Root beer is a classic American soda that has been around since the 19th century. With its sweet, spicy flavor profile, some may wonder if there is a root beer-flavored liquor available. While traditional root beer is non-alcoholic, there are actually several options for root beer liquors on the market.
The History of Root Beer
Root beer originated in the United States in the 1800s. Traditional root beer gets its distinctive flavor from sassafras roots, along with other roots, barks, and herbs. Early recipes included sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, birch bark, vanilla, juniper, cherry tree bark, licorice root, and other botanicals.
The sassafras root was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to make teas and tonics. When carbonation was added to these tonics, early sodas like root beer were born. The first commercial root beer was developed in the 1860s by Charles Elmer Hires.
While sassafras was originally a key ingredient, safrole oil in the roots was banned by the FDA in 1960 due to its carcinogenic properties. Most modern root beers rely on artificial sassafras flavoring to recreate the distinctive taste. However, a few artisanal root beer makers still use natural sassafras with the carcinogenic compounds removed.
The Flavor Profile of Root Beer
Root beer has a unique sweet yet spicy, earthy flavor profile. The major flavor notes in root beer include:
- Sweetness – Root beer gets its sweetness from sugar or honey.
- Spicy – Spicy, warming flavors like vanilla, wintergreen, sassafras, licorice root, and anise add complexity.
- Caramel – Caramel flavors add another layer of sweetness.
- Herbal – Sassafras and birch bark contribute an herbal, botanical taste.
Traditional root beers do not contain any alcohol. However, craft brewers and distillers have experimented with making root beer-flavored alcoholic beverages to appeal to root beer fans.
Is There a Root Beer Liquor?
Yes, there are alcoholic spirits flavored and marketed as “root beer liquors” or “hard root beers.” The most popular options include:
Root Beer Schnapps
Root beer schnapps are liqueurs that blend root beer flavoring with a schnapps base spirit. The result tastes like an alcoholic version of root beer soda. Popular brands of root beer schnapps include Phillips Root Beer Schnapps and Arrow Root Beer Schnapps.
Hard Root Beer
Hard root beers have a root beer taste but are made by brewing malt liquor and fermenting it like beer. They end up with an alcohol content around 5-6% ABV. Brands of hard root beer include:
- Not Your Father’s Root Beer
- Coney Island Hard Root Beer
- Best Damn Root Beer
- Mike’s Harder Root Beer
These brews use natural root beer flavors and get carbonation from the fermentation process. They are a boozy twist on old-fashioned soda shop root beer.
Root Beer Vodka
Some distillers make root beer flavored vodka. These are vodka spirits infused with root beer extract flavors after distillation. A popular brand is Root Beer Float Vodka from Maplewood Distilling.
DIY Root Beer Liqueur
It’s also possible to make your own homemade root beer liqueur by infusing vodka, rum or bourbon with root beer extract, vanilla, and spices. Recipes often include wintergreen, anise/licorice root, cinnamon, and sassafras. The natural infusion gives a more authentic, old-fashioned root beer taste.
What Does Root Beer Liquor Taste Like?
The different types of root beer liquor each have their own unique flavor experience:
- Root beer schnapps – Sweet and creamy with an authentic root beer soda flavor. Somewhat syrupy.
- Hard root beer – Has a pronounced root beer aroma. Natural brewed root beer taste with malty, beer-like notes. Fizzy from carbonation.
- Root beer vodka – Sweet, spicy root beer flavors paired with the smoothness of vodka. Often has stronger licorice and wintergreen notes.
- DIY infused liqueur – Robust, old-fashioned root beer taste with distinctive sassafras and spice notes.
Overall, root beer liquors aim to capture the nostalgic flavor of old-timey root beer in an alcoholic format. The sweet vanilla and spice is complemented by the warmth of liquor.
How is Root Beer Liquor Made?
Root beer schnapps and flavored vodkas are made through a simple infusion process. The base spirit is steeped with roots, herbs, spices, and root beer extract to extract the flavors.
Hard root beers are brewed similarly to beer but with added root beer flavors. The fermented malt liquor base provides the alcohol content and natural carbonation.
For homemade infusions, vodka, rum, or bourbon can be combined with root beer extract, vanilla, and spices. The mixture steeps for weeks to fully impart the flavors before filtering and bottling.
Cocktail Recipes with Root Beer Liquor
Root beer liquors like schnapps, vodka, and hard root beer open up many cocktail possibilities. Here are some popular cocktail recipes that include root beer alcohol:
Root Beer Float Cocktail
- 2 oz root beer vodka
- 4-6 oz cream soda or vanilla cream soda
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Pour vodka and cream soda into glass over ice. Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherry.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer Float
- 1 can or bottle Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer
- 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
Scoop ice cream into glass and slowly pour hard root beer over. Top with more ice cream if desired.
Root Beer Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz root beer schnapps
- 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
In an old fashioned glass, muddle orange slice and cherry. Add schnapps, bourbon and bitters with ice. Stir to mix and chill.
Where to Buy Root Beer Liquor
Here are some places where you can find root beer alcoholic beverages:
- Liquor stores – Many carry national brands of root beer schnapps, flavored vodka, and hard root beer.
- Beer and wine stores – A good place to find hard root beer brews from microbreweries.
- Grocery and convenience stores – May have major macro-brewery hard root beers.
- Online shops – Shops like Drizly or Total Wine deliver right to your door.
- Distillery tasting rooms – Craft distilleries may offer their own infused root beer vodkas.
- Homebrew shops – Source ingredients to make your own root beer liqueur.
You can also find recipes online to make your own homemade alcoholic root beer infusions.
How to Drink Root Beer Liquor
Root beer liquor can be enjoyed several ways:
- On the rocks – Pour schnapps, vodka, or hard root beer over ice to chill. Garnish with an orange slice.
- Straight up – Shoot schnapps or vodka straight or try hard root beer at room temp from the can or bottle.
- In cocktails – Use as the base for cocktails like root beer floats, root beer old fashioneds, and others.
- As a float – Float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass of hard root beer or root beer vodka.
- With mixers – Lengthen the flavor with cream soda, ginger beer or lemon-lime soda.
Sip slowly and savor the nostalgic root beer taste with an adult twist.
Popular Brands of Root Beer Alcohol
Some top-selling and highly rated brands of root beer liquor include:
| Brand | Type | Alcohol % | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Root Beer Schnapps | Schnapps | 30% | Sweet, creamy, authentic root beer flavor |
| Not Your Father’s Root Beer | Hard Root Beer | 5.9% | Malty, slightly hoppy, natural root beer aroma |
| Coney Island Hard Root Beer | Hard Root Beer | 5.8% | Smooth, easy to drink |
| Maplewood Root Beer Float Vodka | Flavored Vodka | 30% | Sweet root beer with smooth vodka |
Nutrition Facts of Root Beer Alcohol
The nutrition facts of root beer liquor depend on the specific type and brand. Here are some general guidelines for calories and carbs:
- Root beer schnapps – Around 100 calories and 10g carbs per 1.5oz serving
- Hard root beer – 150-200 calories and 15-20g carbs per 12oz bottle or can
- Root beer vodka – Around 100 calories and 0g carbs per 1.5oz serving
- Infused liqueur – Similar to vodka, around 100 calories and 0g carbs per 1.5oz
The sweet flavors come from sugar, so there are more calories and carbs than unflavored spirits. But root beer alcohol has significantly less sugar and calories than regular soda.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Root Beer Alcohol?
Root beer liquor is an adult beverage meant to be enjoyed in moderation. There are no proven health benefits attributed specifically to root beer alcohol.
In traditional root beer, ingredients like sassafras, licorice root, and birch bark were believed to have medicinal benefits. However, modern commercial root beers rely mostly on artificial flavors rather than herbs.
While sassafras was originally touted as a cure-all tonic, we now know the safrole oil has carcinogenic effects. Commercial root beer extracts remove this compound.
Overall, root beer liquor should be viewed simply as an enjoyable novelty drink rather than a health tonic.
Possible Downsides to Drinking Root Beer Alcohol
A few potential downsides to drinking root beer liquor include:
- High sugar content – Root beer flavors rely on added sugars, leading to higher calorie counts.
- Masks alcohol taste – The sweetness may lead to overconsumption of alcohol.
- Artificial ingredients – Many commercial root beers use artificial flavors and preservatives.
- Alcohol impacts – Excessive intake is linked to health and safety issues.
To enjoy root beer alcohol responsibly, consume in moderation. Be aware of your intake by counting standard servings and pace yourself. Avoid overindulgence and don’t drink and drive. For health, aim to balance alcoholic drinks with water and food.
Is Root Beer Liquor Gluten-Free?
Most root beer liquors are gluten-free, but it depends on the specific brand.
Root beer schnapps and flavored vodkas are distilled spirits, so they do not contain gluten. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to be safe.
Hard root beers are brewed from grains like barley, rice, sorghum or millet. Barley contains gluten, so opt for brands made from gluten-free grains like Anheuser-Busch’s Redbridge or New Planet Beer Company.
Home infusions are gluten-free if made with a gluten-free base spirit. Check all ingredients on commercial brands if gluten is a concern.
Is There Caffeine in Root Beer Alcohol?
Most root beer liquors do not contain any caffeine. The flavors come from roots, spices, extracts and artificial flavorings, not the kola nut.
Some brands like Dogfish Head Root Beer do list caffeine on the label. This comes from the use of coca leaf extract for flavoring. So check individual brands and labeling if avoiding caffeine.
Overall, most mainstream root beer alcohols like schnapps, vodka, and hard root beer are caffeine-free. But a few craft versions may have trace amounts of caffeine for flavor.
Conclusion
Root beer liquor provides a unique twist on the classic soda taste by adding alcohol. Options like root beer schnapps, hard root beer, flavored vodka, and homemade infusions emulate the sweet, spicy root beer flavor profile.
These specialty liquors can be enjoyed straight up, on the rocks or blended into craft cocktails for a fun new experience. Root beer alcohol provides a nostalgic throwback along with an extra kick for adult beverage lovers.