Root beer floats have been a beloved American treat for over a century, combining the fizzy, spiced sweetness of root beer with the creamy smoothness of vanilla ice cream. But who exactly invented this delicious dessert? How did the root beer float become the iconic summertime indulgence we know and love today? The story behind the creation of root beer floats is as bubbly and flavorful as the drink itself, steeped in folklore, tradition, and innovation.
The Origins of Root Beer: A Tradition of Healing
Before we delve into the invention of the root beer float itself, it’s essential to understand the history of root beer. The origins of root beer trace back to the indigenous peoples of North America, who brewed a variety of herbal beverages from roots, herbs, and spices for medicinal purposes. One of the primary ingredients was sassafras, a plant known for its aromatic properties and believed to have various healing qualities.
Root beer, as we know it today, evolved from these early concoctions, becoming a popular beverage in the 19th century. Early recipes for root beer were often home-brewed and included a mixture of roots such as sassafras, wintergreen, and vanilla, along with sugar and yeast. The drink was initially sold as a medicinal tonic but gradually transformed into a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed by people of all ages.
By the late 1800s, root beer had become a staple in American soda shops and apothecaries, and it was being mass-produced by companies like A&W, Hires, and Barq’s. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that root beer was paired with ice cream, creating the beloved root beer float.
Who Invented the Root Beer Float?
The invention of the root beer float is often attributed to a couple of individuals, but the most widely accepted story points to Frank J. Wisner, the owner of the Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Colorado.
Frank J. Wisner: The Man Behind the Creation
Frank J. Wisner is credited with inventing the root beer float in 1893. According to popular legend, Wisner was inspired to create the drink on a particularly hot summer day. He was experimenting with ways to serve his root beer in a more exciting way when he noticed his ice cream supplier had just delivered a fresh batch of vanilla ice cream. Wisner had an idea: why not combine his root beer with the ice cream to create a creamy, fizzy concoction that would be both refreshing and indulgent?
It is said that Wisner was inspired by the white foam that appeared on top of his root beer when mixed with ice cream. He reportedly called the drink “Black Cow” because of the contrasting colors of the root beer and the ice cream. Later, the name evolved to “root beer float” due to the way the ice cream floated on top of the soda.
Although the root beer float was first popularized by Wisner, the combination of root beer and ice cream was not entirely new. In fact, root beer had been served with ice cream in other parts of the country before, but Wisner’s creation in 1893 is widely regarded as the first modern version of the float.
The Debate Over the First Root Beer Float
While Wisner’s name is most closely associated with the creation of the root beer float, there are other claims to the invention as well. For instance, some say that a similar drink was invented by a man named Robert McCay Green, who was a pharmacist and the owner of the Philadelphia-based Green’s Root Beer. In 1874, Green supposedly mixed his root beer with vanilla ice cream at the suggestion of a customer and served it as a treat at his soda fountain. This claim, however, is not as widely supported as Wisner’s story.
Another possible origin story comes from the town of Coney Island, New York. In this version, a man named George H. Hale, a soda fountain proprietor, is said to have invented the root beer float around the same time that Wisner was creating his version in Colorado. Hale reportedly added vanilla ice cream to his root beer to create a drink similar to the one Wisner had been making. However, there is no solid evidence to support Hale’s claim, and Wisner’s story remains the most widely accepted.
The Root Beer Float Becomes a National Sensation
After its invention in 1893, the root beer float quickly gained popularity. Wisner’s Cripple Creek Brewing Company began selling the drink at soda fountains and local restaurants, and it became a hit with customers. The root beer float’s combination of rich vanilla ice cream and the bubbly effervescence of root beer made it an instant favorite. It was especially popular in the summertime, when people flocked to soda fountains to cool off with a refreshing treat.
The root beer float’s popularity soared in the early 20th century, helped by the rise of national soda brands like A&W and Barq’s. As these companies expanded across the United States, the root beer float became more widely available, and its appeal grew even further. By the 1920s, the root beer float had cemented itself as a classic American dessert.
How Root Beer Floats Became a Staple of American Culture
The root beer float was more than just a delicious drink; it became a symbol of American soda fountain culture. During the early 1900s, soda fountains were gathering places for people of all ages, where they could socialize and enjoy a variety of sweet treats. The root beer float, along with other soda fountain drinks like sundaes and milkshakes, became a hallmark of this era.
In the 1930s and 1940s, root beer floats were served in diners and drive-ins across the country. As the automobile became more widespread, drive-in restaurants offered a convenient way for families to enjoy ice cream floats without even having to leave their cars. This trend continued well into the 1950s, when the root beer float became a popular treat for teenagers and young adults.
The root beer float was also embraced by American pop culture. It appeared in movies, advertisements, and TV shows, reinforcing its place in American life. It was depicted as a fun, carefree treat, enjoyed by families at home or while out on a date.
The Root Beer Float Today: A Timeless Treat
While the root beer float remains popular today, its appeal has expanded beyond the traditional vanilla ice cream and root beer combination. Modern variations of the root beer float include different flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate or coffee, and even craft root beers that add a new twist to the classic drink. Some people have even experimented with adding alcohol to the float, creating “boozy” versions that are perfect for adult gatherings.
In addition to the traditional soda fountain or diner, root beer floats can now be found at ice cream parlors, fast food chains, and even as a novelty item at major theme parks. Whether served in a tall glass or in a fancy mug, the root beer float continues to be a treat that brings people together and evokes feelings of nostalgia for simpler times.
Conclusion
The root beer float has come a long way since its invention in 1893, and its place in American culture remains firmly cemented. While Frank J. Wisner is most often credited with creating this iconic dessert, there are multiple stories surrounding its origin. What is certain, however, is that the root beer float has become an enduring symbol of American ingenuity and the joy of simple pleasures.
Today, it continues to be a sweet reminder of summer days, family gatherings, and the timeless joy of enjoying a cold, frothy treat on a warm afternoon. Whether you’re enjoying it at a retro diner, a modern ice cream parlor, or making it at home, the root beer float is a classic that will never lose its appeal.
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