Root beer has long been a popular American beverage. We've told you a little about the history of this medicinal soda (that's right, root beer was created as a health drink), and we've shared how to make root beer at home. We've also shared some ways to use root beer in recipes, and now we're going to tell you about one of our favorite ways to turn this drink into a yummy dessert: root beer float pie.

We all love root beer floats, right? The mix of root beer and ice cream is classic. But with a few other ingredients, you can turn the root beer float into a pie that is a cool, creamy dream.

This root beer float pie is so easy and fast to make; you've got to let it chill for a bit, but the prep time is no more than 15 minutes. In other words, put this pie together before you walk out the door in the morning and by dinner time you'll have a delicious dessert.

Plus, this easy recipe is one that kids can manage, on their own even. And, yeah, this pie tastes exactly like a root beer float, which we think will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Here's what you need for this pie recipe:

• 1 carton (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - you can use either the regular or reduced-fat version
• 3/4 cup root beer - cold root beer works best, and you can use a sugar-free or diet root beer if you prefer
• 1/2 cup milk - whole milk or skim milk is fine
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix - again, use the sugar-free instant pudding mix if you like
• 1 9-in. graham cracker crust - either store-bought or homemade graham cracker pie crust is fine
• 2-3 tsp Root Beer Concentrate or root beer extract - adjust the amount depending on how strong a root beer flavor you want (To find root beer concentrate or extract, look in your favorite store's baking supplies section, or order online. Or just use a little more root beer.)
• Maraschino cherries and more whipped topping, optional

Watch: Sarsaparilla and Root Beer: Old-Fashioned Drinks You Can Make at Home