Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Raise a glass August 19 and celebrate the creation of the root beer float!

August 19 is the anniversary of the creation of the root beer float. More than 100 years ago in a scenic mountain-filled town in Colorado, Frank J. Wisner created the “black cow,” which is known today as the root beer float. Join in and celebrate this momentous day in history by indulging in the classic treat. We’ve included some to stop and take notice of. With so many different versions, you'll have trouble choosing just one. Cheers!

BIRCH RIVER GRILL
75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL.
(847) 427-4242
http://www.birchrivergrill.com/

Head over to Birch River Grill for one float that will have you wanting seconds. Order their Goose Island Root Beer Float, which is served with the namesake’s premium root beer and rich vanilla ice cream.

KARMA
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, IL.
(847) 970-6900
http://www.karmachicago.com/

The terms, root beer float and evening cocktail, aren’t necessarily synonymous. Probably because an ice cream mustache, doesn’t really bode well for those meeting friends (or a date!) out for an after-work drink. Karma has created the solution with their Root Beer Fizz cocktail. Made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and premium root beer, this is one treat worth celebrating all night!

MORE
One East Delaware Place, Chicago, IL.
(312) 951-0001
http://www.morecupcakes.com/

Looking for a different way to enjoy your root beer float? Opening soon, MORE will showcase a Root Beer Float cupcake. Featuring a yellow cake base with root beer-flavored frosting, this little slice of heaven is complete with a root beer candy and straw garnish. Who knew you could enjoy a root beer float without the brain freeze!

SWEET BABY RAY’S
800 E. Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL.
(847) 437-9555
http://www.sbrbbq.com/

If you’re favorite part of a root beer float is that big scoop of vanilla ice cream, look no further then Sweet Baby Ray’s. The restaurant’s delicious Root Beer Float is made with Homer’s vanilla ice cream, which was rated one of the “Top Ten in the Country” by Bon Appetit, as well as “Best in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. Topped with premium Weinhard’s Root Beer, this float is sure to top your list for years to come.

Karma drink photo: Cindy Kurman
MORE cupcake photo credit: Tim Turner

No comments: