Is Root Beer Actually Beer?

Root beer floats are a beloved kid-friendly treat, yet you might spot root beer in the alcohol aisle. So, is root beer beer? The answer isn't straightforward. Root beer has changed a lot since its creation, and today's recipes vary widely—including in alcohol content.

Most root beers are soft drinks, but some are alcoholic. To figure out if you can get drunk from root beer, you need to know the difference between types. First, let's look at where root beer came from and how it has evolved.

The Origins of Root Beer

In the 19th century, early root beer was made from roots, barks, leaves, and flowers. Indigenous North Americans brewed medicinal teas using plants like sassafras, wintergreen, and sarsaparilla for their healing qualities.

By the 1840s, general stores sold root beer as a remedy. Over time, these recipes were adapted into low-alcohol "small beers." Carbonation—a key feature of modern root beer—was added later. In the late 1870s, pharmacist Charles Hires introduced the first commercial root beer at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, and soon it was distributed nationwide.

Root beer's popularity grew, but Prohibition led to non-alcoholic versions. Companies found these cheaper to produce, shifting root beer into the soft drink category. In the 1960s, the FDA banned safrole, a compound in sassafras linked to liver damage and cancer. Beverage companies then adjusted their recipes to create the root beer we know today.

What Is Root Beer Made Of?

Root beer is primarily a soft drink made from water, carbonation, sweetener, and caramel coloring. While original versions used various plants, modern root beer often includes these flavorings:

• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Wintergreen
• Black cherry bark
• Licorice root
• Sarsaparilla root
• Nutmeg
• Acacia
• Anise
• Cinnamon

Mass-produced root beers often use fewer traditional ingredients, while smaller producers stick closer to original recipes. But do any still contain alcohol?

Does Root Beer Contain Alcohol?

Commercially produced root beer sold as a soft drink contains 0% alcohol and won't make you drunk. However, some smaller companies make low-alcohol versions using traditional methods. In the U.S., alcoholic beverages must be clearly labeled, so any alcoholic root beer will state it on the label.

There are also "hard" root beers designed as alcoholic drinks. These can vary in alcohol by volume (ABV) and contain the same compounds as other alcoholic beverages that cause intoxication. Still, the most popular type remains the non-alcoholic soft drink.

Does Root Beer Have Caffeine?

Most root beer sodas and alcoholic versions are caffeine-free. However, ingredients differ by brand. For example, Barq's regular root beer contains caffeine, while Mug and A&W do not. The FDA requires caffeine to be listed in ingredients, but not the amount, so check with the manufacturer if you're sensitive to caffeine.

Why Is It Called Root Beer?

The name comes from its origins: "root" refers to the sassafras and dandelion root teas used, and "beer" comes from the fermentation process similar to brewing beer. Over time, ingredients and methods changed, but the name stuck. Calling it "caramel-colored flavored soda" just doesn't have the same appeal.

Alcoholic Root Beer vs. Other Drinks

Alcoholic root beers typically range from 5% to 8% ABV, similar to many beers. Wines range from about 5% to 15% ABV, and spirits from 35% to 45%. While alcoholic root beer is closest to beer, it usually has more sugar, similar to flavored malt beverages like hard lemonade or iced tea.

Is Root Beer Good for You?

Let's look at the health effects of the three main types:

• Commercial root beer soda: Unlike traditional medicinal versions, modern commercial root beer uses artificial flavors and lots of sugar. Studies link sugary soda to several health issues.
• Craft root beer soda: Smaller brands may use natural flavors and cane sugar, but excessive soft drink consumption is still unhealthy.
• Alcoholic root beer: Combines the risks of alcohol with the drawbacks of sweeteners and additives.

Modern root beer doesn't offer the same benefits as the original medicinal tea.

Potential Dangers of Alcoholic Root Beer

Alcoholic root beer mixes soft drinks and alcohol, which can lead to:

• Increased alcohol consumption: Sweet flavors can mask alcohol's taste, removing a natural deterrent.
• Excess sugar intake: Often has more sugar than non-alcoholic versions, raising risks when combined with alcohol's effects on blood sugar.
• Intoxication: Can cause mild to severe symptoms, including coma or death in extreme cases.
• Long-term health issues: Excessive drinking is linked to diabetes, liver disease, heart problems, and cancers.

Responsible Consumption Tips

To minimize risks with alcoholic root beer:

• Check ABV: Know how much alcohol you're drinking to avoid overconsumption.
• Track your intake: Monitor drinking patterns to spot unhealthy habits.
• Manage sugar: Adjust your diet to account for high sugar content.
• Eat a balanced diet: Help your body replenish nutrients and combat alcohol's toxins.
• Exercise regularly: Counteract weight gain and blood sugar spikes from sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Cut back or quit: Reduce or eliminate alcohol to improve health. Use tools like Quitemate to find alcohol-free alternatives and set limits.

Getting to the Root of It

Today, root beer is mainly a non-alcoholic soft drink, but alcoholic versions exist. While usually lower in alcohol than spirits, hard root beer can still cause intoxication and health issues. Combining soft drinks with alcohol may worsen negative effects. Recipes and alcohol content vary, so mindful, moderate consumption is key to avoiding problems.