Root beer first debuted as a product in 1876, and Frank J. Wisner invented the root beer float in 1893, initially dubbing it the Black Cow Mountain. Kids love root beer floats, but if you’re craving something a bit stronger, you might try making a spiked root beer float with vodka.

Different vanilla-based vodkas, including Absolut Vanilia, Grey Goose La Vanille, or Smirnoff Vanilla, will likely help add to the drink's sweet taste. Similarly, you can use a whipped cream-flavored vodka such as Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka or Veil Whipped Cream Vodka.

If you're not a big vodka drinker, you can try using spiced rum or bourbon to tease out some of the flavors in the root beer. Similarly, if vanilla ice cream has never been your thing, try using chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, or creamsicle-flavored ice cream.