy, boozy ice cream—perfect for scooping later!
Blend into a Milkshake: If your float melts, don’t worry! Just blend it with extra ice cream for a Baileys Root Beer Milkshake.
What to Avoid
Don’t Store in the Fridge – The carbonation in the root beer will go flat, and the texture won’t be the same.
Avoid Re-Freezing a Melted Float – Once fully melted, it’s best to blend or drink as-is instead of refreezing.
Substitutions and Variations Baileys Root Beer Float
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and delicious ways to customize your Baileys Root Beer Float!
1. Swap the Root Beer
- Cream Soda – For a smoother, sweeter taste.
- Cola – Adds a rich caramel flavor.
- Ginger Beer – Gives it a spicy, zesty twist.
- Dr. Pepper – Adds cherry and vanilla notes for a unique spin.
2. Try Different Ice Cream Flavors
- Chocolate Ice Cream – For a decadent chocolatey float.
- Coffee Ice Cream – Adds a mocha-like flavor.
- Caramel Ice Cream – Enhances the creamy butterscotch notes in Baileys.
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream – Use coconut or almond-based ice cream for a dairy-free option.
3. Add Extra Booze
- Vanilla Vodka – Enhances the vanilla notes.
- Kahlúa – A coffee liqueur that deepens the flavor.
- Spiced Rum – Adds warmth and a hint of cinnamon.
- Irish Whiskey – For a stronger Irish twist!
4. Make It Extra Indulgent
- Drizzle Chocolate or Caramel Sauce on top.
- Add Crushed Cookies or Toffee Bits for crunch.
- Top with a Scoop of Whipped Cream and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
5. Make a Frozen Version
- Blend all ingredients into a Baileys Root Beer Milkshake for a thicker, creamier drink.
Conservation and Storage Baileys Root Beer Float
Baileys Root Beer Floats are best enjoyed fresh, as the ice cream melts and blends into the soda quickly. However, if you need to store leftovers or prepare ahead, here’s what you can do:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Hour)
Refrigerate: If you need to step away for a bit, place your float in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to slow down melting. Stir before serving.
Long-Term Storage (Up to a Few Days)
Freeze as Ice Cream: Pour any leftover float into an airtight container and freeze. It will turn into a creamy, boozy ice cream that you can scoop and enjoy later!
Turn Leftovers Into a Milkshake!
Blend Leftovers: If your float has melted, blend it with extra ice cream to create a Baileys Root Beer Milkshake!
What Not to Do
Don’t Store in the Fridge for Too Long – The carbonation in root beer will go flat, and the texture won’t be the same.
Avoid Re-Freezing the Float – Once fully melted, it’s better to blend or enjoy it as a soft drink rather than freezing again.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with a Baileys Root Beer Float
This Baileys Root Beer Float is a treat on its own, but pairing it with the right foods can make it even better! Here are some delicious ideas:
1. Chocolate Desserts
The creamy Baileys flavor pairs beautifully with rich chocolate treats:
- Chocolate Brownies – The fudgy texture complements the float’s smoothness.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic combo that never fails!
- Molten Lava Cake – Extra indulgence with warm, gooey chocolate inside.
2. Classic Pub Snacks
Looking for a salty contrast to the float’s sweetness? Try:
- Salted Pretzels – The salty crunch enhances the creamy sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Cookies – A nutty, rich contrast.
- Popcorn with Caramel Drizzle – Sweet, salty, and crunchy—perfect for movie night!
3. Coffee-Flavored Treats
If you love the coffee undertones of Baileys, try these pairings:
- Tiramisu – A creamy, coffee-infused dessert that complements Baileys perfectly.
- Espresso Brownies – Extra rich and slightly bitter to balance the float’s sweetness.
- Coffee Cake – A light, spongy cake with cinnamon notes.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take things up a notch by serving your float with a side of ice cream sandwiches! Try:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwiches
5. Spiked Coffee or Irish Coffee
If you’re serving this float as a dessert cocktail, pair it with a warm Irish coffee or espresso martini for an after-dinner treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Use a Different Soda Instead of Root Beer?
Yes! You can swap root beer for cream soda (for a sweeter taste) or cola (for a caramel twist). Ginger beer can also add a spicy kick!
2. What’s the Best Root Beer to Use?
Popular brands like A&W, Barq’s, or Mug work great, but any high-quality root beer will do. For a stronger flavor, try craft root beer brands.
3. Can I Make This Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! Just skip the Baileys Irish Cream and add a splash of vanilla or caramel syrup instead for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic version.
4. Can I Make a Large Batch for a Party?
Yes! Set up a DIY float bar where guests can add their own ice cream, soda, and toppings. Just pour Baileys separately to control alcohol content.
5. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use dairy-free ice cream and coconut whipped cream, and swap Baileys for Baileys Almande (dairy-free version).
6. What Other Liquors Can I Add?
For a boozier twist, try adding vanilla vodka, spiced rum, or Kahlúa for extra depth of flavor.
7. Can I Store Leftovers?
Floats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can:
- Freeze leftovers into a creamy, boozy ice cream.
- Blend melted float into a Baileys Root Beer Milkshake!
8. Can I Use a Different Ice Cream Flavor?
Of course! Try chocolate, coffee, or caramel ice cream for a unique spin.
9. How Can I Make It Extra Indulgent?
Top with chocolate or caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, or even a drizzle of Kahlúa or Irish whiskey for an extra kick.
Conclusion Baileys Root Beer Float
This Baileys Root Beer Float is fun, creamy, and downright irresistible! Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day, a summer BBQ, or a cozy night in, this drink will steal the show.
Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest!
Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy a root beer float?
Cheers to creamy, fizzy indulgence!
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Baileys Root Beer Float
Description
This Baileys Root Beer Float is a deliciously creamy and boozy twist on a classic soda float! Made with Baileys Irish Cream, root beer, and vanilla ice cream, this indulgent dessert drink is smooth, fizzy, and ultra-satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, enjoying a summer treat, or just craving something fun, this float is quick, easy, and totally irresistible!
Ingredients
-
- 2 oz (60ml) Baileys Irish Cream
-
- 1 cup Root Beer (A&W, Barq’s, or your favorite brand)
-
- 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
-
- Whipped Cream (for topping)
-
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ons:
-
- Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
-
- Swap vanilla ice cream for coffee or chocolate ice cream
Instructions
Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass.
Pour Baileys Irish Cream over the ice cream.
Slowly add root beer, stirring gently to combine.
Add whipped cream on top.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Serve immediately and indulge in every creamy, fizzy, boozy sip!
Notes
Chill the Glass – A frosty glass keeps your float cold longer.
Pour Slowly – Prevent excessive fizz and overflow.
Experiment with Flavors – Try chocolate ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Non-Alcoholic Version – Omit Baileys and use vanilla or caramel syrup.