Some summer treats don’t need to be reinvented. A cold glass of lemonade, a scoop of ice cream on a hot afternoon, and, of course, a root beer float all have a way of bringing the season with them. There’s something especially satisfying about watching vanilla ice cream hit a fizzy glass of root beer, creating that familiar layer of foam before the two slowly come together. If you’re checking out restaurants in Portsmouth this summer, it may be worth saving a little room for one of the most nostalgic desserts around. But how did this simple combination become such a beloved American classic? We’re here to answer a few of your questions.
From Soda Fountains to Summer Tradition
The story of the root beer float goes back to the late 1800s, when root beer itself was becoming a popular American soft drink. Soda fountains were also taking off around the same time, giving people new places to gather and enjoy all kinds of cold, sweet drinks.
The most widely told story of the root beer float begins in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1893. Frank J. Wisner, who was producing soda, reportedly looked out at the snow-covered Cow Mountain one evening and had an idea. The white peaks reminded him of vanilla ice cream floating in a dark glass of root beer. The following day, he put the idea to the test by adding vanilla ice cream to his root beer.
The result became known as the “Black Cow Mountain,” later shortened to “Black Cow.” Whether every detail of the story has been preserved perfectly over the years or not, the combination clearly has staying power. What started as an experiment eventually became a familiar treat enjoyed across the country.
Why the Combination Works
A root beer float may be simple, but there’s a reason those two ingredients have remained such a good match. Root beer has a bold, sweet flavor with notes of herbs, spices, and vanilla, while vanilla ice cream brings a cool, creamy richness that softens the intensity of the soda.
Then there’s the texture. The carbonation gives the float some fizz, while the melting ice cream creates a creamy layer that changes with every sip. One minute you’re scooping up a little ice cream, and the next you’re drinking a frothy mixture that tastes completely different from either ingredient on its own.
The Summer Appeal
There is also something about a root beer float that feels wonderfully uncomplicated. You don’t need a special occasion or an elaborate dessert to enjoy one. It works after a long summer day, alongside a casual meal, or simply because something cold and sweet sounds good.
For restaurants in Portsmouth, having a classic treat like this on the menu can be a fun way to end a meal without overthinking dessert. Sometimes the familiar choice is exactly the one you want.
Our Take on a Classic
At Dough Craft Pizza & Pastrami, we keep our root beer float simple and let the classic combination do what it does best. Our float comes with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and a bottle of Boylan Root Beer, giving you that creamy, fizzy combination right at the table.
Boylan brings its distinctive old-fashioned root beer flavor, while the vanilla ice cream adds just the right amount of richness. Pour it together, watch the foam rise, grab a spoon, and enjoy it however you like.
Make Your Summer a Little Sweeter at Dough Craft Pizza & Pastrami!
This summer, make your next visit a little sweeter with our root beer float and see why we’re one of the restaurants in Portsmouth worth visiting when a classic summer treat sounds exactly right! Or, in the mood for something more savory? Check out our full menu online and discover your next favorite dish!
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