Nothing says summer like the distinct taste of root beer.

One sip can instantly transport us to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and memories of sharing a cool, frothy float.

Its aroma can bring us back to the beach snack bar, where we savored every last drop of a root beer ice pop.

While root beer has been an essential summer ingredient for nearly 130 years, many people are surprised to learn how easy it is to re-create this authentic fountain flavor and the nostalgia it evokes at home.

Summer is the perfect time to give it a try. With just a few simple ingredients and root beer concentrate, you can enjoy the flavor of homemade root beer anytime - with or without the fizz.

From a traditional soda float to a velvety, one-bowl root beer frosting, root beer concentrate offers a variety of ways to flavor your summer and turn your kitchen into an old-time soda shop.

What's more, making these treats is a fun activity that the whole family will love. Each of these recipes can be prepared in just 10 minutes.

You can sip a frosty float while sunning yourself poolside, cool off in the back yard with a refreshing glass of homemade root beer, or hit the beach and come home to a freshly frozen ice pop.

There are many accounts of how and where the first root beer was created. Whatever it's official "roots," the beverage is believed to have evolved from small beers, which were popular during colonial times. Small beers, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, usually consisted of fermented roots, herbs and barks. Variations were numerous and included birch, sarsaparilla, ginger, and root beers.Look for root beer concentrate in the spice aisle of grocery stores, near the extracts.

¾ cup sugar1 cup boiling water1½ teaspoons root beer concentrate1 liter soda water, chilled1 pint vanilla ice creamCombine sugar and boiling water; stir until dissolved. Add root beer concentrate. Chill.When ready to serve, combine root beer mixture with soda water. Stir slowly to mix. Place two scoops ice cream in a tall glass.Slowly pour root beer between ice cream and side of glass. Serve immediately.Makes 4 floats.

1½ cups water½ cup 2 percent milk2 teaspoons root beer concentrate1 cup vanilla ice cream½ cup sugarPlace all ingredients in blender, and blend until thoroughly mixed.Pour mixture into ½ cup ice pop molds and place in freezer about 1½ hours, or until mixture is firm enough to support wooden sticks.Insert wooden sticks into each mold and freeze until completely set. You can use small, disposable plastic cups and plastic spoons instead of ice pop molds and wooden sticks.Makes 6 servings.

¾ cup sugar1 cup boiling water1½ teaspoons root beer concentrate1 liter soda water, seltzer or club soda, chilledCombine sugar and boiling water; stir until dissolved. Add root beer concentrate. Chill.When ready to serve, combine root beer mixture with soda water. Stir slowly to mix. Serve immediately.Makes 6 cups.

1 cup sugar4 cups water1 teaspoon lemon juice1 tablespoon root beer concentrateCombine sugar, water and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in root beer concentrate.Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to chill. Place in ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's directions.Makes 8 servings.

3 cups hot water1 cup sugar1 tablespoon root beer concentrate1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon lemon juiceStir together sugar and hot water in a medium bowl until sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Stir in root beer concentrate, vanilla, and lemon juice.Pour ½ cup of mixture into each ice pop mold and place in freezer for about 2 hours, or until mixture is firm enough to support wooden sticks.Insert wooden sticks into each mold and freeze until thoroughly set. You can also use small, disposable plastic cups and plastic spoons instead of ice pop molds and wooden sticks.Freezing time may vary according to the size of ice pop mold.Makes 6 servings.

½ cup butter, softened¼ cup milk½ teaspoon root beer concentrate1 pound confectioners' sugar, siftedPlace butter in large mixing bowl. Beat at low speed until creamy.Add milk and root beer concentrate and mix slightly. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, mixing at low speed until well blended.Increase speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy.Use to frost cupcakes, brownies, or an 8- or 9-inch cake.Makes 2 cups.