• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Burnt Apple
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » drinks

    Nonalcoholic Dirty Root Beer

    Published: Sep 23, 2013 · Modified: Nov 15, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The classic root beer float, with its sweet and nostalgic charm, has long been a beloved beverage. Now, for those who prefer to avoid alcohol, there's a delightful twist on this familiar favorite: the non-alcoholic dirty root beer.

    The image shows a glass of root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and vanilla syrup

    What is Dirty Root Beer?

    Dirty root beer is a drink made by combining root beer and stout beer. It is typically served in a glass with ice, and garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The root beer adds a sweet, carbonated flavor, while the stout adds a bitter, coffee-like taste. The combination of the two creates a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

    Making Non Alcoholic Dirty Root Beer

    Non alcoholic dirty root beer is another twist on the classic. Sold in many soda shops, the non alcoholic version takes root beer, vanilla ice cream and vanilla syrup.

    Ingredients

    All you need to make this recipe is some root beer, vanilla syrup and vanilla ice cream. So simple! You'll want to use 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup, one scoop of ice cream and 8 ounces of root beer per drink.

    Making

    Pour root beer into a cup. Pour vanilla syrup into cup (approximately one teaspoon but you can add more to taste), Stir with a stirrer stick until combined. Add scoop of ice cream if desired.

    Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Root Beer

    • Use high-quality root beer.
    • Be sure to pour the root beer slowly to avoid creating too much foam.
    • Add the vanilla ice cream on top of the drink for added sweetness and creaminess.
    • You can adjust the ratio of root beer to vanilla syrup based on your preference.
    What kind of root beer should I use?

    Choose your favorite root beer brand for the best flavor experience. Some popular options include A&W Root Beer, Barq's Root Beer, and Mug Root Beer.

    Can I make my own vanilla syrup?

    Absolutely! Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely before using.

    What are some alternative toppings to ice cream?

    For a dairy-free option, consider coconut whipped cream or plant-based ice cream. You can also top your drink with a dollop of marshmallow fluff or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different texture and flavor experience.

    Is there a way to make the drink more fizzy?

    Pour the root beer slowly over the ice cream or heavy cream to minimize foam and preserve the fizz. You can also add a scoop of dry ice to the glass before pouring in the root beer for an extra burst of fizz.

    Can't Get Enjoy Root Beer?

    If you love root beer floats, you should also try our "Just Like Sonic" Blended Root Beer Float.

    The image shows a glass of root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and vanilla syrup

    Dirty Root Beer

    Traci Wennerholm
    The non-alcoholic dirty root beer emerges as a delightful beverage that captures the essence of the classic root beer float while offering a sophisticated and enjoyable alternative for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and array of flavor combinations, this refreshing treat is sure to become a favorite
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 262 kcal

    Equipment

    • stirring stick

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounce root beer diet, regular, or homemade
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup we used Torani vanilla--sugar free or regular
    • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream optional

    Instructions
     

    • Pour root beer into a cup. Pour vanilla syrup into cup (approximately one teaspoon but you can add more to taste), Stir with a stirrer stick until combined. Add scoop of ice cream if desired

    Notes

    recipe best served immediately

    Nutrition

    Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 46gVitamin A: 278IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword Adult root beer float, dirty root beer, how to make a dirty root beer, Non-alcoholic dirty root beer
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Peanut Butter Finger Cookies
    Copycat William's Sonoma Pecan Pumpkin Butter »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Leslie Lambert

      September 25, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      YUM...this looks like such a great treat! This would be great to link up to Create It Thursday #21…it's live now! Hope to see you there!

      Reply
    2. Charlene@A Pinch of Joy

      September 28, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      "a Mom look" -- love it! 🙂 And the recipe sounds really good with the vanilla syrup plus the ice cream!

      Reply
    3. Leiann Lynn Rose Spontaneo

      November 11, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      As a matter of fact, I just bought a bottle of vanilla Torani a few weeks ago, but I do not like the taste. Could any other flavor work? If not, what about vanilla extract?

      Then, I rarely buy root beer. Last week, root beer was on sale and something told me to buy root beer!

      I can't wait for your reply!

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • burntapple

        November 11, 2022 at 8:06 pm

        Hi for root beer vanilla really is the best flavor to use. You could try vanilla extract if you would like but would need to adjust the amount used. You could definetely buy root beer but I think homemade tastes much better!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A vibrant image of two swordfish tacos on yellow corn tortillas, generously filled with grilled swordfish, black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. They are served on a white paper plate, accompanied by a side of Mexican rice and a small bed of fresh green lettuce.
      5 Ingredient Swordfish Tacos
    • A top-down view of a single, shiny Cheddar's honey butter croissant on a round, white plate featuring black abstract floral and geometric designs. A partial croissant on a wooden board and a grey cloth napkin are visible at the edges, with white orchid flowers in the upper left corner.
      Copycat Cheddars Honey Butter Croissants
    • A mason jar filled with a Sonic-style Dirty Dr Pepper sits on a rustic white wooden surface. The drink is dark brown, filled with ice, and has visible carbonation bubbles on top. A fresh lime wedge is perched on the rim of the jar, while two additional limes, one whole and one sliced in half, rest nearby on the table. The background features a weathered wood texture, adding to the casual, homemade aesthetic.
      Copycat Sonic Dirty Dr Pepper
    • Top-down view of a white plate with a folded scrambled egg and avocado with salsa. The omelet is topped with slices of bright green avocado and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. A silver fork lies across the omelet. To the left of the plate is a folded white cloth napkin. In the upper right corner, a wooden cutting board holds half of a sliced avocado, a small pile of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a small pile of black peppercorns. A white bowl of red salsa is also on the cutting board. The scene is set on a light-colored marble countertop.
      Scrambled Eggs and Avocado with Salsa

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Burnt Apple

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.