This is an age-old question that has puzzled drink enthusiasts for decades. At first glance, the pairing of root beer and coffee may seem unusual. However, there are some compelling reasons why these two beverages can complement each other when consumed together.
The Flavor Profiles of Root Beer and Coffee
First, let’s examine the dominant flavors in each drink. Root beer is sweet and creamy, with strong vanilla, wintergreen, and sassafras notes. The vanilla pairs nicely with coffee’s inherent roasted, slightly bitter taste. The sassafras offers a unique herbal element that enhances coffee’s earthiness. And the subtle wintergreen tastes clean and refreshing alongside a dark, robust coffee.
So while the flavors seem distinct at first, they share commonalities that allow them to mingle nicely. The sweet creaminess of root beer helps mellow out coffee’s bitterness. And coffee’s roasted notes add complexity that balances out root beer’s sugary qualities.
The Fizzy Factor
Another key consideration is the carbonation in root beer. The effervescent bubbles provide a lively texture that cuts through the heaviness of coffee. This contrast creates an intriguing sensation that keeps your palate stimulated. The root beer’s fizz also helps cleanse your mouth between sips of coffee.
Additionally, the carbonation adds a fun, playful aspect to the drinking experience. The cheerful bubbles make for a more upbeat, enjoyable pairing than coffee alone.
Making the Combination Work
While root beer and coffee can work nicely together, you need to follow certain best practices to get the balance right:
- Use a sweeter coffee blend to match the root beer’s sugar level
- Brew the coffee strong to stand up to the robust root beer flavors
- Pour the root beer first, then add coffee to maintain the carbonation
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful float-inspired sipper
- Use a straw to mix the layers and meld the flavors
Sticking to these tips will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of this unlikely pairing.
Caffeine Considerations
One issue to keep in mind is that combining coffee and root beer will increase your overall caffeine intake. A cup of coffee averages around 100mg of caffeine. A can of root beer generally has around 26mg. So drinking them together results in 125mg of caffeine per serving.
For healthy adults, this is considered a moderate amount of caffeine. But it’s higher than root beer alone, so factor that in if you are sensitive to caffeine’s effects. Pregnant women may also want to limit caffeine to less than 200mg daily.
Potential Health Benefits
Interestingly, there are some potential health upsides to pairing coffee and root beer:
- Antioxidants: Root beer contains antioxidants from sassafras and vanilla. Pairing it with coffee boosts your antioxidant intake.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Studies show the sassafras in root beer has anti-inflammatory properties that can complement coffee’s inflammation-reducing qualities.
- Gut health: The herbal qualities of root beer may aid digestion and offer probiotic benefits when consumed with coffee.
The research in these areas is still emerging, but it points to the duo being an unexpectedly healthy match.
Recipes to Try
Once you’re comfortable with the basic concept, get creative with how you mix root beer and coffee. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy the pairing:
Root Beer Coffee Float
This spin on the classic ice cream float will give you all the nostalgic feels:
- Brew a pot of coffee and let it chill in the fridge
- Fill a tall glass halfway with chilled coffee
- Slowly pour in chilled root beer until the glass is nearly full
- Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired
Spiked Root Beer Coffee
For an alcoholic twist, add a boozy shot to your drink:
- Make hot coffee and let it cool slightly
- Fill an Irish coffee mug halfway with coffee
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of root beer flavored liqueur (e.g. Root liqueur)
- Slowly pour chilled root beer to the rim
- Top with whipped cream and ground cinnamon
Iced Root Beer Coffee Latte
This iced latte is refreshing on a hot day:
- Brew espresso and let it chill over ice or in the fridge
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
- Pour in chilled espresso until the glass is halfway full
- Add 2 tablespoons of root beer syrup
- Top off with chilled root beer
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
The Verdict on Root Beer and Coffee
So, does root beer go with coffee? The answer is yes, this sweet and caffeinated combo can be quite pleasant when prepared properly. The key is balancing the flavors and textures to create an intriguing taste experience. While unconventional, it’s worth trying this playful pairing for yourself. Not only will it satisfy your taste buds, it may offer some unique health perks too. So embrace your adventurous spirit and give root beer coffee a sip.