Root beer floats a nostalgic treat that evokes simpler times, are celebrated annually on National Root Beer Float Day. The origins of this beloved concoction date back to 1893 in Cripple Creek, Colorado, where Frank Wisner, a gold miner and tavern owner, created the drink. Wisner’s innovation involved adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of root beer, and he initially named the drink “Black Cow Mountain,” inspired by the nearby Cow Mountain. The name was later simplified to “Black Cow,” a term still associated with this classic beverage today.

A&W’s Annual Celebration

This year, A&W Restaurants, synonymous with root beer floats, is marking National Root Beer Float Day with a special giveaway. On Tuesday, August 6, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., over 900 participating A&W locations across the U.S. will be offering free small root beer floats. No purchase is necessary, although donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are encouraged. A&W has a longstanding tradition of supporting DAV, having contributed over $1 million through this annual promotion.

The free floats will be served in frosty glass mugs, weighing approximately 3 pounds and 5 ounces. To add to the fun, A&W is encouraging patrons to do a “Float Flex” to show off their muscles before enjoying their free treat. Liz Bazner, A&W’s vice president of marketing and innovation, notes, “A&W’s iconic Root Beer Float is without a doubt one of the heaviest drinks in the quick-service restaurant industry.” This playful approach is aimed at getting everyone excited about their free float.

Enjoy Free Floats Year-Round

Root beer float enthusiasts can enjoy the treat year-round by joining A&W’s Rooty’s Mug Club, which is open to individuals aged 13 and up. Members of the club receive a free root beer float every year on their birthday, ensuring that fans can indulge in their favorite drink annually.

Make Your Own Root Beer Float

If you can’t make it to an A&W location, making a root beer float at home is simple and fun. Just combine vanilla ice cream with root beer to create this classic dessert. For a unique twist, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has shared his recipe for a “kicked up” root beer float. His version includes bananas, hot fudge, shaved chocolate, and a splash of bourbon, in addition to the traditional vanilla ice cream and root beer.

So whether you’re enjoying a free float at A&W or crafting one at home, National Root Beer Float Day is the perfect opportunity to savor this timeless treat and create some sweet memories.