Root beer and Jack Daniels are two very different beverages that are sometimes mixed together to create a unique drink combination. Root beer is a sweet, carbonated non-alcoholic soda that is made from sugar, spices, and the root extract sassafras. Jack Daniels, on the other hand, is a famous Tennessee whiskey with a high alcohol content. When mixed together, the sweetness of the root beer balances out the bitterness of the whiskey to create a drink that is both refreshing and packs a punch. This combination goes by several different names, with the most common being “Not Your Father’s Root Beer” or simply a “Root Beer Float with Jack Daniels”. The drink has grown in popularity in recent years, especially among younger drinkers looking for new twists on classic cocktails. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at root beer and Jack Daniels, examine how they are mixed together, and overview the history and culture surrounding this unique drink.
What is Root Beer?
Root beer is a carbonated soft drink that originated in the United States in the 17th century. It gets its name from the primary flavoring ingredients used – roots, berries, and herbs. The main ingredients in traditional root beer include:
- Sassafras root extract – Provides the characteristic root beer flavor
- Wintergreen extract – Adds a minty aroma
- Vanilla extract – Contributes a creamy, sweet taste
- Licorice root – Adds depth and complexity
- Sugar or honey – Sweetens the beverage
- Yeast – Aids in the fermentation process to provide carbonation
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or aniseed – Provide warmth and complexity
The sassafras root was originally the key ingredient in root beer, but its use was banned in the 1960s due to the presence of the carcinogen safrole. Most modern root beers use artificial sassafras flavoring instead.
The origins of root beer can be traced back to colonial America, where it was commonly brewed at home using naturally harvested roots, berries, and herbs. It was considered a healthy alternative to water, which could carry diseases at the time. Pharmacists and doctors would often prescribe root tea and root beer as tonics and remedies.
Root beer was also made and sold by pharmacies and drugstores in the 1800s. This is where the term “soda shop” originated from, establishments that sold soda water and root beer. By the late 19th century, root beer became commercially mass produced and bottled for convenience. Some of the earliest root beer brands included Barq’s, A&W Root Beer, and Hires Root Beer.
Today, root beer is highly associated with nostalgia and Americana. It continues to be a popular soda option, known for its sweet, smooth, and spicy taste. Major brands are still produced, along with many craft root beers made locally using traditional ingredients and brewing methods.
What is Jack Daniels?
Jack Daniel’s is one of the most iconic and best-selling whiskey brands worldwide. It is a Tennessee whiskey produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee by the Jack Daniel Distillery. Some key facts about Jack Daniel’s include:
- It is made using a filtered charcoal mellowing process that differentiates it from bourbon.
- The mash bill contains 80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye.
- It is distilled to 80% ABV before being diluted down to 40-46% ABV for bottling.
- The whiskey is aged in new, charred white oak barrels.
- Signatures expressions include Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, and Single Barrel.
- Jack Daniel’s was established in 1875 and continues to be family owned.
Some fun facts about Jack Daniel’s:
- It was the first registered distillery in the United States.
- The water used comes from Cave Spring Hollow, which flows at 56°F year round.
- The black and white “Old No. 7” label was inspired by Jack Daniel’s grandson’s horseshoeing ledger.
- Every bottle of Jack Daniel’s is made from the same cave spring and in the same distillery.
Over the years, Jack Daniel’s has become an iconic global whisky brand thanks to its smooth, charcoal-mellowed flavor and reputation for quality. It has inspired numerous cultural references in music, movies, and literature which has added to its popularity. While it remains inextricably linked to its Tennessee roots, it has grown into one of the best-selling American whiskeys around the world.
How to Mix Root Beer and Jack Daniels
Root beer and Jack Daniels may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the sweet vanilla and spice notes of the root beer go surprisingly well with the caramel and oak flavors from the whiskey. When properly balanced, the root beer cuts the alcohol bite and mellows out the whiskey.
There are two common ways to mix root beer and Jack Daniels:
1. Not Your Father’s Root Beer
This pre-made alcoholic root beer combines real cane sugar, vanilla, and wintergreen root beer flavors with a 5.9% ABV from a malt spirit base. Jack Daniels, typically 1-2 ounces, is added to give it more of a whiskey kick.
To make it, simply pour a glass of chilled Not Your Father’s Root Beer and add the desired amount of Jack Daniels. The combo perfectly mimics an adult root beer float flavor.
2. DIY Root Beer and Jack Daniels
For a more custom creation, you can mix good quality store-bought or homemade root beer with Jack Daniels yourself.
Start with a chilled mug and fill it halfway with root beer. Next, add 2-3 ounces of Jack Daniels depending on how boozy you want the drink. Adjust amounts to taste preferences.
For extra decadence, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it a boozy root beer float. You can also rim the glass with sugar using lemon or lime juice to create a sweet whiskey sour mashup.
History and Culture
While mixing whiskey and soda is nothing new, the specific combination of Jack Daniels and root beer has developed an iconic status over the past couple decades.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer first launched in 2012 and became immediately popular for bringing a new twist to classic root beer. It became especially trendy among college students and young adults looking for nostalgic, tasty cocktails.
The “Not Your Father’s” name poked fun at the idea of spiking the sweet soda that parents would let their kids drink. Its discreet labeling also made it easier to sneak into places where liquor wasn’t allowed.
Adding a splash of Jack Daniel’s to Not Your Father’s became a natural evolution of the drink. It added a bite and boozy punch while still maintaining the fun, quirky appeal.
Bars started advertising signature versions like “Not Your Grandaddy’s Root Beer” or “Not Your Sister’s Root Beer” with varying amounts of Jack Daniels added. The combo gained a reputation as a party drink or shot alternative for those with a sweet tooth.
While the classic flavors pair well, the adventurous can experiment with other spiced rums or whiskies in place of Jack Daniels as desired. Not Your Father’s has also expanded to produce hard orange, birch beer, and ginger ale varieties which lend themselves to custom whiskey cocktails.
It’s also become popular online and at restaurants to make DIY boozy root beer floats with quality store-bought root beers and favorite whiskies. This allows the drink to be customized exactly to one’s tastes.
Overall, the pairing of these two nostalgic American beverages has opened the door for new innovations on vintage cocktails. It provides the perfect balance of playful and drinkable with a smooth finish.
Nutrition Information
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root beer (regular) | 12 fl oz | 150 | 39 | 38 | 0 |
| Root beer (diet) | 12 fl oz | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jack Daniel’s | 1.5 fl oz | 105 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
When mixing regular root beer with 1.5 oz of Jack Daniel’s, a 12 oz serving will have approximately:
- 255 calories
- 39g carbohydrates
- 38g sugar
- 0g protein
This counts only the root beer and Jack Daniel’s – any added ice cream or other ingredients would increase the nutrition counts. Overall, the mixed drink is relatively high in sugar due to the regular soda. Going with a diet root beer option would reduce the carb and sugar content.
Potential Health Benefits
Despite the high sugar content from the regular root beer, there are some potential minor health benefits associated with the ingredients in this cocktail:
- Antioxidants – Root beer contains antioxidants from spices like cinnamon and sassafras that may help neutralize free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Wintergreen extract in root beer has natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stress relief – Jack Daniel’s contains oak tannins that act as a muscle relaxant.
- Immune boosting – The zinc content in Jack Daniel’s supports immune cell function.
However, these benefits are outweighed by the high sugar and alcohol content which should be consumed in moderation. As with any cocktail, it’s best to enjoy responsibly and in small amounts. For the healthiest option, choose a low-sugar root beer and avoid excessive whiskey consumption.
Risks and Considerations
While mixing root beer and Jack Daniels has a nostalgic, highly palatable appeal, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- High in calories and sugar – Regular root beer packs nearly 40g of sugar per serving, so overconsumption can easily lead to excess calorie intake.
- Alcohol impairment – The addition of whiskey comes with the same intoxicating effects and risks as other spirits.
- Dehydration – The carbonation and alcohol combination may leave you dehydrated.
- Dental erosion – Root beer’s acidity and sugar content can erode tooth enamel over time.
- Unsafe for some groups – The drink is unsafe for children, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions or alcohol sensitivities.
To mitigate the risks, consume the drink in moderation, stay hydrated with water, practice good oral hygiene, and avoid overconsumption. People with diabetes or phenylketonuria should also be aware of the high sugar and aspartame content in some root beers. As with any alcoholic beverage, it’s best to drink mindfully and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the alcohol content of a root beer and Jack Daniels drink?
This depends on the proportions used, but typically ranges from 5-15% ABV. Normal root beer contains no alcohol, while Jack Daniels whiskey is 40% ABV. A standard 12oz drink made with 2oz Jack Daniels would be approximately 9% alcohol.
What’s the difference between Jack Daniels and bourbon?
While they share similarities, Jack Daniels meets the criteria for Tennessee whiskey rather than bourbon. Key differences are Jack Daniels’ use of the Lincoln County Process filtering through charcoal before aging, and aging in new oak barrels vs. bourbon’s used barrels.
Is root beer gluten-free?
Most root beers are gluten-free as they’re made from ingredients like sugar, spices, and flavor extracts. However, some artisanal root beers may contain gluten from wheat or barley sources. Check labels to confirm gluten content if needed.
Can you use other sodas besides root beer?
While less common, Jack Daniels can also be mixed with other spiced sodas like ginger ale, cream soda, or orange soda for a different flavor profile. The sweetness helps mellow out the whiskey. Root beer is generally considered the most iconic Jack Daniels soda paring.
What can be used instead of Jack Daniels whiskey?
For variety, you can substitute in other Tennessee whiskies like George Dickel or bourbons like Jim Beam. Spiced rums like Captain Morgan also work well at mimicking the flavor of Jack Daniels in root beer cocktails.
Conclusion
The unique combination of root beer and Jack Daniels strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic, sweet soda flavors and robust whiskey notes. While high in sugar, it offers pleasant vanilla, spice, and oak flavors when properly mixed. The drink rose to popularity in the early 2000s thanks to brands like Not Your Father’s Root Beer and has become ingrained in drinking culture as a fun, delicious cocktail. Responsible enjoyment in moderation can satisfy both a sweet tooth and an appreciation for fine whiskey. Just be mindful of overconsumption to avoid adverse health effects. Ultimately, a splash of Jack Daniels adds a delightful kick to any root beer float.