Meet the Boston Cooler: The 2-Ingredient Treat Better Than A Root Beer Float

I have a big confession to make—I don’t like root beer. While I vibe with most other sodas, the minty, spicy flavor is just not for me. 

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, we can get to the larger issue I debate as a result of my disinterest in the drink: what to do about root beer floats. I’m a big fan of ice cream beverages, so I know that, after adding the right soda to some plain ol’ vanilla ice cream, I’d be hooked. I just don’t want that soda to be root beer. 

While I’ve tried a variety of great soda floats—from Dr. Pepper to Orange Cream to Big Red (iykyk)—I’ve been on the search for a favorite. That is until I stumbled upon a strong and unexpected contender: ginger ale. Let me tell you about my latest creamy soda obsession, one that will upgrade your summer drink game for the better. Introducing: the Boston Cooler.

What is a Boston Cooler? 

Let’s start by talking about what a Boston Cooler is not. Shockingly enough, the drink is not from Boston. In fact, it's not even from the Northeast. A Michigan staple, the Boston Cooler is actually believed to have originated in Detroit. 

It is said that Fred Sanders made the original version of the beverage in the 1800s for one of Detroit’s first ice cream shops. The treat turned into a staple for the city and has, as any city-claimed treat should, lots of exaggerated lore and dedicated fans.

Interestingly, the drink is likely not named after the city of Boston either. There is much debate about the true origin of its name; some suggest it references Boston Boulevard in Detroit, but this might not be accurate either. The term Boston Cooler has been used to refer to a variety of different ice cream treats in the past and may not be connected to any specific location. 

Another thing the Boston Cooler is not? A float. That’s right—true Boston Cooler experts will tell you that to make it properly, you should blend your soda and ice cream instead of simply pairing the two in a glass. So, pull out your vanilla ice cream, soda, and blender, and get ready to discover your new favorite frozen treat.

How to Make a Boston Cooler

Now for what a Boston Cooler is. The drink is simply vanilla ice cream blended with ginger ale. According to this recipe, three scoops of ice cream per one can of ginger ale is the perfect ratio for a Boston Cooler. And, be sure to use a standard countertop blender rather than a personal blender to avoid any carbonated mishaps.

Traditional recipes call for Vernors ginger ale (another Detroit-born product) that is said to be slightly spicier with stronger notes of caramel. Just as it is essential that the drink is blended to a milkshake-like consistency, Boston Cooler loyalists also insist on this specific type of ginger ale. 

While I am sure this drink is still delicious if you have to deviate from one (or both) of these two rules, you might want to refrain from calling the final product a Boston Cooler in front of a Detroit native. 

So, if you're like me and need a root beer-free frozen fix, or you just want to "shake" up your regular float routine, this retro recipe is just the treat to try.