Root beer

Historical Development

Root beer has been consumed in North America since at least the eighteenth century, with written recipes documented from the 1830s. In the nineteenth century, it was often consumed hot and marketed for its perceived medicinal qualities by druggists who capitalized on the known benefits of sassafras. Pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires was the first to successfully market a commercial brand, developing his 'root tea' in 1875 and debuting it at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. Hires, a teetotaler, initially wanted to call it 'root tea' but chose the name 'root beer' to appeal to Pennsylvania coal miners. By 1886, he was bottling a beverage made from his extract, and distribution expanded widely across the United States by 1893. The period of Prohibition boosted the popularity of non-alcoholic versions. Other early commercial brands included Barq's, founded in 1898 with a sarsaparilla-based recipe, and A&W, which began from a root beer stand in Lodi, California, in 1919. A key regulatory change occurred in 1960 when the US Food and Drug Administration banned safrole, a carcinogenic component of sassafras oil, leading most commercial producers to switch to artificial sassafras flavouring or safrole-free extracts.

Ingredients and Production

While no single standard recipe exists, modern root beer is primarily made from filtered water, sugar, and safrole-free sassafras extract. This base is complemented by a wide array of other flavourings which can include vanilla, caramel, wintergreen, licorice root, anise, molasses, cinnamon, and honey. Traditional recipes used a broader palette of roots, herbs, and spices such as birch bark, ginger, hops, dandelion root, and wild cherry bark. The characteristic thick and foamy head, originally a natural result of sassafras's mucilaginous properties, is now often replicated using additives like yucca extract or soybean protein. Carbonation, which was originally achieved through fermentation, is now typically added via carbonated water. Most major brands, with the notable exception of Barq's which contains about 1.8 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, are caffeine-free. Root beer can be commercially produced or made at home using either processed extracts or raw herbs and roots.

The Root Beer Float and Canadian Culture

The root beer float, a classic preparation combining root beer and vanilla ice cream, holds a particular nostalgic place in Canadian food culture. A&W Canada, with over 1,100 restaurants across the country, has been central to this tradition. Its Root Beer Float, served in a frosty mug, is considered a classic summer treat woven into memories of family outings and road trips. In June 2026, A&W announced the limited-time return of its famous float, highlighting its status as a beloved ritual. Susan Senecal, CEO and President of A&W Canada, noted the treat's magical connection to Canadian summers and its intergenerational appeal. The float's popularity underscores the broader Canadian affinity for A&W Root Beer itself, which is marketed as Canada's favourite root beer, praised for its bold flavour, creamy finish, and distinctive spice.

Culinary Uses Beyond the Glass

Root beer has transcended its role as a beverage to become a versatile ingredient in Canadian home cooking and baking. Its complex sweetness and spice notes make it suitable for a wide range of recipes. It is commonly used as a braising liquid or glaze for savoury meats, adding depth to dishes like root beer pulled pork sandwiches, glazed ham, and barbecue ribs. In desserts, root beer pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, featuring in recipes for bundt cakes, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. The flavour of a root beer float is also recreated in no-bake desserts, ice creams, and 'dessert lasagna'. Culinary enthusiasts advise using a root beer variety that one enjoys drinking, as its flavour profile directly influences the final dish. This adaptability is celebrated annually on National Root Beer Day, observed on June 17.

Alcoholic Variations

While most modern root beer is non-alcoholic, the beverage has both historical and contemporary alcoholic variants. Traditionally, root beer was a type of 'small beer' brewed through fermentation, often resulting in an alcohol content of 2% or less. These fermented versions can still be made at home. In the 2000s, a market for commercially produced alcoholic or 'hard' root beers emerged. Brands like Not Your Father's Root Beer, Coney Island hard root beer, and Best Damn Root Beer gained popularity. These products are distinct from the non-alcoholic soft drinks and are marketed as flavoured malt beverages. Alcoholic root beers are also incorporated into recipes, such as hard root beer brownies or boozy floats enhanced with spirits like Irish cream.

Notable Brands and Availability

Root beer is produced by many major beverage companies and is widely available across Canada and the United States. A&W Root Beer is a dominant and distinctly Canadian favourite, known for its proprietary recipe and association with the restaurant chain. Other long-standing national brands available in Canada include Barq's, notable for its caffeine content and sarsaparilla emphasis, IBC, and Hires. Numerous smaller craft and regional brands also exist, offering variations in sweetness, spice blend, and carbonation level. While root beer's popularity is greatest in North America, some brands are produced in or imported by other countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Asia. A Museum of Root Beer opened in Wisconsin Dells in 2021, indicating the beverage's cultural significance.

Questions about Root beer

What is a root beer float?

A root beer float is a classic dessert beverage made by pouring root beer over scoops of vanilla ice cream. The combination creates a frothy, creamy treat. In Canada, the A&W Root Beer Float is particularly well-known, served in a frosty mug and associated with summer nostalgia. It was reintroduced for a limited time by A&W Canada in June 2026 due to popular demand.

Can you cook with root beer?

Yes, root beer is a versatile cooking ingredient. Its sweetness and complex spices make it excellent for braising or glazing meats like pulled pork, ham, and ribs. It is also used in baking, where it pairs well with chocolate in cakes, brownies, and cookies. When cooking with root beer, it is recommended to use a brand you enjoy drinking, as its flavour will be incorporated into the dish.

What is the history of root beer in Canada?

Root beer has been a popular beverage in North America since at least the eighteenth century. In Canada, A&W Root Beer is a favourite, known for its bold flavour and creamy finish. The brand A&W originated from a root beer stand opened in California in 1919, and its Canadian presence is significant with over 1,100 restaurants. Root beer's history includes medicinal uses and evolution into the sweet, carbonated drink enjoyed today.

When is National Root Beer Day?

National Root Beer Day occurs on June 17, 2026. This holiday celebrates the classic frothy, sassafras flavoured beverage. It is a day for enthusiasts to enjoy root beer in various forms, from floats to savoury dishes. The day highlights the cultural significance of this North American drink.

What are the traditional ingredients in root beer?

Traditional root beer was made using the root bark of the sassafras tree or the sarsaparilla vine as primary flavours. Early recipes included ingredients like sassafras root, wintergreen, vanilla, molasses, licorice root, and birch bark. These ingredients were often brewed and fermented. Today, commercial root beers use safrole free sassafras extract and other flavourings like vanilla and caramel.

Why was safrole banned from root beer?

Safrole, a key component of sassafras, was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1960 due to its carcinogenicity. Laboratory studies showed large doses caused liver damage and cancer in animals. Consequently, most commercial root beers now use artificial sassafras flavouring or safrole free extracts. This change ensured the safety of the widely consumed beverage.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.