Creamy Root Beer Cocktail

This creamy root beer cocktail is the adult version of a root beer float. It’s got the best root beer flavor with a hint of creaminess from the whipped vodka and a slightly cinnamon taste from the Rumchata.

If you’re looking for another dessert cocktail, try this creamy espresso martini, dairy-free eggnog spiked with brandy, or a pumpkin spice white Russian next time.

You’d think this would be one of those cocktails you save for special occasions with friends on the weekends. Nope, I casually drink this on Tuesdays after work. Because it’s just so tasty.

The dark rum and root beer are the perfect match because they’re both sweet with notes of vanilla and have slightly spicy undertones. They both have a smooth, velvety taste. And the splash of heavy cream and rumchata add the creaminess you’d get from the scoop of vanilla ice cream, plus a hint of cinnamon flavor. I love it when new recipes turn into instant favorites!

If you love creamy, sweet cold drinks but don’t love alcohol, give this cake batter protein shake, iced caramel latte, or mocha coconut iced coffee a try. Sip sip hooray!

Inspiration for this Root Beer Cocktail

The idea for this drink came about when Not Your Father’s Root Beer blew up. I’ve always been a fan of root beer, so when I realized my taste buds could enjoy this classic soda as an adult drink, I was pumped to say the least. 

The wheels started turning. Why not take a classic ice cream drink for a hot summer day and turn it into a dessert cocktail for the next party or relaxing night in? I think it’s probably the most nostalgic drink recipe I’ve ever had. The end result was much better than either of us expected it would be. We were actually at a wedding and introduced this to everyone and they thought it was the wedding drink special! No big deal.

So I thought it was only right to share it with all of you! Something this good should not be kept a secret. I hope you enjoy this drink as much as we do! And if you’re not a drinker, maybe this will inspire you to have a classic root beer float!

Why this Root Beer Cocktail Recipe Works 

There are so many reasons to love this root beer float cocktail. Here are just a few:

• Easy recipe: It comes together in 5 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
• Nostalgic: It’s the grown-up twist on a classic root beer float. You’ll be taken right back to your childhood!
• Bold flavor: Root beer and dark rum both have sweet and slightly spicy undertones.

How to Make a Root Beer Cocktail

Here are the basic steps, with images, for this root beer cocktail. Skip down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.

1. Prepare glass. 

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice cubes. Pour in the root beer and spiced rum and stir to combine.

2. Add cream and rumchata.

Top it off with rumchata and a splash of heavy cream if desired. 

3. Stir and serve.

Taste and add more rum, root beer, or cream to taste. Serve right away.

Recipe Variations

• You can use any brand of root beer for this cocktail. Not Your Father’s Root Beer will give you even more alcohol percentage. Olipop root beer, Diet root beer, or cream soda also work for this recipe.
• Try pinnacle whipped vodka instead of spiced rum for vodka root beer floats.
• If you really want to make this a treat, replace the heavy cream for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream for an adult root beer float
• Swap the rumchata for coffee liqueur (Kahlua) and heavy cream.
• Batch it. Make a larger batch of this by doubling or tripling the recipe and waiting to pour it over ice when you’re ready to serve.
• Make it a mocktail. Omit the spiced rum and rumchata and add heavy cream and vanilla extract. For the spiced flavor, you could use cinnamon dolce coffee creamer instead of heavy cream or make a quick simple syrup with equal parts water and sugar simmered with cinnamon sticks and cloves.