Root Beer Roundup: The Top Brands You Need to Try

Root beer, the refreshing and nostalgic drink that has been enjoyed for generations. With its unique blend of flavors, it’s no wonder why root beer is a beloved beverage around the world. But with so many different brands to choose from, how do you know which one to try? Fear not! In this Root Beer Roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the top brands that are sure to satisfy your craving for this classic drink. From A&W to Sprecher and even homemade options, get ready to discover some new favorites in this delicious journey through the world of root beer.
A&W Root Beer
A&W Root Beer is an American classic that has been enjoyed since 1919. This iconic brand is known for its creamy, smooth taste and signature frothy top. Made with a blend of sassafras root, vanilla, and spices, A&W Root Beer has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other brands.
One of the things that makes A&W Root Beer so special is the way it’s served – in a frosty mug or over ice. There’s something about those bubbles and foam that make every sip feel like a treat. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or grabbing one on-the-go, nothing beats an ice-cold A&W Root Beer.
A&W also offers different variations of their root beer such as Diet A&W which contains zero sugar but still packs in all the flavor without any guilt. They also have Cream Soda flavored root beer which combines the classic taste with creamy Vanilla notes.
If you’re looking to try out an authentic American-made root beer brand with rich history then give A&W Root Beer a try!
Barq’s Root Beer
Barq’s Root Beer is a classic American soda that has been quenching thirsts for over a century. Founded by Edward Barq in 1898, this beloved brand has become known for its bold and robust flavor that sets it apart from other root beers on the market.
One of the unique features of Barq’s Root Beer is its use of caffeine. While most root beers are caffeine-free, Barq’s adds a small amount to give drinkers an extra boost of energy. This makes it a popular choice among those who need an afternoon pick-me-up or want to enjoy their soda with a little more kick
But what really sets Barq’s apart is its signature bite. The brand advertises itself as having “bite” since they add more carbonation than other brands which gives you both fizziness and sharpness when drinking. Many fans agree that the combination of caffeine and bite make Barq’s one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet to satisfy your cravings or need some extra energy during the day, Barq’s Root Beer should definitely be on your list to try out!
IBC Root Beer
One of the most popular brands of root beer is IBC Root Beer. It has a distinct taste that sets it apart from other brands in the market. IBC was first introduced in 1919 by the Griesedieck family and has since become a household name.
What makes IBC Root Beer unique is its blend of natural flavors, including vanilla and wintergreen. The combination gives this brand a smooth finish that’s perfect for any occasion.
One thing to note about IBC Root Beer is its packaging. The glass bottles are designed with an old-fashioned label that adds to its vintage appeal. Plus, drinking root beer from a glass bottle just feels more authentic than from an aluminum can!
IBC Root Beer also offers other flavors like cream soda and black cherry, but their classic root beer remains their most popular product. You can find it in many grocery stores across the United States as well as online.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink on hot summer days or want something sweet to complement your meals, give IBC Root Beer a try!
Mug Root Beer
Mug Root Beer is one of the most popular and widely recognized brands in the world of soda. It was first introduced back in 1946, and since then it has become a household name across America.
What sets Mug Root Beer apart from other brands is its distinct vanilla flavor, which gives it a unique taste compared to other root beers. The smooth texture of each sip makes it easy to drink on any occasion.
One fun fact about Mug Root Beer is that it was originally only sold as a draft beverage at restaurants and diners. However, due to high demand from customers who wanted to enjoy it at home, they eventually started selling bottled versions.
Mug Root Beer also offers a variety of different flavors such as diet, caffeine-free or classic style for those who prefer an alternative option. Mug Root Beer remains a top choice for anyone looking for a refreshing soda with just the right amount of sweetness and fizziness.
Dad’s Root Beer
Dad’s Root Beer is a classic brand that has been around since 1937. It was originally created by Ely Klapman, who named the drink after his father and started selling it in his Chicago-based restaurant franchise.
What sets Dad’s Root Beer apart from other brands is its unique flavor profile. It has a creamy texture with hints of vanilla and caramel, making it a favorite among root beer enthusiasts.
Dad’s Root Beer can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes like root beer floats or BBQ sauce. The brand also offers different variations such as diet and cream soda flavors for those who want to try something different.
Despite being around for over 80 years, Dad’s Root Beer continues to be a popular choice for consumers looking for a quality beverage that delivers on taste and nostalgia. So if you haven’t tried it yet, make sure to add Dad’s Root Beer to your list of must-try brands!
Sprecher Root Beer
Sprecher Root Beer is a brand that has been around since the 1980s, and it has become one of the most popular root beers on the market. What sets Sprecher apart from other root beer brands is its unique brewing process. Unlike other brands that use artificial flavorings, Sprecher uses only natural ingredients.
Sprecher’s recipe includes vanilla, honey, and anise among other spices to create a smooth and creamy taste with just the right amount of sweetness. The use of pure Wisconsin honey gives it a subtle yet distinct flavor profile.
Another aspect that makes Sprecher stand out from other brands is its packaging. The bottles have an old-fashioned look to them reminiscent of classic soda fountains in the early 20th century.
Sprecher has also expanded into producing craft sodas with flavors like Cherry Cola and Orange Dream which have gained popularity as well.
Sprecher Root Beer offers a unique take on this classic beverage by using all-natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods. Its distinct flavor profile appeals to both adults who want something nostalgic as well as young people looking for something new to try.
How to make your own root beer
One of the great things about root beer is that you can make it at home with just a few ingredients. Making your own root beer allows you to customize the flavor and sweetness to your liking, as well as experiment with different spices and herbs.
To start, you’ll need sassafras bark or extract, which gives root beer its signature flavor. You can find these ingredients at most health food stores or online retailers.
Next, mix together water, sugar (or honey), molasses, and any additional spices such as cinnamon or vanilla in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Then add the sassafras bark or extract to the pot and let it steep for another 10-15 minutes. Strain out any solids using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Transfer your homemade root beer into bottles with tight-fitting lids and refrigerate for several hours before serving over ice. Be sure not to over-carbonate your root beer by leaving too much headspace in each bottle!
Making your own root beer is an enjoyable activity that allows you to create something unique while also controlling what goes into every sip!
Conclusion
After exploring the top root beer brands and learning how to make your own, it’s clear that there is no shortage of options when it comes to this classic beverage. Each brand has its unique flavor profile, from the smooth richness of A&W to the bold bite of Barq’s. It’s worth trying them all to find your favorite.
Making homemade root beer can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to customize the flavors and sweetness levels to your liking. Plus, there’s something satisfying about enjoying a glass of soda that you made with your own hands.
At the end of the day, whether you prefer a store-bought brand or want to try making your own at home, one thing is for sure: root beer is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. So sit back, relax, and enjoy sipping on this delicious treat!