Is There Really Beer in Root Beer?

Root beer stands as a cherished and longstanding beverage known for its frothy sweetness. The delicious taste and familiar charm of root beer leads many to question whether beer is one of its components. The response is negative although the history behind the name and creation of root beer proves to be very captivating.

The Origins of Root Beer
Early American settlers developed root beer by fermenting drinks made from roots combined with herbs and spices during colonial times. Sassafras root served as one of the main ingredients that gave root beer its distinctive earthy taste. These early root beer recipes used mild fermentation which resulted in minimal alcohol content unlike regular beer.

The version of root beer that people recognize today first appeared in the late 1800s. The first commercial root beer was created by pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires in the year 1876. Despite its name he advertised it as a non-alcoholic drink that benefits health.

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Why Is It Called “Root Beer”?
The marketing team probably chose the term "root beer" to appeal to a wider audience during the late 19th century. Beer held its place as a favorite drink during the 19th century so Hires developed his root beer to attract drinkers who usually preferred alcoholic beverages. Hires' root beer contained no alcohol so everyone in the family could enjoy it. The "root" in root beer refers to the beverage's foundational ingredients which consisted of sassafras, sarsaparilla, ginger and additional plant extracts.

Does Root Beer Contain Alcohol?
Modern root beer is typically non-alcoholic. This root beer is a carbonated soft drink created by combining flavor agents such as vanilla with wintergreen and licorice. Today you can find alcoholic root beer variants which go by the name "hard root beer." Alcoholic root beer beverages typically have an alcohol content of 5-7% and undergo a fermentation process comparable to beer production.

The Evolution of Root Beer
The recipe and production of root beer have undergone notable changes through time. Due to health risk concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibited sassafras oil in the 1960s prompting manufacturers to switch to artificial or safrole-free flavoring. Root beer continues to be a popular beverage despite changes in its recipe while A&W, Barq’s, and Mug maintain their positions at the forefront of the market.

Conclusion
So, is there beer in root beer? Traditional root beer consists of a sweet and foamy soda beverage that contains no alcoholic content. Despite its name suggesting otherwise root beer remains a popular and timeless beverage that stands out for its distinctive flavor. The timeless appeal of root beer makes it a beloved American classic whether served chilled in a mug or combined with vanilla ice cream for a float!