Who knew root beer actually came in two forms: alcoholic and soft drink. Many of us can relate to cracking open our cans of Barq’s or MUG or even twisting off the top of that ever popular IBC bottle, and enjoying the sweet taste of that familiar soda. There are over 2,000 varieties of the carbonated treat, most of which are made using extracts and flavored syrups diluted into carbonated water. 

The alcoholic version of root beer contains about 0.4% alcohol, compared to more than 4% for traditional beers. Sassafras roots are what historically gave root beer its name, and bark from the roots is what gave the beverage its unique flavoring. In 1960 sassafras bark was banned by the FDA, and now the primary ingredient is artificial sassafras flavoring and is combined with several other flavors such as vanilla, cherry tree bark, liquorice root, nutmeg, molasses, cinnamon, wintergreen, and clove. The solution of extract and sugar is fermented with yeast producing the alcoholic beverage that is root beer. 

If you’ve ever ordered a root beer (alcoholic or not) you might have noticed that both forms, compared to other beers or soft drinks, have an extremely thick and foamy head when poured. The reason for this is that when root beer was originally created the sassafras naturally foamed. Now, to more closely resemble root beer of yore, it is often enhanced through the addition of yucca extract.

Whether you like your root beer in the form of a soda or with a little kick to it, Geppi’s Entertainment’s Morphy Auctions has a variety of great root beer memorabilia. The auction begins on September 11, 2008 so be sure to check it out!