This grown-up spin on a childhood favorite has been my go-to for easy entertaining and late-summer nights on the porch. I first discovered the idea for an alcoholic root beer float at a backyard barbecue when a friend poured a shot of peanut butter whiskey into her soda just to see what would happen. The creamy rush of vanilla ice cream calmed the whiskey's warmth and the root beer's effervescence made everything sing. From the first spoonful, it was a revelation: silky, sweet, nutty, and fizzy all at once.

I started making these for small gatherings and for quiet evenings when I wanted something playful but unmistakably adult. It only takes a few minutes to build one and the visual drama of froth and drizzled peanut butter always draws a crowd. The texture is important here—soft-serve glossiness, the gentle fizz, and the crunchy peanuts on top. This version highlights Skrewball peanut butter whiskey for its bold peanut flavor, but I include substitution notes below if you prefer other spirits. Serve in a tall glass, invite a friend, and expect delighted smiles.

Ingredients

• Root beer: 4 to 6 fluid ounces of a full-bodied root beer such as A&W or Dad's; choose a brand with a rich, vanilla-forward profile so it pairs well with ice cream and peanut flavors.
• Skrewball peanut butter whiskey: 1.5 fluid ounces (one shot). This spirit brings a pronounced peanut butter character; if unavailable, use another flavored whiskey or peanut-infused liqueur.
• Vanilla ice cream: 2 scoops, about 1 cup. Use a high-quality, full-fat vanilla for the best mouthfeel; brands with real vanilla bean or French vanilla add depth.
• Whipped cream: A dollop to finish. Fresh homemade whipped cream or a quality aerosol cream both work; the airy cream contrasts with the fizzy soda.
• Peanut butter: 1 to 2 tablespoons, warmed until pourable. Smooth peanut butter warms quickly in short bursts in the microwave or by stirring over warm water.
• Crushed peanuts: 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts for texture and a salty counterpoint to the sweet elements.

Instructions

Chill the glass: Place a large soda or milkshake glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before building the float. A chilled glass keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and helps maintain carbonation. If short on time, fill the glass with ice water for a minute and discard before assembling. Pour the root beer: Slowly pour 4 to 6 fluid ounces of root beer down the side of the glass to preserve fizz. Pouring at an angle reduces foam overflow; stop when the liquid reaches about two-thirds of the glass to allow room for ice cream and froth. Add the whiskey: Measure and add 1.5 fluid ounces of Skrewball peanut butter whiskey directly into the root beer. The alcohol will mingle with the soda; use a jigger for accuracy. If serving several, reduce the spirit slightly to minimize overflow when the ice cream is added. Spoon in the ice cream: Use a spring-loaded scoop to add 1 or 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream. Gently lower each scoop into the glass rather than dropping it from a height to keep the foam manageable. The ice cream will sit on top and create a creamy head; watch that the glass does not overflow. Finish with toppings: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Warm 1 to 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter until pourable and drizzle over the cream. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw so guests can enjoy both the froth and the creamy base.

Storage Tips

Because the components are perishable and the soda will lose carbonation, floats should be consumed immediately. Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for best texture. Prepared whipped cream should be used within 24 hours if homemade, or kept according to the product instructions for canned varieties. Pre-measure whiskey into small sealed bottles or jiggers when planning multiple servings to speed assembly at parties. If you must hold a partially assembled float, place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator and expect some loss of texture within 30 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Skrewball is not available, substitute another peanut-flavored liqueur or a mild bourbon with a teaspoon of peanut butter stirred into it, though stirring will reduce clarity. For dairy-free options, use coconut milk-based vanilla ice cream and a coconut whipped topping; note this will change the mouthfeel and add a coconut note. Replace peanuts with toasted almonds or pretzel crumbs for those who prefer a different crunch. If you prefer less sweetness, choose a diet root beer or reduce the ice cream to one scoop and add a splash of cold brew coffee for an adult float twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in tall milkshake glasses with a long-handled spoon and a stout straw so guests can access both the liquid and the creamy portion. Pair with salty snacks like corn nuts or kettle chips to balance sweetness. For a dessert course, place the float alongside a small plate of chocolate cookies or warm brownies to dip into the froth. Garnish ideas include a cinnamon dusting, a drizzle of chocolate sauce instead of peanut butter, or a candied bacon strip for a savory-sweet play.

Cultural Background

The ice cream soda and root beer float have roots in early 20th-century American soda fountain culture. Invented as a playful combination of soda and frozen cream, this simple treat became emblematic of soda jerks and summer promenades. The adult version breathes new life into that tradition by adding spirits and contemporary flavorings. Peanut butter whiskey is a recent innovation in American spirits, and its marriage with classic root beer forms a bridge between nostalgic flavors and modern craft beverage trends.

Meal Prep Tips

For parties, prepare toppings in advance: warm peanut butter and place in a squeeze bottle, chop peanuts and store in airtight containers, and whip cream just before guests arrive or use canned cream. Keep glasses chilled on a sheet tray in the freezer and pre-measure whiskey into jiggers or small pour bottles. When guests arrive, assign a small build station and let them customize their floats; this is both efficient and fun. Time to assemble each float should be under one minute once components are ready.

This float captures the simple joy of soda fountain desserts with an adult twist. It is forgiving, fast, and endlessly adaptable, so experiment with spirits and toppings until you find your favorite combination. Cheers to easy indulgence and to making small moments feel celebratory.