The Best Root Beer Brands in 2024

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I love root beer. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the days of sipping it at a local soda fountain, to now as an adult, my passion for it has only grown. But which root beer brands is the best?

Recently, I set out on a mission. I wanted to find the very best root beer brands out there. I tested 30 different root beer brands in two rounds. This included both American classics and unique British styles. Through this, I aimed to discover the finest tastes in this carbonated delight.

Key Takeaways

• The top-rated root beer brands in the UK include Frostie, Dr. Brown’s, River City, and Stewart’s.
• Hank’s Diet root beer was deemed the best diet option, scoring an impressive 7.5/10.
• Sprecher root beer stood out for its exceptional packaging and received an 8/10 rating.
• River City root beer was praised as the ultimate choice for creating classic root beer floats.
• Dr. Brown’s root beer was crowned the overall winner, earning a perfect 10/10 score and surpassing even the renowned Frostie brand.

Introduction to Root Beer

What is Root Beer?

Root beer is a sweet, fizzy drink without alcohol. Its taste comes from the sassafras tree. People say it tastes like sweet vanilla with a unique twist.

The History of Root Beer

Root beer’s story starts in the US in the 1700s. Back then, it was first available in sweets shops. In 1886, Charles Hires began bottling his special blend. Soon, by 1893, it was popular all over the US.

Root Beer’s Popularity in the UK

Root beer is loved not only in the US but also in the UK. Big companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola started selling it there. This lets people in the UK enjoy root beer’s unique taste too.

Top Root Beer Brands in the UK

Looking for the top root beer brands in the UK? Fentiman’s Old English Root Beer is a top pick. It offers a mix of classic American root beer taste with a British flair.

Fentiman’s Old English Root Beer

Fentiman’s Old English mixes liquorice, ginger, and pear to stand out. It has a complex taste and pleasant aroma compared to other root beers. This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting a unique, nuanced flavour.

Bundaberg Root Beer

Bundaberg, from Australia, creates a root beer with a rich texture. It blends classic vanilla flavours with a hint of spice. The natural sweetness from cane sugar makes it balanced and tasty.

A&W Root Beer

A&W is a must-try, originating in the US. It’s known for its creamy vanilla taste and fragrant root beer smell. In the UK, where it’s widely available, it’s a favourite for good reason.

Flavour Profiles of Root Beer

Root beer comes in many different flavours. You can find the traditional taste or try more unique versions. The variety in root beer means there’s something for everyone.

Traditional Root Beer Flavour

The original root beer flavour mixes vanilla, wintergreen, and sassafras. It’s both a bit sweet and a bit spicy. Sassafras root used to be the main taste in root beer, giving it its classic flavour.

This mix of tastes has been loved for years. It brings back fond memories for many people.

Spiced and Herbal Variations

Modern root beers often add various spices or herbs, making new and exciting twists. Some include ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Others throw in things like dandelion root or star anise for a truly special flavour.

These different root beers offer more complex tastes. They’re great for those wanting something beyond the usual.

Fruity and Creamy Root Beers

You can now find root beers with creamy and fruity notes. Flavours like vanilla, caramel, or different fruits are quite popular. These choices make for a richer, creamier drink, almost like a dessert.

root beer

Best Root Beer for Floats

River City root beer is top-notch for making the perfect root beer float. It has a full taste of vanilla and is extra creamy. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you get a drink that takes you back to old-time soda fountains.

Best Diet Root Beer

Looking for a low-calorie root beer? Zevia’s Zero Sugar Root Beer hits the spot. It uses natural sweeteners and has no artificial stuff. So, you can enjoy a classic root beer flavour without the extra calories.

Best Root Beer for Burgers

A&W’s Original Root Beer is great with savoury foods, especially burgers. Its taste, with hints of caramel and vanilla, mixes well with the bold flavour of grilled meat. This pairing makes your meal stand out.

Making Your Own Root Beer

Root Beer Recipes

If you want to make your own root beer, there are many recipes out there to try. Most recipes use ingredients like sassafras root, vanilla, molasses, and spices. These are mixed with carbonated water to give it the bubbly feel.

To make root beer, you’ll need a few weeks and several steps. First, you make a soda culture. Then, you make the root beer syrup. Each ingredient has its use. For example, sassafras root helps in cleansing, while sarsaparilla purifies the blood. Burdock and astragalus boost the immune system, and licorice cools and satisfies thirst.

Fermenting the root beer takes 3-7 days. This time can change the sweetness and fizziness. After fermentation, you put it in bottles. You should be careful when opening these bottles. If they’ve been sitting for too long, they might spray everywhere when opened.

Root Beer Extracts and Syrups

Making a root beer kit is fun and makes a great gift. The kits include measured packs of roots like burdock, licorice, and astragalus. These add vitamins and minerals to the homemade root beer.

Root beer is usually made by boiling a mix of herbs in water. This is then sweetened and fermented. This way, you get a fizzy drink that’s good for your gut. Traditional ingredients like sassafras, sarsaparilla, ginger, and licorice give root beer its unique taste.

Root beer has three main steps. First, you brew the herbs into a tea-like drink. Then, you sweeten it. Lastly, you ferment it with a starter culture. This fermentation process gives root beer its fizz and turns it into a healthy, probiotic drink.

This recipe makes enough for 8 people, so about 2 quarts each. You can also add herbs like ginger, licorice, birch, and dandelion root. These herbs add taste to the root beer.

You can change traditional recipes by using different sweeteners or starter cultures. You can also add herbs like mint, hops, or juniper for a special twist. Some herbs used in root beer might have health benefits. But, it’s good to know what they are.

Root Beer Nutrition and Health

Being a big fan of root beer, I know it’s smart to check what’s in it. This tasty drink‘s nutrition can change a lot depending on the type and brand. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Calories and Sugar Content

Traditional root beers have a fair bit of sugar and calories. A 12-ounce glass might have over 40 grams of sugar. This is because they use sweeteners such as cane sugar or corn syrup.

But wait! If you’re trying to cut down on sugar or calories, there’s good news. You can choose diet or low-calorie root beers. These options have less sugar and fewer calories.

Caffeine in Root Beer

Most big name root beer brands don’t have caffeine. Barq’s is an exception. This is great if you prefer drinks without caffeine. Yet, remember to look at the label. Some special or small-batch root beers might have a tiny bit of caffeine.

All in all, root beer isn’t the healthiest choice. But, it’s okay to enjoy a glass now and then. If you’re careful about the sugar and calories, and choose caffeine-free or low-calorie types, you can still have your root beer. This way, fans of this fizzy treat can fit it into their healthy eating plans. Then, they can sip on their favourite root beer without worry.

Root Beer Alternatives

Looking for something like root beer but not as sweet? Non-alcoholic beers are a great choice. They keep the fizzy, crisp feel of root beer. Plus, they’re perfect if you want to avoid alcohol.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

In the past few years, non-alcoholic beers have really improved. You can now find a wide variety of them. They often taste clean and refreshing, just like you’d expect. And they’ve got that bubbly feeling down pat.

Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is another option for those who want a change. It’s a sparkling drink with a kick. Made from ginger, sugar, and water, it’s boldly sweet and spicy. Brands like Bundaberg are known for their authentic ginger beer taste.

Root Beer in Pop Culture

Root beer is a key part of American popular culture. It’s mostly known for the classic root beer float. This mix of a scoop of vanilla ice cream and root beer is loved during summer at diners, soda fountains, and barbecues.

Root Beer Floats

The root beer float is a famous American dessert loved for years. It mixes sweet, creamy ice cream with fizzy root beer. This creates a unique mix of tastes and textures we can’t get enough of. It brings back memories of happy, carefree times whenever we have it.

Root Beer Barrel Candies

Besides the root beer float, root beer adds its signature flavour to candy too. Root beer barrel candies are well-liked. Their unique barrel shape and taste remind us of classic root beer. Found in shops and stores, they give a sweet, small way to enjoy root beer where you go.

Serving and Enjoying Root Beer

Choosing the right glass for your root beer is crucial. This helps you taste its unique flavours and enjoy the bubbles. I suggest using classic soda fountain glasses or chilled mugs for the best experience.

Best Glassware for Root Beer

The perfect glass for root beer should highlight its foamy top and smell. A tall, narrow glass works well because it focuses the scent and keeps the fizz. Also, cooling the glass in the freezer adds a frosty touch, perfect for keeping the drink cold on hot days.

Root Beer Pairings

Root beer is great on its own but also goes well with many foods. For a classic match, have it with American favourites like burgers and hot dogs. The sweetness of root beer pairs nicely with these foods.

Root beer floats are another top choice. They’re made by adding vanilla ice cream to a glass of root beer. They’re a popular summer treat that everyone loves.

How you serve your root beer makes a big difference. From the glass choice to the food served with it, every part adds to the experience. It takes you back to the days of soda fountains in America.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of root beer has been fun and eye-opening. I now see the rich variety of flavours and experiences it brings. Whether it’s the American classics or the unique British twists, there’s a root beer for everyone.

Drinking a root beer float brings back memories. But, mixing it in cocktails or enjoying a cold glass is also exciting. Root beer is more than a drink, it’s a cultural symbol loved in America and Britain.

Goodbye to my root beer adventure. I’ve learned a lot about making this special drink. It takes time and attention to pick the right ingredients and carbonate it. With many types out there, I’m eager to keep exploring this fascinating drink.

FAQ

What is root beer?

Root beer is a sweet, fizzy drink. It doesn’t have alcohol. It’s made mainly from extracts of the sassafras root or tree. The taste is unique, like sweet vanilla. Many say it tastes the way it smells.

What are the key ingredients in root beer?

The main ingredients in root beer are vanilla, wintergreen, and sassafras. It has a bit of sweet and a bit of spice. These flavours come from the sassafras root extract.

What is the best root beer for making root beer floats?

River City root beer is top for floats. It has strong vanilla taste and is creamy. Combined with vanilla ice cream, it’s a classic and tasty treat.

How can I make my own homemade root beer?

Creating your own root beer is fun. You might use sassafras root, vanilla, molasses, and spices. Add these to carbonated water for that fizzy feel.

How healthy is root beer?

The healthiness of root beer varies. Traditional kinds are high in calories and sugar, over 40 grams in 12 ounces. Yet, there are diet versions with less sugar and fewer calories.

Are there any non-alcoholic beer alternatives to root beer?

Non-alcoholic beers can offer a different take. They lack root beer’s sweet touch but are crisp and bubbly. They give a similar feel in your mouth.

What is the best way to serve and enjoy root beer?

Root beer shines with the right glass. Use one that shows off its foam and smells. Classic soda glasses or frosted mugs work best.

Source Links

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