Root beer

Root Beer

A glass of root beer
Type	Soft drink
Country of origin	United States
Ingredients	Sassafras or sarsaparilla, sugar, carbonated water, other flavorings

Root beer is a soft drink traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree Sassafras albidum or the vine of sarsaparilla Smilax ornata as the primary flavor. Root beer may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, come naturally free of caffeine or have caffeine added, and be carbonated or non-carbonated. Root beer was historically produced as a small beer, a term for a weak beer. In its modern form, it is generally non-alcoholic, sweet, and carbonated. It usually has a thick, foamy head when poured. Its flavor is unique and comes from a complex mixture of ingredients.

History

The history of root beer dates back to the colonial era in North America. It was originally a small beer, a beverage brewed to be a safer alternative to water, which could be contaminated. The traditional recipe for root beer included sassafras root, a variety of other roots, and herbs. The drink was popular for its medicinal qualities as well as its flavor. In 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras oil, which contains safrole, a carcinogen. Since then, root beer manufacturers have used safrole-free sassafras extract or artificial flavors to mimic the taste.

Ingredients

Traditional root beer is made from a complex blend of ingredients, including sassafras root or sarsaparilla root, birch bark, wintergreen, vanilla, molasses, licorice root, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Modern commercial root beers are often sweetened with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.

Preparation

Root beer can be homemade or commercially produced. The traditional method involves brewing a tea with the desired roots and herbs, sweetening it, and then fermenting it lightly to produce carbonation. Commercial root beers are carbonated by forcing carbon dioxide into the beverage.

Varieties

There are many varieties of root beer, ranging from traditional, herbal brews to mass-produced brands. Some root beers are thick and creamy, while others are light and crisp. The flavor profile can vary significantly depending on the ingredients used.

Culinary uses

Root beer is often consumed on its own or as part of a root beer float, a dessert consisting of root beer poured over vanilla ice cream. It can also be used as a marinade or glaze in cooking.

Cultural significance

Root beer holds a special place in American culture, often associated with nostalgia and tradition. It is a common fixture at American diners, drive-ins, and soda fountains.

See also

• Sassafras
• Sarsaparilla (soft drink)
• Soft drink
• Root beer float