Root beer is a beloved soda pop that has been popular in North America for over a century. With its sweet, spicy flavor profile reminiscent of sassafras, wintergreen, vanilla, and other aromatic botanicals, root beer delivers a distinct taste that’s quite different from the cola sodas that dominate the market.
While traditional mainstream root beer brands like A&W, Barq’s, and Mug are non-alcoholic, some specialty root beers do contain alcohol. So which root beers really have booze in them? Let’s take a closer look.
The History of Root Beer
To understand which root beers contain alcohol, it helps to learn about the history of root beer first. Here are some key points about the origins and evolution of root beer:
- Root beer originated in Colonial America, where various homebrewed concoctions were made using sassafras root, sarsaparilla vine, wintergreen, and other wild botanicals.
- These traditional root beers had trace amounts of alcohol naturally from the fermentation process.
- By the mid 19th century, commercial root beer production began using yeast and other additives to standardize flavor and quality.
- Temperance movement reformers encouraged making non-alcoholic versions of root beer and other sodas in the late 1800s.
- Prohibition in the 1920s further pushed brewers to create only completely non-alcoholic root beers.
- Modern commercial root beers like A&W and Barq’s are still non-alcoholic, while some niche root beer makers produce alcoholic versions.
So while old-fashioned homemade root beer recipes may have had trace alcohol, today’s major mainstream brands are alcohol-free. But not all root beer is non-alcoholic, as smaller niche producers have revived the alcoholic tradition.
Why Do Some Root Beers Contain Alcohol?
There are a few reasons why certain modern root beer brands contain alcohol:
- To replicate historical recipes – Some brands aim to recapture colonial-era root beer flavors, which involved natural fermentation and slight alcohol content.
- For novelty and variety – Alcoholic root beers offer something different for adventurous adult root beer aficionados looking for a new experience.
- As a prohibition-era throwback – With renewed interest in 1920s speakeasy culture, some brands evoke nostalgia for boozy retro root beers.
- For greater complexity – The yeast and fermentation used to produce alcohol can lend rich, complex flavors to root beer.
So in short, alcoholic innovation, nostalgic novelty, and added complexity are reasons driving modern root beer makers to spike their recipes with booze. Purists argue that alcohol distracts from root beer’s signature botanical flavors, while enthusiasts enjoy the blend of sweet soda and grown-up spirits.
Major Root Beer Brands Without Alcohol
Here is a summary of the big mainstream root beer producers that do not contain any alcohol whatsoever:
A&W Root Beer
A&W Root Beer is one of the longest established and most popular root beer brands. It was first served at A&W drive-in franchises starting in 1919, originally as a frosty mug treat to enjoy with burgers and fries. A&W reformulated its recipe over the years, but always kept it completely non-alcoholic. Today it’s sold across North America as a canned and bottled soda.
Barq’s Root Beer
Barq’s Root Beer has been around since 1898, originally bottled and sold at pharmacies and fountains in Biloxi, Mississippi. It has a distinctive bite from extra carbonation. Now owned by the Coca-Cola company, Barq’s uses caffeine but no alcohol in its recipe.
Mug Root Beer
Mug Root Beer first emerged in the 1940s and soon became popular thanks to fun radio jingles and TV commercials. It has a milder flavor without the bite of Barq’s. Mug reformulated around 1970, eliminating any trace alcohol content it may have had from early natural fermentation brewing processes.
IBC Root Beer
IBC Root Beer has been brewed since 1919 and stands out from other major brands with a bold flavor packed with anise, licorice, and other herbs and spices. Now owned by Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, IBC uses cane sugar for sweetness and is alcohol-free.
In addition to these big national brands, most mainstream grocery store and convenience store root beer selections are non-alcoholic. So while reading labels can’t hurt, you typically don’t have to worry about standard brands containing undisclosed alcohol.
Noteworthy Root Beer Brands with Alcohol
While large soda companies play it safe with non-alcoholic recipes, smaller artisanal root beer makers have boldly embraced the style’s boozy roots. Here are some noteworthy alcoholic root beer brands to know about:
Root
One of the earliest modern alcoholic root beers, Root became popular in Chicago in the 1990s. It has 5.9% alcohol by volume. Owned by the Boston Beer Company (which makes Samuel Adams beers), Root uses aged vanilla and Peruvian cocoa nibs to complement its zesty wintergreen and birch flavors.
Best Damn Root Beer
Produced by Anheuser-Busch, Best Damn Root Beer lives up to its bold name at 5.5% ABV. Reviews praise its balanced flavor blending spicy sassafras with smooth malt liquor undertones.
Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer
This artisan root beer contains cane liquor made from sugarcane, yielding a 10% ABV wallop. Captain Eli’s is based in Massachusetts but distributed across the country. It uses organic ingredients like ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg for robust flavor.
Notablementions
Other alcoholic root beer options to check out include Small Town Brewery’s Not Your Father’s Root Beer (5.9% ABV), Sea Dog’s Root Beer (5.0%), and Coney Island Hard Root Beer (5.8% ABV). Seasonal and small-batch root beers from local microbreweries are also worth sampling for possible alcohol content.
Should you Consume Alcoholic Root Beers?
Alcoholic root beers are rising in popularity, but are they a good choice to drink? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Potential Benefits
- Unique flavor experience – The blend of root beer and alcohol flavors is intriguing.
- High quality ingredients – Small-batch alcoholic root beers often use organic, natural ingredients.
- Fun novelty factor – It’s a conversation starter for parties or informal gatherings.
- Allows adult root beer enjoyment – For those who wish to consume root beer in moderation with alcohol.
Potential Drawbacks
- High in sugar – Root beer already has a high sugar content that alcohol exacerbates.
- Risk of overconsumption – The soda-like taste may lead to drinking excess amounts.
- Safety issues – The alcohol content isn’t always immediately apparent.
- Not recommended for recovering alcoholics – The taste could trigger relapses.
In the end, like any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key. Consuming alcohol-spiked root beers safely requires drinking modestly. They also may not be suitable for people avoiding alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons.
How to Check If a Root Beer Has Alcohol
Unsure if a root beer contains alcohol or not? Here are some tips to check before you sip:
- Read the label ingredients – Alcoholic root beers should list alcohol in the ingredients.
- Note alcohol by volume – Check for an ABV percentage on the label, which legally must be disclosed.
- Research unfamiliar brands – Do an online search to see if a root beer is alcoholic or not.
- When in doubt, ask – Ask your bartender or server to confirm whether or not a root beer is alcoholic.
- Use your senses – Alcoholic root beers may have a slight fermented aroma and taste.
Doing your homework can ensure you don’t accidentally get intoxicated when simply wanting to enjoy an innocent soda. And remember, when driving or before operating heavy machinery, it’s safest to avoid alcoholic root beers altogether.
Making Your Own Alcoholic Root Beer
Instead of buying ready-made alcoholic root beer, you can also create your own boozy brews. Here’s a quick guide to concocting homemade alcoholic root beer:
Ingredients
- Non-alcoholic root beer (can use store-bought or homemade)
- Alcohol such as vodka, rum, or whiskey
- Optional flavorings like vanilla, wintergreen, cinnamon
Steps
- Start with a base of non-alcoholic root beer, about 1 liter.
- Add 2-3 ounces (1-2 shots) of alcohol like vodka or spiced rum.
- For extra flavor, also add extracts like vanilla, wintergreen, birch, or sassafras.
- Adjust amounts of alcohol and flavorings to taste preference.
- Mix thoroughly and serve over ice.
Part of the fun is experimenting with different types and amounts of liquor to complement the root beer’s flavors. Just be responsible and use a moderate hand when blending your own boozy brew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root beer gluten-free?
Most root beers are gluten-free, since they are made without wheat, barley, or rye. However, some alcoholic root beers use malt liquor, so check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
Where can you buy alcoholic root beer?
Specialty alcoholic root beer brands are carried at many liquor stores. They may also be found at some grocery stores, convenience stores, or beer distributors depending on local regulations.
Do any fast food chains offer alcoholic root beer?
Some A&W and Sonic Drive-In locations serve alcoholic root beer options like Not Your Father’s Root Beer as part of pilot programs in select areas. But most major fast food chains do not offer alcoholic root beers nationwide.
Is root beer caffeine free?
Most root beers do not contain caffeine, with the notable exception of Barq’s Root Beer. Check labels to confirm caffeine content for sensitive individuals.
What alcohol is used in alcoholic root beers?
Many alcoholic root beer brands use neutral spirits like vodka or cane liquor as a base. Some use malt liquor or ale, while others add spiced rums or whiskies for extra flavor.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to alcoholic root beers, a handful of specialty brands embrace the style’s historical roots and offer adult drink options. But the classic root beer taste so many know and love generally remains non-alcoholic. Major brands like A&W, Barq’s, Mug, and IBC keep it light and alcohol-free for all-ages enjoyment. So sip your root beer safely by checking labels, doing research, and consuming moderately and responsibly.