Most People Don’t Know That Root Beer Float Was Invented Right Here In Colorado

Did you know that the root beer float was invented in Colorado? According to legend, it was. Most sources will tell you that the root beer float was invented in 1893 by Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek. However, as with everything undocumented, there's some argument as to whether this was the drink's true origin or not. Read on to learn more about the beginnings of the root beer float.

According to legend, the root beer float was invented in Cripple Creek at Cripple Creek Brewing Company in 1893.

Frank J. Wisner was looking at Cow Mountain from the window of his establishment and the snow on the mountain made him think of ice cream floating in root beer. He put the two together, and called it a Black Cow.

Some people call root beer floats by this name to this day - although, oddly, that name for the beverage is not common in Colorado.

It's such a simple drink and it's so tasty. All you need is a cold mug and some root beer to start.

Add some vanilla ice cream, and you're ready to enjoy this tasty treat.

There's no proof though, that Frank J. Wisner actually invented it, though - although that's what most people believe.

It's possible and even likely that it was invented elsewhere ALSO, at the same time. It's a rather simple idea - so it's probable that more than one restauranteur was serving this drink in the late 1800s.

A man named Robert M. Green was also making them in Philadelphia around the same time, according to local legends there.

It's hard to say exactly who made the first root beer float where and when, but it's fun to claim it as our own. Let's do that - so many thank yous to Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek for this tasty invention!

No matter where they were invented, root beer floats are the best! Make one right now in your kitchen, or head on down to Cripple Creek to try one in view of Cow Mountain, just like Frank J. Wisner did so long ago.

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