There’s something magical about the first sip of a RumChata Root Beer Cocktail; it tastes like childhood nostalgia, but all grown up. I remember discovering this combo at a friend’s backyard party years ago, and now it’s my go-to when I need a creamy, dreamy drink in minutes.

The smooth vanilla-cinnamon RumChata swirls with fizzy root beer to create this ridiculously easy cocktail that feels like an adult root beer float. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just two ingredients and a happy little stir. Trust me, once you try this sweet, spiced sipper, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been mixing these all along.
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Why You’ll Love This RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
This cocktail checks all the boxes for an easy, crowd-pleasing drink:
- Nostalgia in a glass: That root beer float flavor you loved as a kid, but with a boozy, grown-up twist
- Creamy dreamy texture: RumChata blends perfectly with fizzy root beer for a velvety smooth sip every time
- Two-ingredient magic: Just pour, stir, and enjoy, no fancy bartending skills needed
- Instant party starter: Guests always go wild for this unexpected (and dangerously drinkable) combo
Seriously, it’s the easiest way to feel fancy without any effort. The hardest part? Not drinking the whole batch yourself!
Ingredients for RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
Here’s all you need to whip up this creamy, dreamy drink. I bet you’ve got most of it already!
- 2 oz RumChata (chilled is best for a frosty sip)
- 4 oz root beer (also chilled, I love using craft root beer for extra depth)
- Ice cubes (big ones melt slower and keep it cold)
- Whipped cream (optional, but c’mon, who skips the floater?)
- Maraschino cherry (optional, for that classic soda-shop vibe)
That’s it! Just five simple things (and two are totally optional) for cocktail magic. Pro tip: Use cold ingredients; it makes all the difference in that first refreshing sip.
How to Make a RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This is so simple you could do it half-asleep, but I’ll walk you through every step because even easy drinks deserve love.
- Grab a glass: I use a tall highball or even a mason jar when I’m feeling rustic. Fill it with ice cubes (the bigger, the better, they melt more slowly and won’t water down your drink).
- Pour in 2 oz of RumChata first. That creamy vanilla-cinnamon goodness needs to hit the ice directly, it’ll chill faster and blend better.
- Top with 4 oz of root beer, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to keep the fizz. Here’s where you’ll see that gorgeous swirling action, so pretty!
- Stir gently with a long spoon, just one or two turns! Overmixing kills the bubbles, and we want that fizzy magic to last.
- Go wild with toppings if you’re feeling fancy. A swirl of whipped cream and a cherry on top? Absolute perfection. Serve immediately and sip slowly (or not, no judgment here).

Best Tips for the Perfect RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
- Chill your glass first: 10 minutes in the freezer makes every sip extra frosty.
- Adjust to taste: Love it creamier? Add more RumChata. Prefer more fizz? Extra root beer. It’s your cocktail, own it!
- Use quality root beer: A craft or small-batch brand makes all the difference in flavor depth.
That’s it! Now go make your taste buds happy.
Variations for Your RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists to keep things interesting:
- Spiked float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top adult root beer float experience
- Vanilla boost: Swap half the RumChata for vanilla vodka if you want an extra kick
- Flavored fizz: Experiment with different root beers, birch beer or sarsaparilla add unique herbal notes
- Cinnamon rim: Dip the glass in caramel sauce, then cinnamon sugar for a festive touch
My personal favorite? A splash of cold brew coffee for a mocha-root beer hybrid that’s dangerously good.
Serving Suggestions for RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
This cocktail shines at backyard BBQs or game nights, serve it in mason jars with striped paper straws for instant nostalgia. It pairs perfectly with chocolate chip cookies or vanilla bean ice cream (go ahead, dunk them!). For parties, mix up a pitcher and let guests customize their cream-to-fizz ratio. Cheers to easy entertaining!
Storage & Reheating
Honestly? This cocktail is a “make it and drink it” situation. The root beer goes flat if stored, and nobody wants a sad, bubbly-less drink. If you must prep ahead (party emergencies happen!), mix just the RumChata and ice, then add root beer right before serving. Your future self will thank you for that fizzy first sip!
Nutritional Information for RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
Here’s the scoop on what’s in your glass (approximate per serving):
- 250 calories – That creamy RumChata adds richness
- 20g sugar – Mostly from the root beer and RumChata’s natural sweetness
- 8g fat – Thank the dairy in RumChata for that smooth texture
Remember: these numbers can change based on your specific root beer brand and whether you add whipped cream (but let’s be real, you’re adding the whipped cream).
RumChata Root Beer Cocktail FAQs
Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the RumChata for non-dairy horchata or vanilla oat milk. You’ll still get that creamy cinnamon vibe, just add an extra splash of vanilla extract for depth. The root beer does all the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
What if I don’t have root beer?
No worries, cream soda works surprisingly well here! It’s sweeter, so you might want to dial back the RumChata a bit. Ginger beer adds a fun spicy twist, though it’ll be less nostalgic.
Is RumChata gluten-free?
Yes! The main ingredients (rum, cream, sugar, cinnamon) are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re sensitive, but most folks enjoy it without issues.
Can I batch-make these for a party?
Sort of! Prep the RumChata and ice in a pitcher, but add root beer to individual glasses right before serving. Flat root beer = sad guests. Trust me on this one.
Why This RumChata Root Beer Cocktail Is the Best
This RumChata Root Beer Cocktail is creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a nostalgic root beer flavor. The warm cinnamon and vanilla notes from the RumChata pair beautifully with the fizzy sweetness of root beer, creating a fun and refreshing drink that’s both unique and indulgent. Best of all, it’s quick to make with just two ingredients, making it ideal for parties, casual get-togethers, or an easy nightcap. Serve it over ice, top with whipped cream if you like, and enjoy a cocktail that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Mix this cocktail at home and let me know in the comments what you thought! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more fun drink recipes and entertaining inspiration.
Print
RumChata Root Beer Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and refreshing RumChata Root Beer Cocktail is the perfect quick drink for evenings when you want something sweet, smooth, and a little nostalgic. With just two main ingredients, it comes together in minutes and feels like an adult root beer float.
Ingredients
- 2 oz RumChata
- 4 oz root beer
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream, optional
- Maraschino cherry, optional
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in RumChata, then top with root beer. Stir gently to combine.
- Add whipped cream and a cherry on top if you like.
- Serve right away and enjoy the creamy, spiced flavor.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the ratio of RumChata to root beer for a stronger or milder taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: RumChata Root Beer Cocktail, easy cocktail, root beer cocktail