Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Root beer

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink traditionally flavoured with roots, bark, herbs, and spices, especially sassafras and sarsaparilla.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink traditionally flavoured with roots, bark, herbs, and spices, especially sassafras and sarsaparilla. Modern commercial root beers are usually non-alcoholic and are made with water, sweeteners, carbonation, and flavourings that may include vanilla, wintergreen, licorice, and caramel notes. The drink originated in North America and is especially associated with the United States and Canada.

History

Root beer originated in North America, where Indigenous peoples used sassafras and sarsaparilla for culinary and medicinal purposes before commercial soft drinks developed. Over time, root beer evolved into a sweet, carbonated beverage with many regional and brand-specific recipes.

Ingredients and preparation

There is no single authoritative recipe for root beer. Traditional and modern versions may include sassafras, sarsaparilla, molasses, vanilla, wintergreen, licorice root, cinnamon, birch, anise, nutmeg, and caramel-like sweeteners or flavourings.

Alcohol content

Store-bought root beer is generally non-alcoholic. Homemade or fermented root beer can produce small amounts of alcohol during fermentation, but commercial products are designed to remain essentially alcohol-free.

Root beer is often compared with sarsaparilla because the drinks historically shared similar botanical ingredients and flavour ideas. However, they are not exactly the same beverage, and recipes and naming conventions vary by region and producer.

Key facts

Root beer has no single standard recipe; ingredients vary by brand and recipe.
Traditional root beer used sassafras and sarsaparilla, along with other roots, herbs, and spices.
Modern commercial root beer is generally a sweetened, carbonated soft drink and is usually non-alcoholic.
Naturally fermented homemade root beer can contain very small amounts of alcohol, depending on fermentation.
Root beer is distinct from cola in flavour profile and usually does not contain caffeine.

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Canadian context

Root beer is widely sold and consumed in Canada, where it is a familiar soft drink in grocery stores, restaurants, and fountain-service menus.

Frequently asked questions

What is root beer made of?

Root beer is usually made from carbonated water, sweetener, and flavourings based on roots, bark, herbs, and spices. Common ingredients include sassafras, sarsaparilla, vanilla, wintergreen, licorice, cinnamon, and caramel notes.

Does root beer contain alcohol?

Most commercial root beer is non-alcoholic. Fermented homemade root beer can contain trace alcohol, depending on how long and how actively it ferments.

What is the history of root beer?

Root beer began in North America, where Indigenous peoples used sassafras and sarsaparilla in foods and drinks. It later developed into a commercial soft drink with many regional and brand variations.

Is root beer the same as sarsaparilla?

No. They are closely related and historically overlap in ingredients and flavour, but they are not identical drinks. Root beer is a broader category with many recipes, while sarsaparilla is a specific botanical flavour traditionally associated with one root ingredient.

What are the best brands of root beer?

There is no single objective list of the best brands, because taste is subjective and brand availability varies by region. Popular commercial root beers include A&W, Barq’s, Mug, Dad’s, IBC, and Virgil’s, depending on local markets and consumer preference.

How is root beer different from cola?

Root beer is flavoured mainly with herbal and root-based notes such as sassafras, wintergreen, vanilla, and licorice, while cola is typically built around kola-inspired spice and citrus flavours. Cola also commonly contains caffeine, whereas root beer usually does not.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_beer
Supports: Traditional and modern ingredients; no single standard recipe; common flavourings; general characteristics.
Brewers Association / Homebrewers Association — https://homebrewersassociation.org/beyond-beer/root-beer-the-quintessential-american-soda/
Supports: North American origin; Indigenous uses of sassafras and sarsaparilla; historical context; homebrew preparation.
Difford's Guide — https://www.diffordsguide.com/beer-wine-spirits/category/270/root-beer
Supports: Root beer as a sweetened carbonated beverage; origin and historical sassafras use.
Allrecipes — https://www.allrecipes.com/what-is-root-beer-8608095
Supports: Commercial root beer ingredients; usually caffeine-free; sassafras flavour association.
Craft a Brew — https://craftabrew.com/blogs/the-tap/how-to-brew-root-beer-at-home
Supports: Traditional ingredients; fermentation; trace alcohol in naturally fermented root beer.