The root beer float, also known as a "black cow" or "brown cow," is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for over a century. This delicious treat is made by combining root beer and vanilla ice cream, creating a sweet and frothy beverage. But where did this beloved dessert come from?
The origins of the root beer float can be traced back to the late 19th century. At the time, root beer was a popular carbonated beverage that was made from a mixture of herbs, bark, and roots. It was often served at soda fountains, which were popular gathering spots for people of all ages.
One day, a soda fountain owner named Frank J. Wisner had a stroke of inspiration. He was experimenting with a new way to serve root beer when he decided to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top of a glass of root beer. The result was a creamy, frothy, and delicious treat that quickly became a hit with his customers.
Wisner began to advertise his new creation as a "black cow" because of the dark color of the root beer and the white color of the ice cream, which reminded him of the black and white cows on his family farm. The name "brown cow" was also used, as some root beers were dark brown and some ice cream was not pure white.
The root beer float quickly became popular and began to spread across the country. It was a refreshing and satisfying treat that was enjoyed by people of all ages. Today, the root beer float is still a beloved American classic and can be found on the menu at diners, ice cream shops, and even fast food restaurants.
In conclusion, the root beer float, also known as a "black cow" or "brown cow," is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when a soda fountain owner named Frank J. Wisner had a stroke of inspiration and added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of root beer. The result was a creamy, frothy, and delicious treat that quickly became a hit with his customers, and it has been a classic American treat since then.