Spooky Ghastly Halloween Root Beer Floats: A Halloween Hit!

Turning a classic root beer float into a Halloween-themed treat feels like conjuring up a potion where nostalgia and delight blend into one spellbinding brew. It’s that magical twist, transforming the snugly familiar into something eerily extraordinary, that makes this recipe an absolute must for any Halloween gathering.

Photo of 3 grey root beer floats with marshmallow string immediately glasses.

Serving as the perfect non-alcoholic option, it bubbles with fun for guests of all ages, ensuring everyone gets a sip of the spooky spectacle.

Check out these other spooky Halloween recipes that would put a spell on your guests- Spooky Halloween Bundt Cake, Halloween Monster Cake, and these eerie EyeBall Jello Cups.

Glasses with black root beer floats and a beaker with black liquid next to it.

Why We Love This Recipe

The beauty of this concoction lies not just in its taste but in the joy it brings when whipping it up. Imagine the kitchen buzzing with excitement, hands dipping into marshmallow creme and fingers stained with black food colouring – it's a memory in the making. As the fizzy root beer pours over the creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, morphing into a ghastly delight right before your eyes, you can't help but revel in the shared laughter and occasional shrieks of delight.

Two halloween root beer floats with beaker of black liquid off to the side.

This isn't just about making drinks; it’s about weaving in the fun and frolic of Halloween into every sip, making it a truly unforgettable experience. And let’s not forget, decorating these spooky beverages with friends or family only adds to the magic, making each float a unique masterpiece of the night.

Transformative Twist: Elevates a classic float into a Halloween-themed masterpiece.
Inclusive Fun: Serves as a delightful non-alcoholic drink option for all ages.
Engaging Activity: Creates memorable moments in making and personalizing every cup.

Up close shot of the black root beer floats with scoops of ice cream.

Ingredients and Ingredient Substitutions

Whipping up a spine-tingling twist on the nostalgic sip, our Halloween root beer float brings the ghoulish fun right to your glass. Now, let's dive into our cauldron of ingredients to begin this bewitching brew. Starting off, you’ll need the magic of marshmallow creme to craft those eerie cobwebs that drape over your glass, chillingly perfect for setting the Halloween vibe.

Overhead shot of the ingredients used to make the halloween root beer floats.

Next, no spell is complete without the base potion - chilled root beer. It's the dark, mysterious depth of our concoction, fizzing with secrets. But why stop at root beer? Feel the thrill of experimenting by substituting with any dark soda. Imagine the mystique of a cola float or the dark allure of a black cherry pop, each adding their unique whispers to the night.

Dare not forget, the soul of our haunt - vanilla ice cream. Its creamy essence pairs hauntingly well with the root beer's bite. However, for spirits seeking to wander off the beaten path, feel encouraged to summon flavors from the beyond. A scoop of midnight chocolate or a phantom swirl of strawberry can unsettlingly transform your float.

Gold luster dust into a beaker of black root beer.

To cast a final enchantment, a sprinkle of gold luster dust conjures a potion that glimmers with the magic of the unseen, an optional mischief for those wishing to bewitch their brew further.

Up close shot of the marshmallow weeping on the top of the glass.

So, arm yourself with these ingredients, or dare to conjure substitutions, as we delve into creating the ultimate Halloween root beer floats that promise a sip straight out of a witch's cauldron.

How to Make These Spooky Root Beer Floats

Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiasts and creative confection creators! Have you ever imagined transforming a classic treat into a spooktacular delight? Well, I'm here to guide you through crafting the most bewitchingly delicious Halloween Root Beer Floats. Perfect for cooling down a hot summer day with a Halloween spirit or adding that special touch to your halloween party, these floats are not just drinks; they're a fun, easy treat that doubles as a decorative centerpiece!

Ice cream scoops stacked into the tall glass rimmed with marshmallow.

First things first, let's talk ingredients. You'll need your creamy vanilla ice cream – I recommend scoops of vanilla bean ice cream for that pure, ghastly white contrast. Next, grab a can of your favorite root beer – A&W is my go-to for that perfect root beer bite. For the spooky twist, we'll dabble with some black food coloring and a sprinkle of gold luster dust. Oh, and don't forget those marshmallow creme for crafting ghostly webs and a selection of gummy worms and Halloween sprinkles for garnishing!

Adding the marshmallow rim to glasses with fingers.

Photo of the marshmallow rimmed glass and beaker of black root beer.

Let's dive into the cauldron and start brewing. Begin by creating eerie marshmallow threads around the rim of clear plastic cups, giving that perfect Halloween ice cream float vibe. Then, in a large pitcher, mix the root beer with a few drops of black food coloring until you reach that mysterious, dungeon-y gray hue. Add a tiny pinch of gold luster dust for a magical, flickering effect.

Adding drops of black food dye to the beaker of root beer.

Adding the gold luster dust to the beaker of black root beer.

Gently scoop the vanilla bean ice cream into your prepared cups, watching the creaminess meld with the dark potion you've concocted. Pour the enchanted root beer mixture over the top, bewitched by the fizzing magic as it comes to life. And for the final touch? Sprinkle your concoction with Halloween sprinkles or nestle in a few gummy worms for that extra layer of creepy delight.

Scoops of ice cream added to the tall glass rimmed with marshmallow web.

Voilà! You've now created the perfect non-alcoholic drink to serve up the halloween spirit, combining the nostalgic joy of perfect root beer floats with a bewitching twist. Now, gather 'round your ghoulish guests or treat yourself to this fantastically spooky drink. Happy Halloween!

Pouring the black root beer into the glass with scoops of ice cream.

FAQs

They're not just for easy cleanup; they're your canvas for creating the perfect non-alcoholic drink that both kids and adults will scream over. Have a "float station" set up with scoops of vanilla ice cream, chilled root beer, and all the spooky drinks' additions like black cow or chocolate ice cream for a darker twist, and don't forget the Halloween sprinkles and gummy worms for that extra ghastly touch.

Scared about your floats turning into a foamy mess? Here's a bewitching tip: Chill your root beer and glasses before the party. A cool drink in a cool glass equals less fizzing over. It's the perfect way to keep the creepy vibes without the cleanup dread.
Haunting questions about leftovers? If by some witchcraft you find yourself with leftover root beer or ice cream, fear not. Root beer can be stored in the fridge for your next sorcery session. Ice cream? Back in the freezer, but let's be real, leftover ice cream is a rare beast in the realm of Halloween treats.
For those asking about an adult twist, float a shot of vanilla vodka into the mix for a spooky root beer float that'll have the adults mingling with spirits of their own. A simple ingredient for some truly spirited fun – it'll be the biggest hit of the night, casting a spell over your Halloween party with every sip!

Three halloween root beer floats on a black serving tray with plastic spiders.

How to Make These Floats for a Crowd

Imagine this: a crisp, hot summer day, the air buzzing with excitement, and you're throwing the ultimate Halloween party. You've got everything from spooky décor to gummy worms wriggling their way through chocolate cookies, but what's going to set your bash apart? The answer: bewitchingly delicious Halloween Root Beer Floats that scream happy Halloween! Now, how do you pull off this perfect treat for a crowd, ensuring every ghost, goblin, and witch gets a sip of this spooky delight? Let's dive in.

First things first, to keep things slick and simple, I always recommend using clear plastic cups. Not only do they save you a monstrous pile of dishes, but they also let everyone admire the spooky twist of your perfect root beer floats. Trust me, whether you're dolloping in creamy vanilla ice cream or opting for something a tad more ghoulish like chocolate ice cream, those layers are definitely Instagram-worthy!

Overhead shot of the ice cream melting into the black root beer.

Now, onto the chilling challenge. There's nothing spookier than a melted Halloween treat on a hot summer day. To keep your root beer chilled and the ice cream frozen until the very last minute, stash your root beer in coolers filled with ice and tuck your ice cream tubs into the deepest crypts of your freezer. Bring them out only when you're ready to serve. For an even more seamless experience, pre-scoop your vanilla bean ice cream or, for a creative twist, chocolate ice cream or lime sherbet, and store these scoops on a baking sheet in the freezer. This makes assembling your Halloween ice cream floats quicker than a witch's cackle!

Up close shot of the glass with marshmallow webs and black root beer float.

Lastly, the pièce de résistance of this ghastly affair – a float station. Set up an area where guests can create their own concoctions. Lay out all the simple ingredients: root beer, a choice of creamy vanilla ice cream, and special treats like Halloween sprinkles, chocolate syrup for those daring to make a dirt cake root beer float, or even Halloween-themed gummy worms. And don't forget a fun option for the adults – a splash of vanilla vodka can turn any float into a spooktacular adult beverage. This not only adds a layer of fun and engagement to your party but it also takes some of the potion-making off your hands.

By following these bewitchingly simple steps, you'll ensure that your Halloween Root Beer Floats are not just a treat but a memorable part of your Halloween soirée. So, raise your clear plastic cups, it's time to toast to a brew that's bound to be a huge hit. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Shot of root beer float with skull in background and plastic spiders around glasses.

Other Halloween Recipes We Love

Square image of three black root beer floats with straws and plastic spiders.

Halloween Root Beer Float Recipe

Turning a classic root beer float into a Halloween-themed treat feels like conjuring up a potion where nostalgia and delight blend into one spellbinding brew.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: halloween drinks, halloween rootbeer floats

Servings: 1 serving

Author: Jackie

Ingredients

Marshmallow creme
Root beer chilled
Black food coloring
Vanilla ice cream
Gold luster dust optional

Instructions

Using clean hands, scoop about a tablespoon of the marshmallow creme into the tips of your fingers. Gently press the tips of your fingers together, then slowly pull apart. This will create stringy marshmallow threads, gently lay them around the top outside of a clean dry glass.
In a large container, mix the root beer with a couple drops of black food coloring and about a ¼ teaspoon of the gold luster dust. Stir gently so that you don’t lose all the bubbles.
Scoop the ice cream into the prepared glasses.
Pour the root beer over the ice cream slowly so as not to overflow.
Spray/Sprinkle additional luster dust over the top of the root beer float. Garnish with a plastic spider and a fun straw.
Serve immediately.