It's National Root Beer Float Day. Where Are You Celebrating?

By Anthony Todd in Food on Aug 6, 2013 4:40PM

Photo via Shutterstock.

The root beer float is one of the greatest simple desserts in the entire culinary pantheon. It brings back memories of childhood, it's easy to make and, when elevated, can be a must-order dessert at a fancy restaurant. You can even add booze! Here are some of our favorite root beer floats, including one boozy float that is only available on this special day.

Today only, at Franklin Tap, enjoy a special boozy root beer float. Ok, it's not quite root beer, it's "Not Your Father's Root Beer" from Small Town Brewery, but you can get a tall frosty mug of it mixed with Bobtail ice cream. Franklin Tap is open from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m.. (325 S. Franklin St.)

If you're in the mood for a classic, unadulterated root beer float, look no further than Scooters. Their vanilla custard (which may be the best in Chicago) paired with one of the best root beers in the world, Sprecher. The extra-creamy custard melts into the root beer creating the tastiest dessert muck imaginable. (1658 W. Belmont Ave.)

In the mood for a classic diner float? Eleven Lincoln Park, which has a full time specialist soda jerk just to make your ice cream drinks, makes their own barrel-aged root beer (two different varieties!) and pairs it with Homer's vanilla ice cream from Wilmette. If you're not in the mood for a float, try a phosphate, an egg cream or an ice cream soda. You'll still be in the spirit of the holiday. (2301 N. Clark St.)

Our Editor in Chief's favorite float is at Scoop's Ice Cream. Best to let him explain: "They use Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream and Filbert's root beer. Both are amazing flavors on their own. Put the two together and it's heaven in a cup." (608 W. 31st St.)

It's not quite a root beer float, but the flavor combination evokes one. Try the coffee soda float at Gingersnap: Vanilla gelato from Zarlengo's, Intelligentsia Black Cat espresso, Perrier and vanilla syrup. (1416 W. Irving Park Rd.)

If it's variety you crave, head to Frances' Deli. They serve a classic root beer float, but they have a ton of different soda options including Sprecher, Dr. Browns, Goose Island, IBC and more. If you're not into root beer, throw caution to the wind and order a spiked Maker's Mark milkshake with caramel and vanilla ice cream. (2252 N. Clark St.)

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