Root beer float – a beloved dessert drink that pairs the rich, spiced flavor of root beer with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream – has become a timeless treat. But when did this iconic drink first appear? The story of the root beer float involves a mix of invention, creativity, and the joy of bringing together two simple ingredients in a way that delighted generations of drinkers. To answer the question of when the root beer float was invented, we must dive into the history of root beer, the cultural environment of the time, and the people who are credited with creating this delightful beverage.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of root beer, the creation of the root beer float, and its journey to becoming the beloved American classic it is today.
The History of Root Beer
Before we can fully understand when the root beer float was invented, we need to explore the origins of root beer itself. Root beer is a soft drink made from various roots, herbs, and spices, and its creation dates back centuries.
The Origins of Root Beer in Indigenous Culture
Root beer’s earliest origins trace back to Native American tribes, who had been brewing beverages using various roots and herbs long before European settlers arrived in North America. The primary root used by these Indigenous peoples was sarsaparilla, a plant known for its sweet, earthy flavor. Many different indigenous groups, such as the Cherokee and Iroquois, used these roots and herbs for medicinal purposes and as flavoring in their beverages.
The early settlers, seeking to replicate these drinks, began experimenting with the ingredients available to them. It was the combination of these indigenous recipes with European brewing techniques that led to the creation of what we now recognize as root beer.
The 17th Century and the Early Development of Root Beer
The 17th century saw the first documented European attempts to make root beer, particularly in the New England colonies. These early settlers brewed root-based drinks by fermenting sarsaparilla, sassafras, and other herbs to create a fizzy, alcoholic beverage. These early root beers were often brewed as tonics with supposed medicinal properties, commonly used for curing ailments like colds, digestive issues, and fevers.
While this early root beer had alcoholic content, it was also often consumed as a refreshing beverage. By the 19th century, the process had evolved to the point where root beer was becoming widely popular.
Commercialization and the Rise of Bottled Root Beer
The commercialization of root beer began in earnest in the late 19th century. In 1876, Charles Hires, a pharmacist from Philadelphia, began selling a root beer concentrate that could be mixed with water and sugar to make the drink at home. Hires’ root beer gained rapid popularity due to its refreshing taste and perceived health benefits. By the early 20th century, bottled root beer was available in stores across the United States, marking the beginning of its widespread consumption.
The Invention of the Root Beer Float
Now that we have the context of root beer’s creation, let’s turn our attention to the invention of the root beer float. This classic American dessert drink is a combination of two ingredients: root beer and vanilla ice cream. But how did this refreshing and indulgent treat come to be?
The Evolution of Ice Cream and Root Beer Pairings
Before the root beer float came into existence, it was not uncommon for people to experiment with pairing ice cream and soda. The soda fountain craze, which began in the late 19th century, played a pivotal role in the birth of many iconic American beverages, including the root beer float.
The soda fountain was a popular place for socializing in the early 1900s. Here, patrons could enjoy ice cream sodas, sundaes, milkshakes, and floats, each offering a blend of sweet, creamy, and fizzy ingredients. Ice cream floats, which paired ice cream with various sodas, were already well-known by the time the root beer float was invented.
The Most Commonly Accepted Story of the Root Beer Float’s Creation
The story of the root beer float’s creation is widely attributed to Frank J. Wisner, the owner of the Cripple Creek Brewery in Colorado. Wisner is said to have invented the root beer float in 1893, when he was looking for a way to make his root beer more appealing to his customers. On a particularly hot day, Wisner reportedly ran out of ice for his root beer and decided to substitute it with vanilla ice cream. The combination was a hit, and it didn’t take long before Wisner began selling the concoction in his brewery. He even gave the drink a catchy name, calling it the “Black Cow,” a nod to the black color of the root beer and the “cow” representing the dairy product of the ice cream.
The exact details of Wisner’s creation are not entirely clear, but the tale of him inventing the root beer float in Cripple Creek is widely accepted as the most credible origin story.
The Spread of the Root Beer Float Across America
Wisner’s invention of the root beer float quickly gained popularity, and soon other soda fountains began offering their own versions of the drink. The combination of fizzy root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream proved to be irresistible to Americans, and the root beer float became a common feature on menus across the country. By the early 20th century, the root beer float was firmly entrenched in American pop culture as a classic and nostalgic treat.
The “Black Cow” vs. Other Names
Interestingly, the root beer float was initially referred to by different names in different parts of the country. As mentioned earlier, Frank Wisner called his creation the “Black Cow,” but other names for the drink emerged, including “Root Beer Float” and “Ice Cream Soda.” In some regions, people even referred to the drink as a “Brown Cow,” drawing a parallel with the similar float made with cola. Despite these variations, the name “Root Beer Float” eventually became the most widely accepted and enduring term for the drink.
The Cultural Impact of the Root Beer Float
The root beer float didn’t just become a popular drink; it became a symbol of Americana. The treat embodies the playful, carefree spirit of American culture, and its widespread popularity in the 20th century made it an enduring classic.
Root Beer Floats in American Pop Culture
Throughout the 20th century, the root beer float appeared in films, advertisements, and songs, further solidifying its status as an iconic American dessert. It became associated with summer barbecues, trips to the local soda fountain, and nostalgic memories of childhood. The root beer float was more than just a drink – it was a symbol of carefree enjoyment.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of drive-in restaurants and fast food chains helped popularize the root beer float even further. Customers could pull up to a window and enjoy a root beer float in their car, making it the ultimate in convenience and indulgence. Even today, root beer floats are often enjoyed as a nostalgic treat, with many Americans continuing to make the drink a part of their summer traditions.
The Root Beer Float in Modern Times
Although the root beer float is often viewed as a nostalgic relic, it has continued to evolve in modern times. Variations of the drink have emerged, with some people experimenting with different types of ice cream, root beer, and even adding toppings like whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles. The root beer float has transcended its origins, inspiring many to create new versions and keeping it relevant for newer generations.
Root beer float festivals, pop-up events, and new product lines have also ensured that this classic treat continues to capture the hearts of people worldwide. The timeless appeal of the root beer float lies in its simplicity and its ability to combine two universally loved ingredients into something truly special.
Conclusion
So, when was the root beer float invented? While there are various theories, the most widely accepted story is that Frank J. Wisner of the Cripple Creek Brewery created the root beer float in 1893. Whether Wisner’s creation was entirely by accident or part of a larger plan to innovate, the root beer float quickly became an iconic American treat. Its rise to fame coincided with the growth of the soda fountain culture, and it became a staple of American pop culture.
Root beer floats have remained a beloved treat for more than a century, evolving along with American culture. Today, they are as popular as ever, serving as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times while also being a delicious indulgence for new generations to enjoy.
From its humble beginnings in a small Colorado town to its place in the hearts of millions worldwide, the root beer float continues to stand the test of time. It may have been invented more than a century ago, but its legacy as a symbol of summer, fun, and delicious indulgence will undoubtedly continue for years to come.
You Might Be Interested In:
