There’s something magical about the creamy vanilla ice cream meeting bubbly root beer—it instantly brings me back to carefree summer afternoons.
These Root Beer Float Popsicles capture that nostalgic flavor combo in a frozen treat that’s incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, this recipe brings a sweet smile with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No oven or stove needed – Just mix, pour, and freeze.
Two classic ingredients – That’s it! No fuss, no stress.
Childhood nostalgia – Tastes just like a root beer float.
Fun to make with kids – A great summer activity.
Great for parties – Simple to prep ahead and serve later.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Vanilla ice cream – Softened just a bit to scoop easily.
A&W® Root Beer – Classic, fizzy, and the star of the show.
Popsicle molds & sticks – For freezing and easy serving.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Let the ice cream sit out for 5–10 minutes to soften—it’ll be easier to scoop.
Fill slowly – The root beer foams a lot! Let the bubbles settle before topping off.
Use quality root beer – A&W works perfectly, but any classic brand is fine.
Don’t overfill – Leave just a tiny bit of room at the top for expansion.
Freeze overnight – This ensures they’re solid and easy to remove.
How to Make Root Beer Float Popsicles
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream
Let your vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes until it’s just slightly melted.
Step 2: Add to Molds
Scoop the softened ice cream into each popsicle mold, filling about one-third to halfway.
Step 3: Pour in the Root Beer
Slowly pour A&W Root Beer into each mold.
Let the foam settle, then continue filling until each mold is full to the top.
Step 4: Add Sticks and Freeze
Cover the mold with the lid and insert popsicle sticks.
Transfer to the freezer and freeze overnight.
Step 5: Release and Serve
To remove, run warm water over the outside of the mold for 20–30 seconds.
Gently pull out the popsicles and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Backyard BBQ meals like burgers or hot dogs
Grilled corn or watermelon slices
Summery picnic baskets
Chocolate chip cookies or brownies
A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade for contrast
Variations / Substitutions
Different sodas – Try cola, cream soda, or orange soda for fun twists.
Dairy-free – Use coconut-based vanilla ice cream for a vegan-friendly treat.
Mini molds – Great for younger kids or small-batch freezing.
Add-ins – Drop in crushed cookies or a swirl of caramel for texture.
Float on a stick – Add a touch of whipped cream to the mold before freezing for an authentic float experience.
Storage & Leftovers
Freeze time – Freeze at least 6–8 hours, but overnight is best.
Storage – Keep popsicles in the mold or transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 weeks.
Stick issues? – If sticks float up, freeze for 30 minutes before inserting them.
Serving tip – Let sit at room temp for 1 minute before pulling out of mold.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of root beer?
Yes, any brand will work, but A&W gives the most classic float taste.
Do I need to soften the ice cream first?
Yes, it makes it much easier to scoop and settle into the mold.
Why does the root beer foam so much?
Carbonation plus ice cream creates foam—just pour slowly and let it settle.
Can I use ice cream alternatives?
Definitely! Use oat milk, coconut milk, or soy-based ice creams for dairy-free versions.
How long do they need to freeze?
At least 6–8 hours, but overnight is ideal for fully set pops.
Can I reuse popsicle molds?
Absolutely! Wash thoroughly and reuse for endless popsicle creations.
What if I don’t have molds?
Use small paper cups with foil lids—poke sticks through the foil to hold them in place.
Final Thoughts
These Root Beer Float Popsicles are everything I love about summer in frozen form.
They’re simple, sweet, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re cooling off on a hot afternoon or treating the kids to something special, these pops bring pure joy with every icy bite.
Root Beer Float Popsicles
Ingredients
- 15 ounces A&W® Root Beer
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Fill each popsicle mold about one-third to halfway with the softened ice cream.
- Slowly pour in A&W Root Beer.
- Let the foam settle, then top off each mold until full.
- Cover the mold, insert sticks, and freeze overnight.
- To release, run lukewarm water over the mold and gently remove the popsicles.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/root-beer-float-popsicles/
Notes
- Variation: Use other types of root beer or flavored sodas for a different taste.
- For Extra Fun: Try adding some mini marshmallows or chocolate chips into the mold before freezing for extra texture.
