A Root Beer Float Is Literally Going To Space

How much can a root beer float…float? It’s a question that’s plagued scientists for millennia. The laws of physics, of concrete reality, and of gravity all indicate that the only floating that can really happen with this drink is inside the glass itself. Anything beyond that, and the sheer weight of the liquid and the receptacle keeps it earthbound. The name’s still accurate…but maybe slightly disappointing, no? 

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Well, one drink company and one ice cream company have decided that it’s time to really put this drink’s money where its mouth is. They’re sending a root beer float to space. Yes. Yes, they are.

We Guess It Could Float All Along…

Last week, it was revealed that MUG Root Beer (which caught our attention earlier in the year with a dirty soda) and Baskin-Robbins have teamed up to answer the old-as-time question of whether root beer floats actually float or not. MUG has decided that the way to do this is to… launch a root beer float 114,100 feet in the air in a high-altitude balloon on August 6, which also happens to be National Root Beer Float Day. In doing so, it will break the world record for the highest altitude reached by a root beer float (let’s be honest, we can’t imagine that many people were also trying to do this), and will find out, once and for all, if this drink can achieve the necessary buoyancy to shut the haters up, once and for all. 

For those of you who want to follow along on what is arguably humankind’s greatest mission since the moon landing, head over to @mugrootbeer on socials to track the drink’s journey. The brand’s Instagram’s most recent post alluding to the stunt features a carousel of clips of them trying to elevate root beer floats with various balloons over the years; maybe this time, it’ll work. 

So Where Does Baskin-Robbins Come In?

Baskin-Robbins is teaming up with MUG and its dawgs to support the world record attempt, but it’s also supporting the brand from within…within its stores, that is! With offers! From August 1 to 31, you can get $2 off any medium or large float if you’re a Baskin-Robbins Rewards member. If you’re in Los Angeles, you can also grab one of three new limited-edition MUG Root Beer Float Flights at participating locations, which are coming in Fruity, Nutty, and Candy flavors, starting August 6.

Well, NASA, eat your heart out. One small step for man; one giant leap for root beer.