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How to Set Up a DIY Root Beer Float Station Literally Anywhere!

Published on 5/9/2017 at 6:00 AM

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Making desserts with kids is a unique delight — it's a learning activity that results in sweets! Plus, even the littlest ones can be a part of the process by mixing, adding ingredients, and taste-testing.

Now that Mother's Day is coming, it's time for a cool, rewarding, treat-making experience: enter the classic root beer float. Oh sure, you could just scoop some vanilla ice cream into a glass of soda, but let's make things more fun than that with a DIY Root Beer Float Station. (Secret: It's easy for kids to make for themselves or for mom, it just looks extra fancy.)

Choose your setting

Set up on the kitchen counter or at an outdoor table for easy cleanup so kids can get right to work on a tasty treat for mom. Bright trays are a fun way to display the goods, and you can do individualized stations if the kids (ahem, like mine) aren’t totally into sharing yet.

Find glasses that suit your crew

Choose pretty jars (mason or jelly or cleaned-out sauce jars work!), glasses, or clear plastic cups if you’re working with little ones who still have a tendency to fumble. Pair those with colorful straws for a fun and whimsical feel — striped bendy styles are always a hit.

Display the base ingredients

The classic is a scoop (or two) of ice cream, so try setting out an adventurous favorite flavor like Cold Stone Creamery’s Birthday Cake Remix. Also give the kids options with Cold Stone’s Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, Ice Cream Cupcakes, and a Signature Cake — just be sure to label the choices. Any one of these is well on its way to being an epic dessert once you put it in a glass.

Make time for toppings

With bowls of add-ons like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, bright candies, and sprinkles, each kid is able to choose just the right ingredient to make their dessert unique. Moms, be sure to speak up if you have a preference. My kids like to add everything and call it a Monster Float.

Add the final touches

Line up the root beer in bottles or cans so little hands can each grab one of their own to pour into a glass. When this part of the station is in use, pay close attention. Watching the bubbles fizz as the soda pours over the chosen dessert item is half the fun! One more thing . . . OK, two more things: whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Everyone knows a swirl and a drizzle on top make desserts extra fine.

When in doubt, go big

Can’t decide on just one treat to use? Luckily, all of these delicious Cold Stone Creamery delights are winners, so going full-on Monster Float is recommended — by my kids and kids-at-heart everywhere.

Directions:
Step 1: Select 1 of the premade Cold Stone Creamery Signature Creations™ to start the Monster Float. Fill with root beer.
Step 2: Cut 1 Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich into fourths and add one wedge to the side of the glass.
Step 3: Cut 1 Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Cupcake in half and add to the top of the root beer float.
Step 4: Finish with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and extra toppings (crushed cookies, chocolate chips, sprinkles . . . let your imagination run wild!). Stick in your straw, sit back, and sip. Ahhh . . . the perfect warm-weather treat for kids, mom, and every member of the family.

More From Cold Stone Creamery

Inspired? Find a Cold Stone Creamery near you to make this Mother's Day one to remember. And don't forget to show us your #coldstonestyle by using the hashtag on Instagram.