NATIONAL ROOT BEER DAY

NATIONAL ROOT BEER DAY

June 17 is National Root Beer Day to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the refreshingly frosty soda known as root beer. Celebrating this beverage holiday is as easy as gathering some friends and sharing a frosty mug of root beer. What are you waiting for?

#NationalRootBeerDay

Root Beer hails its roots from Indigenous people in North America, where the main ingredients of root beer, Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata), were used for medicinal purposes and cooking. During the 16th and 17th century colonization of the U.S., these two "root beer" trees were used as a way for Europeans to form relationships with the tribes.

Upon arrival of Europeans to North America, sassafras and sarsaparilla trees were abundantly found throughout the North American continent. However, once Europeans discovered these trees, exporting and personal use caused the trees to diminish both the sassafras and sarsaparilla trees to near extinction. Sassafras bark, specifically, was exported to different locations throughout the entire European continent by the tons.

As the 19th century approached, pharmacists were attempting to create a "cure-all" answer to "whatever ails you." Using the flavors of sassafras and sarsaparilla, they were able to provide a concoction that not only worked, but tasted good! During this time, pharmacist Charles Hines developed a liquid concentrate he called "Hines Root Tea" that was brewed like a tea. In 1876, Hines changed the name of his root tea to root beer.

Root beer producers traditionally use molasses and elements of sassafras as the main ingredients. Today, over 100 brands of root beer are produced with a range of flavors. Some add extra punches of vanilla while others lean on the caramel flavors. Some have a bitter bite while others are smooth from start to finish.

NATIONAL ROOT BEER DAY CELEBRATION IDEAS

Pour yourself a frosty root beer. You can enjoy it as a float or on its own. Buy a drink for one of your favorite people, too. Root beer also adds flavor to savory dishes such as pulled pork, meatballs, and pork n' beans.

What tasty ways do you use root beer in the kitchen? Let us know by using #NationalRootBeerDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL  ROOT BEER DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar is researching the source of this sassafras-based holiday.