National Root Beer Float Day: Celebrate on August 6
Every year on August 6th, soda lovers across the U.S. and beyond raise a frothy mug: it's National Root Beer Float Day—a sweet celebration of ice cream and root beer perfection. But where did this delicious tradition begin, and how can you join in the fun? Let’s dive in!
6/29/20252 min read
🏔️ Sweet Origins: The “Snow‑Capped Mountain” Moment
The classic root beer float is believed to have originated in 1893 in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Frank J. Wisner, a gold‑mine owner and tavern keeper, gazed upon the snow‑topped Cow Mountain. Inspired, he poured vanilla ice cream into his house‑brew root beer that evening—and voilà: the first “Black Cow Mountain” was born.
Originally dubbed the “Black Cow,” the name soon shortened to Black Cow, and later became widely known as the root beer float. Perfect at soda fountains and drugstore counters, this fizzy treat resembled beer, making it a hit during Prohibition (1920–33).
🎉 How It’s Celebrated Today
🍦 Classic Home‑Made Float
Scoop vanilla ice cream into a chilled glass.
Gently pour cold root beer over it.
Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Capture and share your creation with #RootBeerFloatDay
🍺 Restaurant & Chain Giveaways
A&W Restaurants often give away free small floats on August 6 (typically 2–8 pm), asking customers to show off a playful “Float Flex” by lifting the heavy float glass (~3 lb 5 oz)
The Float Flex Campaign encourages people to get in shape so that they can lift A7W's massive root beer float!
🎉 Community & Home Party Ideas
Host a float bar with different root beers (A&W, craft varieties) and ice cream flavors.
Organize fun contests like “tallest foam head” or “creative float combo.”
Pair floats with salty snacks—like pretzels or burgers—for a nostalgic diner vibe.
🧠Fun & Foam: Facts You Didn’t Know
Originally, root beer was brewed using sassafras (or sarsaparilla), prized for its medicinal flavor—but safrole was banned in 1960 due to health concerns, so now artificial flavoring is used.
The creamy foam forms because the fat in the ice cream traps CO₂ bubbles from the soda for that iconic froth.
The world’s largest root beer float was crafted in 2005 in Sheboygan, WI: over 2,562 gal of root beer and 1,425 gal of ice cream!
Known variations:
Brown Cow: same drink with chocolate ice cream.
Globally, similar floats include Japan’s melon soda float or the Philippines’ sago-based drinks.
🧩 Bringing It All Together
National Root Beer Float Day is more than a dessert holiday—it’s a nostalgic sip of Americana. From Frank Wisner’s gold‑mine epiphany to giant community floats, this creamy confection celebrates creativity, nostalgia, and summertime joy.
Whether you’re whipping one up at home, visiting A&W for freebies, or hosting a float‑themed bash, make sure you share your frothy masterpiece online using #RootBeerFloatDay. It’s a fun, sweet way to toast to a deliciously simple treat.
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