Root Beer Float Cupcakes

I saw these cupcakes on a blog a while ago and I thought they sounded interesting. Since root beer is one of my favorite treats, (weird. I know :)I was curious to see how well the flavor translated into a cupcake. I was really happy with the way they turned out. (*note: they didn't rise very much when they cooked, so make sure you fill the liners pretty full with the batter)


Ingredients:

Cupcakes:
1 cup rootbeer soda
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons root beer extract
1 1/3 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a dozen cupcake tins with papers liners.

Combine the soda and vinegar and let stand for a few minutes. Add in the sugar and oil, whisking vigorously until slightly frothy. Integrate the extracts, and gently add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, being careful not to overmix. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared tins, fill the cupcake liners approximately 3/4 of the way to the top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the ganache.

Ingredients:

Ganache:
5 oz. dark chocolate (*I used semisweet chocolate chips)
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:
Combine the above in a microwave-safe container and heat for about a minute. Stir thoroughly. If it isn't completely melted, return to the microwave for 15 seconds at a time, watching carefully to ensure that it doesn't burn. Drizzle ganache in squiggles over the cupcakes. (*I piped it on with a plastic bag) Allow ganache squiggles to fully cool before preparing the frosting.

Ingredients:

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk

Directions:
In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. Add vanilla and milk and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more milk if needed for correct consistency. Pipe onto cupcakes.