Root beer is a popular soft drink that has been enjoyed in America for many years. Its unique name comes from its original recipe, which included the root of the sassafras tree. The roots were boiled to extract their flavor and medicinal properties, and the resulting beverage became known as root beer. Despite changes in the recipe over time, the name has stuck and continues to be associated with this beloved beverage. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of root beer and learn more about why it is called by this distinctive name.
A History of Root Beer
Root beer is a sweet and fizzy beverage that has been enjoyed in the United States since the 1800s. It is made from a blend of herbs, roots, and spices, and was originally marketed as a health tonic. The drink was particularly popular during Prohibition, when it became a popular alternative to alcoholic beverages.
The Origins of Root Beer
The origins of root beer can be traced back to the Native American tribes who used to brew a medicinal tea made from the roots of sassafras plants. The tea was believed to have health benefits and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
The First Commercial Root Beer
The first commercial root beer was produced in the mid-19th century by Charles Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist. Hires had experimented with brewing root tea and decided to create a carbonated version of the drink. He marketed his creation as a health tonic and it quickly became popular.
The Ingredients of Root Beer
Root beer is made from a variety of ingredients including roots, herbs, and spices. The exact recipe can vary depending on the manufacturer, but some of the most common ingredients include:
Sassafras Root
Sassafras root is one of the key ingredients in root beer. The root has a sweet and spicy flavor and is believed to have health benefits.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen is a plant that has a strong, minty flavor. It is often used in root beer to give it a refreshing taste.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a popular flavoring agent in root beer. It adds a sweet, creamy taste to the drink.
Anise
Anise is a spice that has a licorice-like flavor. It is often used in root beer to add a hint of sweetness.
Despite its name, root beer does not actually contain any beer. The drink is called “root beer” because it is made from a blend of roots, herbs, and spices.
Key takeaway: Root beer is a sweet and fizzy beverage that was first marketed as a health tonic and has remained popular in the United States since the 1800s. Despite its name, root beer contains no actual beer, but its ingredients include a blend of roots, herbs, and spices, including sassafras root, wintergreen, vanilla, and anise. Root beer floats, made by adding vanilla ice cream to a glass of root beer, are a popular way to enjoy this drink, which has also been featured in popular culture.
The Original Name
When Charles Hires first created his carbonated root tea, he called it “root tea,” but he later decided to change the name to “root beer” to help market the drink.
The Controversy Surrounding Sassafras
One of the key ingredients in root beer is sassafras root. However, sassafras contains a chemical called safrole, which has been linked to cancer. In the 1960s, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of safrole in food and beverages. Since then, most root beer manufacturers have used a safrole-free version of sassafras root extract.
The Popularity of Root Beer
Root beer has remained a popular beverage in the United States for over a century. It is often enjoyed as a sweet treat, and is a popular choice for children’s parties and outdoor events.
Root Beer Floats
One of the most popular ways to enjoy root beer is in the form of a root beer float. A root beer float is made by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of root beer. The ice cream melts and mixes with the root beer, creating a sweet and creamy drink.
Root Beer in Popular Culture
Root beer has also been featured in popular culture, including in movies and television shows. Some of the most famous examples include the A&W Root Beer mascot, and the iconic scene from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where George Bailey orders a root beer at the local soda fountain.
FAQs for the topic: why is it called root beer
What is root beer?
Root beer is a non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage that is made from a combination of several herbs, spices, and other ingredients. It has a distinct taste that is usually sweet and slightly spicy, and it’s been a popular beverage in America since the 1800s. Although it’s primarily enjoyed in the United States and Canada, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well.
Why is it called root beer?
Root beer gets its name from the fact that many early recipes for the beverage included roots as one of the primary ingredients. These roots were often from the sassafras plant, which has a distinct flavor and aroma that is still associated with root beer today. Other roots that were commonly used included birch, dandelion, and burdock. The use of these roots to flavor the beverage is what gave it its name.
When was root beer first created?
The exact origins of root beer are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States sometime in the mid-19th century. The beverage was initially made as a type of health tonic, as the roots and herbs that were used to make it were believed to have medicinal properties. Over time, the beverage became more popular as a refreshing drink, and its use as a health tonic declined.
Is root beer still made with roots today?
Most modern root beer recipes do not include actual roots as ingredients. Instead, they rely on artificial flavorings and extracts to achieve the distinctive taste of root beer. This is due in part to the fact that some of the roots that were historically used, such as sassafras, have been found to contain compounds that can be harmful in large doses. However, some companies still use natural ingredients, such as sarsaparilla or wintergreen, to flavor their root beer.