Sorry, that is wrong...you've GOT to put the ice cream in first, otherwise you miss out of valuable frothiness! Also, why add extra sugar to the root beer?? Can't see the need for that.

Actually, there are two variations of the ice cream float. One is where the ice cream goes in first and you get that frothy texture that everyone loves. Another, which is common in many other parts of the world, is where the drink goes in first, followed by the ice cream floating on top. This is so that the ice cream stays intact and can be subsequently eaten with a spoon, just like normal ice cream. Back in Malaysia, I've only ever encountered the one where the drink goes in first. I used to like poking my straw through the ice cream and making holes in it.

Though personally, I kinda like the frothy version of the float better.