In 1898, Ed Barq created a non-alcoholic soft drink that would become popular for its unique flavor and refreshing taste. This drink, known as Barq’s, has become a household name and a beloved brand for many people around the world. Here we will explore the inception of this classic soda and its impact on the industry.
The Origin of Barq’s Root Beer
Barq’s Root Beer is a carbonated soft drink that has been popular for over a century. It was created in 1898 by Edward Barq, who was a chemist in Biloxi, Mississippi. The original formula for the beverage contained caffeine as well as a small amount of alcohol. However, the alcohol content was eliminated in the 1940s, and the caffeine was removed in the 2000s.
The Original Barq’s
The original recipe for Barq’s Root Beer was created by Ed Barq, who was a chemist by trade. The drink was initially called “Barq’s Famous Olde Tyme Root Beer,” and it was advertised as a way to quench your thirst on hot Mississippi afternoons. The original recipe contained caffeine, which was added to give the drink a more invigorating effect. The caffeine was later removed from the recipe, but the drink remained popular.
The Evolution of Barq’s
Over the years, Barq’s Root Beer has undergone several changes. The drink is now available in both regular and diet varieties and is sold in over 30 countries around the world. In addition to the original root beer flavor, Barq’s also produces other flavors such as cream soda and red creme soda.
The Ingredients
Barq’s Root Beer is made with a combination of natural and artificial flavors. The primary flavoring agent in the drink is sassafras root, which is also used in other types of root beer. Other ingredients include high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, sodium benzoate, and citric acid.
Sassafras Root
Sassafras root is the primary flavoring agent in Barq’s Root Beer. The root has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor and is used in other types of root beer as well. However, sassafras root was banned by the FDA in the 1960s due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with the root’s high content of safrole. Barq’s Root Beer now uses a safrole-free sassafras extract.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is commonly used in soft drinks. It is made by converting corn starch into glucose and then fructose. High fructose corn syrup is cheaper than sugar and is easier to use in large-scale production.
Caramel Color
Caramel color is a food coloring that is used to give Barq’s Root Beer its distinctive brown color. It is made by heating sugar until it caramelizes, and then adding water to create a liquid colorant.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative that is added to Barq’s Root Beer to extend its shelf life. It is also used in other types of soft drinks and processed foods.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a natural preservative that is added to Barq’s Root Beer to enhance the flavor and give it a slightly tart taste. It is also used in other types of soft drinks and processed foods.
The Popularity of Barq’s
Barq’s Root Beer has been a popular soft drink for over a century. The drink has a unique flavor and is loved by many people around the world. In addition to its popularity in the United States, Barq’s Root Beer is also popular in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Key takeaway: Barq’s Root Beer was created in 1898 by chemist Ed Barq, initially containing caffeine and a small amount of alcohol, but those ingredients were later removed. The primary flavoring agent is sassafras root, which was banned due to concerns about safrole, but Barq’s uses a safrole-free extract. The drink is now owned by The Coca-Cola Company, available in over 30 countries with regular, diet, cream soda, and red creme soda flavors. It’s also popular as a mixer in cocktails, and has been advertised with slogans and celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal and David Hasselhoff.
Advertising
Over the years, Barq’s Root Beer has been advertised in various ways. One of the most famous slogans associated with the drink is “Drink Barq’s. It’s Good!” The slogan was introduced in the 1960s and has since become synonymous with the brand. Barq’s has also used various celebrities in its advertising campaigns, including Shaquille O’Neal and David Hasselhoff.
Barq’s as a Mixer
In addition to being a popular soft drink, Barq’s Root Beer is also used as a mixer in alcoholic beverages. The drink pairs well with various types of spirits, including vodka and rum. Some popular cocktails that feature Barq’s Root Beer as a mixer include the Root Beer Float and the Dirty Root Beer.
Barq’s Today
Today, Barq’s Root Beer is owned by The Coca-Cola Company, which acquired the brand in 1995. The drink is available in both regular and diet varieties and is sold in over 30 countries around the world. In addition to its original root beer flavor, Barq’s also produces other flavors such as cream soda and red creme soda.
Barq’s Red Creme Soda
Barq’s Red Creme Soda is a popular flavor that was introduced in the 1970s. The drink has a sweet and fruity taste and is often compared to other red-colored soft drinks such as Big Red and Fanta Red Cream.
Barq’s Cream Soda
Barq’s Cream Soda is another popular flavor that was introduced in the 1980s. The drink has a sweet and creamy taste and is often used as a mixer in cocktails.
FAQs – What non-alcoholic soft drink was created by Ed Barq in 1898?
What is the history behind the creation of the non-alcoholic soft drink by Ed Barq?
In the year 1898, a man named Edward Charles Edmond Barq from Biloxi, Mississippi, created a non-alcoholic soft drink after he was disappointed with the quality of the available beverages. He experimented with different ingredients and eventually created a unique blend of root beer that became an instant hit locally. Barq started selling the drink from his small Barq’s Stand in Biloxi.
What sets Ed Barq’s creation apart from other soft drinks?
Ed Barq’s creation, known as Barq’s Root Beer, became popular for its unique blend of spices and herbs. Some of the key ingredients include vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and wintergreen. The combination of flavors gives the drink a distinct taste and aroma that is different from other root beers available in the market. Moreover, the recipe was a closely guarded secret that kept many competitors at bay.
How did the non-alcoholic soft drink by Ed Barq become popular?
Barq’s Root Beer gained popularity quickly, and Ed Barq expanded his operations. In the early 1900s, the beverage was bottled and sold as Barq’s Near Beer. During the Prohibition Era, when alcoholic beverages were banned, Barq’s Soft Drink Company became a popular alternative. The company was later sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 1995 but continued to be produced under the Barq’s name with the original recipe.
What are some of the variations of Barq’s Root Beer available in the market?
Over the years, Barq’s has released several different flavors of root beer, such as Barq’s Red Crème Soda, Barq’s French Vanilla Crème Soda, and Barq’s Floatz, among others. However, the original Barq’s Root Beer is still the most popular.
What is the current status of the Barq’s Soft Drink Company?
As previously mentioned, the Barq’s Soft Drink Company was sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 1995. Today, Barq’s Root Beer is still produced and sold by The Coca-Cola Company under the Barq’s name. The brand has a loyal following of consumers who continue to enjoy the unique flavor and taste of the original root beer recipe created by Ed Barq.