Amaretto Root Beer Float

The Amaretto Root Beer Float is a nostalgic dessert drink with a grown-up twist. This creamy boozy ice cream float combines vanilla ice cream, root beer, and amaretto to create a rich, fizzy treat that’s ready in just minutes. If you’re looking for an easy root beer float with amaretto, you’ll also find a delicious Coke amaretto float variation below.

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Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Summer always brings back memories of simple desserts that didn’t require turning on the oven. Ice cream sandwiches, frozen pops, milkshakes, and of course, classic floats somehow taste even better on a hot afternoon. They’re nostalgic, refreshing, and wonderfully uncomplicated.

Lately I’ve also been enjoying giving some of those retro favourites a subtle grown-up twist. Sometimes all it takes is a splash of the right liqueur to transform a familiar dessert into something that feels a little more sophisticated without losing its original charm. That’s exactly what happens with this amaretto root beer float. The nutty almond notes of amaretto blend beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream and the spicy sweetness of root beer, creating what might be one of my favourite boozy floats so far.

What Is a Root Beer Float?

A traditional root beer float is one of North America’s most recognizable dessert drinks. It’s simply made by combining chilled root beer with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a creamy, frothy treat that’s both a beverage and a dessert.

This root beer float with amaretto stays true to that classic idea while adding a splash of almond liqueur. The result is a richer, more complex adult root beer float that still feels every bit as comforting and nostalgic as the original.

What Is Root Beer?

Despite its name, root beer is usually a non-alcoholic carbonated soft drink. Traditionally, its flavour came from roots, bark, herbs, and spices, while modern versions often lean into vanilla, wintergreen, caramel, and warm botanical notes.

The exact flavour varies considerably by brand. Some root beers taste creamy and vanilla-forward, while others are darker, sharper, or more herbal. Any style can work in this amaretto root beer float, although I particularly like a balanced root beer that is aromatic without being overly sweet.

Because root beer already contains vanilla, spice, and caramel-like notes, it creates an excellent base for a root beer float with amaretto. The almond flavour fits naturally into the drink rather than tasting like an unrelated addition.

How Is This Root Beer Float with Amaretto Different?

Unlike many alcoholic floats that completely reinvent the original drink, this amaretto root beer float simply builds on everything that already works. The goal isn’t to overpower the classic combination but to enhance it.

A Modern Twist on a Classic

The original root beer float has remained popular for generations because the combination is already close to perfect. Creamy vanilla ice cream softens the bubbles while root beer provides sweetness, spice, and plenty of nostalgic flavour.

Adding amaretto creates a more refined version without making it complicated. This root beer float with amaretto still tastes unmistakably like the classic dessert, but the almond liqueur brings additional depth and warmth.

An Adult Dessert Without Losing the Nostalgia

Many cocktails replace the original character of a favourite dessert. This alcoholic root beer float does the opposite.

The amaretto is there to complement the vanilla ice cream rather than dominate it. Even a small amount turns the float into an elegant dessert drink, while adding a little more creates a richer, more pronounced almond flavour. I personally used a bit more than the recipe below, but it’s easy to adjust the amount to your own taste.

Flavour Profile: Does Amaretto Go with Root Beer?

Absolutely – and surprisingly well.

Amaretto naturally complements several flavours already found in a traditional root beer float.

• Vanilla from the ice cream pairs beautifully with almond.
• Caramel notes in both the soda and the liqueur reinforce one another.
• Root beer spices become slightly softer and more rounded.
• Nutty sweetness adds complexity without making the drink taste heavy.

I also loved finishing my ice cream root beer amaretto float with a few maraschino cherries and a small drizzle of cherry liqueur. If you don’t have cherry liqueur, a spoonful of maraschino cherry syrup works wonderfully, too. The cherry notes fit naturally with both the almond liqueur and the vanilla ice cream, making this ice cream float with almond liqueur taste even more like a classic dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Boozy Amaretto Root Beer Float

You only need three main ingredients for this boozy root beer float with almond liqueur, plus a few optional additions.

• Root beer. Use your favourite brand and chill it thoroughly before assembling the float. A cold soda creates better contrast with the ice cream and helps it melt more slowly.
• Vanilla ice cream. A classic vanilla ice cream is ideal because it complements both the root beer and the amaretto without competing with them. I used a generous amount because I prefer a thick, creamy root beer ice cream float.
• Amaretto. This sweet almond liqueur transforms the traditional float into an adult root beer float. Start with a small amount, then adjust it to taste. I used more than the basic proportion because I wanted a more noticeable amaretto flavour.
• Maraschino cherries. These are optional, but they work beautifully with the almond, vanilla, and caramel notes in this amaretto float.
• Cherry liqueur or cherry syrup. A small drizzle over the ice cream adds another layer of flavour. Cherry liqueur makes the alcoholic root beer float slightly more complex, while maraschino syrup keeps it sweeter and lighter.

This combination creates an ice cream float with almond liqueur that feels familiar, playful, and a little more polished than the classic version.

How to Make an Amaretto Root Beer Float

Making this amaretto ice cream root beer float could not be simpler, but the order of the ingredients makes a difference.

Add the amaretto to your serving glass, then slowly pour in the chilled root beer. Finally, add one or two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. The soda will foam as the ice cream is added, so work gradually if you’re using a shorter glass.

Finish the root beer float with amaretto with a few maraschino cherries. For an extra flavour layer, drizzle a little cherry liqueur or maraschino syrup over the top.

Serve the boozy ice cream float immediately while it is still cold, fizzy, and creamy.

Can I Make This Amaretto Ice Cream Float with Coke?

Absolutely! A Coke amaretto float is an easy variation that uses the same method but offers a slightly different flavour profile.

• Flavour. A Coke amaretto float is smoother and more caramel-forward than a root beer float with amaretto.
• Less herbal. Since Coke lacks root beer’s botanical spices, the almond flavour of the amaretto stands out more.
• Use the same method. Add the amaretto to the glass, pour in the chilled Coke, then finish with vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish. Maraschino cherries and a drizzle of cherry liqueur or maraschino syrup pair just as well with an amaretto Coke float.
• Which is better? If you enjoy classic root beer, I recommend the original amaretto root beer float. If you’re a cola fan, the Coke version is every bit as delicious.

I Don’t Have Amaretto. Can I Skip It or Use Another Liqueur?

While amaretto gives this boozy root beer float its signature flavour, you can easily make other delicious versions using a different liqueur – or simply enjoy a classic float without alcohol.

• Skip the alcohol. Omit the amaretto for a traditional root beer float made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.
• Cherry liqueur. My favourite alternative. It pairs beautifully with both root beer and Coke, especially when garnished with maraschino cherries.
• Coffee liqueur. Creates a richer, slightly roasted flavour that works well in an adult root beer float.
• Frangelico. This hazelnut liqueur is a wonderful substitute if you’re looking for another ice cream float with a nut liqueur.
• Dark rum or bourbon. Both add warm caramel and vanilla notes that complement a root beer float with alcohol.

Whichever variation you choose, start with a small amount of liqueur and adjust it to your taste. The goal is to enhance the vanilla ice cream and soda rather than overpower them.

Tips for the Best Amaretto Root Beer Float

This boozy root beer float with amaretto comes together in just a few minutes, but these simple tips will help you achieve the best flavour and texture.

• Chill the soda well. Cold root beer (or Coke) keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and creates a creamier float.
• Use plenty of ice cream. I prefer a generous scoop—or even two—for a thicker, richer root beer ice cream float.
• Add the ingredients in this order. I like to pour the amaretto into the glass first, followed by the root beer, then gently add the ice cream. This method works particularly well in shorter glasses like the ones I used.
• Pour the soda slowly. Root beer foams quickly, so add it gradually to avoid overflowing the glass.
• Adjust the amaretto to taste. The recipe provides a starting point, but I personally used a little more for a more pronounced almond flavour.
• Serve immediately. Like any vanilla ice cream float, this dessert is best enjoyed while it’s cold, fizzy, and creamy.

More Boozy Floats and Dessert Drinks to Try

If you enjoyed this amaretto root beer float, here are a few more refreshing dessert drinks and boozy floats to add to your summer menu:

• Orange Creamsicle Float with Triple Sec
• Rose Affogato with Amaretto – Easy Floral Espresso Dessert
• Spiked Orange Cream Soda with Triple Sec
• Rhubarb Ice Cream Float – Creamy Summer Treat
• Rose Cream Soda with Homemade Rose Petal Jam
• Homemade Rhubarb Cream Soda with Vanilla

I’d love for you to try this ice cream float with root beer and amaretto. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!