Root Beer is a North American carbonated soda drink. It’s also my personal favorite soda drink.

I’m not a big soda drinker. If I’m presented with a choice of generic sodas, I usually prefer water, but root beer is the one soda I never pass up.

Origins#

Root Beer has its roots (pun intended) in pre-colonial Indigenous American and early settler traditions. Indigenous peoples of North America brewed medicinal and ceremonial teas from roots, barks, and herbs. These mixtures were used to treat ailments, promote health, or for ritual purposes. While they weren’t carbonated or sweetened like modern soda, they laid the botanical foundation for what would become Root Beer.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, European settlers adopted these traditions, brewing low-alcohol fermented drinks flavored with local roots and herbs. These beverages were often safer than water and considered nutritious. Over time, these homemade tonics evolved—especially with the rise of American patent medicines and soft drinks in the 19th century. What began as herbal brews turned into sweetened, carbonated, commercially bottled Root Beer.

A Natural Soda#

Root Beer is one of the oldest sodas, second only to Ginger Ale and Sarsaparilla. It can be brewed entirely from naturally occuring ingredents. Its distinctive flavor comes from the combination of natural herbs and spices, such as:

• Sassafras root
• Sarsaparilla
• Birch bark
• Wintergreen
• Licorice root
• Spices like cloves or anise

Its one of the few sodas that can be produced in your home kitchen!

An Open Source Soda#

Root Beer isn’t “owned” by anyone, unlike brand-name sodas like Pepsi, Dr Pepper, or Sprite. There’s no single recipe, like there is for Coca-Cola. Anyone can make their own version.

This freedom has given rise to many variations, from home brews to commercial brands. In North America, you’re probably familiar with the mainstream A&W, Mug, and Barq’s.

Each variation of Root Beer gets its unique flavor from the specific mix of herbs and spices. The method of carbonation, whether by machine or natural fermentation, affects the texture and “head” of the drink.

My Collection#

As of this writing, I have 64 bottles in my Root Beer bottle collection.

Whenever I try a new Root Beer, I record my impressions. I plan to post reviews of each one in future blog entries. Stay tuned!