Bacardi Rootbeer Float

The Bacardi Rootbeer Float is exactly what it sounds like: a boozy take on a classic soda shop treat. This is a low-effort, high-nostalgia drink, perfect for those who want something sweet, fizzy, and just strong enough to notice. It’s a casual crowd-pleaser, often ordered by folks looking for a simple, comforting drink that reminds them of childhood, but with an adult kick. You won’t find this on a serious craft menu, but it’s a solid choice for a laid-back gathering.

Bacardi Rootbeer Float

4.25 from 8 votes

Calories: 88kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Part(s) Vanilla Rum
▢ 2 Part(s) Root Beer

Instructions

▢
Combine and mix together the rum and root beer in a beer mug. Add ice if desired. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 88kcal (4%)

Where it came from

The root beer float itself is a classic American invention, dating back to the late 19th century. Adding spirits to soda is a natural progression, and while there’s no official ‘inventor’ or specific origin story for the Bacardi Rootbeer Float, it’s safe to say this is a modern, casual creation. It likely emerged from home bars or neighborhood pubs where bartenders experimented with popular flavors, turning a nostalgic treat into an easy adult beverage.

This drink falls squarely into the highball category: a spirit mixed with a non-alcoholic mixer, often carbonated. It shares DNA with simple two-ingredient drinks like a Rum and Coke or a Gin and Tonic. What sets the Bacardi Rootbeer Float apart is its specific flavor profile, leaning into the sweet, spicy, and creamy notes of root beer combined with the distinct vanilla character of the rum, creating a unique, dessert-like experience.

You’d typically find this drink in casual settings. Think backyard barbecues, a friend’s house party, or maybe a relaxed sports bar that caters to a broad crowd. It’s not a cocktail bar staple, but it’s a reliable option for a Friday night in, or for a themed diner where fun and nostalgia are part of the appeal. It’s a low-fuss, high-satisfaction drink for when you’re not trying to impress, just enjoy.

What it tastes like

On the palate, the Bacardi Rootbeer Float delivers an immediate wave of sweet vanilla from the rum, quickly followed by the distinct, complex spice of the root beer. You get notes of sassafras, wintergreen, and often a hint of caramel or licorice. The carbonation provides a pleasant effervescence throughout. The finish is sweet and slightly boozy, leaving a lingering, creamy root beer aftertaste that's both comforting and refreshing.

With one part vanilla rum at typically 40% ABV and two parts non-alcoholic root beer, this drink comes in at approximately 13.3% ABV. That makes it significantly stronger than most standard beers, which average around 5% ABV. However, it’s generally lighter than many spirit-forward cocktails, which can easily hit 20-25% ABV or higher. It’s a medium-strength drink that’s easy to sip, but still packs a noticeable punch.

The technique

Building this drink is straightforward. Start by pouring the vanilla rum into your chosen glass, preferably a chilled beer mug or a highball. Next, slowly add the root beer. Pouring it gently helps preserve the carbonation and prevents excessive foaming. Give it a brief, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Add a good amount of ice if desired, then serve immediately.

The most important technique for this simple drink is to maintain carbonation. When combining the ingredients, pour the root beer slowly and directly onto the rum or ice, if using. Avoid aggressive stirring or pouring from a height, as this will agitate the carbonation and make the drink go flat quickly. A flat root beer float loses much of its intended character and effervescence, becoming a less enjoyable, syrupy drink.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Vanilla Rum

Use: Bacardi Vanilla is the obvious choice here, offering a clean rum base with clear vanilla notes. Captain Morgan Vanilla Spiced Rum also works, though it adds a slightly different spice profile. For a lighter touch, Malibu Vanilla is an option, but note its lower ABV.
Skip: Plain white rum or unflavored light rum will lack the crucial vanilla essence, making the drink taste like a generic rum and root beer. Spiced rums that don’t have a strong vanilla component can clash with the root beer’s inherent flavors.
Why: The vanilla rum is load-bearing because it provides the sweet, aromatic vanilla core that marries so well with root beer, mimicking the creamy aspect of a traditional float. It also delivers the alcoholic kick, turning a soda into a cocktail.

Root Beer

Use: A quality root beer makes all the difference. Brands like A&W, Barq’s, Sprecher, or Boylan’s all offer distinct and robust flavors. Choose one you enjoy drinking on its own, as its profile will dominate the drink.
Skip: Diet root beer is a hard pass. The artificial sweeteners often leave an unpleasant aftertaste that detracts from the nostalgic, sweet experience. Cheap, generic root beers might also lack the depth of flavor needed.
Why: Root beer is the defining ingredient. It provides the unique sassafras, wintergreen, and spice notes, the carbonation, and the overall ‘float’ character. Without good root beer, it’s just rum and a brown soda, losing its identity.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Dark Rum Float

Deeper, richer flavor profile: Swap vanilla rum for a dark or aged rum. This introduces notes of molasses, caramel, and oak, adding more complexity and a less overtly sweet character to the drink.

Cream Soda Float

Sweet, creamy, and less spicy: Substitute root beer with cream soda. This variation maintains the sweet, nostalgic fizz but trades the root beer’s spice for a smoother, more pronounced vanilla-caramel flavor profile.

Ice Cream Float

The ultimate dessert drink: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the finished drink. The melting ice cream creates a frothy, creamy head and further enhances the dessert-like quality, making it a true adult float.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Vanilla Rum?

Use a good quality light rum and add a dash or two of vanilla extract. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will bring the necessary vanilla notes.

No Root Beer?

Try cream soda or Dr. Pepper for a similar sweet, fizzy, and somewhat spiced soda vibe. The flavor profile will shift, but the highball concept remains.

No Beer Mug?

Any tall glass will work. A standard highball glass or even a large tumbler will serve the purpose just fine.

No Ice?

While not ideal for chilling, you can serve it without ice. Just make sure both your rum and root beer are thoroughly pre-chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Bacardi Rootbeer Float?

A Bacardi Rootbeer Float typically contains vanilla rum and root beer, often served over ice in a beer mug.

What kind of rum should I use?

Vanilla rum is specified, with Bacardi Vanilla being a popular choice. You can experiment with other vanilla-flavored rums or even a good light rum with a splash of vanilla extract.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes, simply omit the rum. You’ll have a classic non-alcoholic root beer float, especially if you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Is it a strong drink?

At around 13.3% ABV, it’s stronger than a typical beer but generally less potent than many spirit-forward cocktails. It’s a moderate-strength, easy-drinking cocktail.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve it chilled in a beer mug or highball glass, with ice if desired. A gentle stir is recommended to keep the carbonation intact.

Can I add ice cream to it?

Absolutely. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a true boozy root beer float, enhancing the creaminess and dessert appeal.

What does a Bacardi Rootbeer Float taste like?

It tastes like a sweet, fizzy root beer with prominent vanilla notes and a noticeable, warming rum kick. It’s nostalgic, sweet, and refreshing.

Why is it called a ‘float’?

The term ‘float’ comes from the traditional root beer float, where a scoop of ice cream floats on top of the soda. While this recipe doesn’t include ice cream, the name carries over due to the root beer base and the dessert-like quality.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read