Abita Root Beer Recipe

Chill glass

Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice and water to chill while you prepare ingredients.

Build the cocktail

Discard chilling water if used. Add the large ice cubes to the chilled glass, leaving room at the top for soda. Pour in the dark spiced rum, coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka (if using). Add the fresh lime juice and dash the Angostura bitters over the spirits.

Top with Abita Root Beer

Slowly pour 12 fl oz of chilled Abita Root Beer over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and create a layered effect. Gently stir once with a bar spoon (1–2 turns) to combine without flattening the soda.

Garnish and serve

Thread the maraschino cherry on a pick and place on the rim or drop into the drink. Add the lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer, advising the drinker to sip to enjoy the vanilla and root beer notes with the spiced rum.