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Root Beer Float Popsicles

Root Beer Float Popsicles

A root beer float is an indulgent treat to have on a hot day. The classic root beer float is made by pouring ice cold root beer over a glass that is filled with vanilla ice cream. The vanilla of the ice cream mellows out the spiciness of the root beer and the whole drink takes on a delightfully creamy flavor. The only thing that would make a root beer float more refreshing is to make it even coloer and turn the classic drink into a batch of Root Beer Float Popsicles.

These popsicles are easy to make and definitely capture the flavor of a root beer float. They’re made by combining root beer, heavy cream and a touch of vanilla, then freezing the mixture in a popsicle mold. I prefer to allow the mixture to sit around for a little bit so that the carbonation in the root beer can dissapate somewhat, which leads to a smoother popsicle, but it can be used right away if you don’t want to wait around. The popsicles are creamy, with good balance of root beer spice and vanilla to them.

I don’t recommend using diet root beer for these popsicles, as they will be quite a bit icier when made with diet soda and – frankly – will not be as delicious. Part of the fun of a root beer float is the indulgence, and the same should go for these popsicles. I do recommend using a good quality root beer that you like the flavor of, since you’ll get a lot of it in the finished popsicle.

The number of popsicles this recipe makes will vary depending on how large your molds are. I have some that will hold just under 1/3 cup and others that will hold slightly more than half a cup of liquid, so there are large variations in mold size. Don’t forget to leave room for the popsicles to expand as they freeze when filling your molds. If you need a lot of popsicles, the recipe can easily be doubled. It can also be halved for a mini-batch. 

Root Beer Float Popsicles
12 ounces root beer
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, whisk together root beer, heavy cream and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while the carbonation subsides. Mixture can be refrigerated overnight.
Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Makes 6-8, depending on popsicle molds.

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4 Comments
  • Shellina
    July 24, 2013

    I’ve got some dr pepper that is just begging to be made into a Popsicle. Yum.

  • Jamie G
    July 24, 2013

    This is so great! What a wonderful summery treat!

  • Jennifer J-W
    July 25, 2013

    That is a genius idea. I love rootbeer floats, and in popsicle form, I think the serving size would be smaller. Since I would eat ice cream every day in the summer, if possible, I have to watch the calorie count!

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe
    July 26, 2013

    What an awesome idea! A root beer float is strangely one of the first things I ever recall eating/drinking. That, popcorn, mint julep candies, and fish, but I only remember the fish because I choked on a bone! That’s what I remember until I was 4. It was an babysitter who introduced me to the float. Haven’t had one in years, so I might have to do this next week. Thanks for posting! 🙂

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