Frequently Asked Questions About Root Beer

When was root beer invented?

Charles Hires first commercially marketing and sold root beer as early as 1869. However, it has been debated as to who first did this. Root beer was actually made before Charles Hires introduced it, but it was not formally named as such. Many settlers would make homemade batches to savor on a hot day. Often those recipes included dandelion, wintergreen, molasses, honey, birch bark, sassafras root, and several other natural flavors.

Does root beer contain caffeine?

Most root beer does not contain caffeine. In fact, Barq's is the only root beer that contains caffeine.

Does root beer contain any alcohol?
The answer is--it depends! Artificially carbonated root beer does not contain any alcohol. This is the case with most commercially bottled root beers. However, root beer that is carbonated by yeast, such as that in homebrewing, does contain a small trace of alcohol. The level is estimated to be around 0.25%, so hopefully you will pass the breathalizer.

Is root beer still made with sassafras root?

Root beer that contains sassafrass is now made from a flavoring or from processed sassafras. The reason is that the FDA found that sassafras contained a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agent in it called safrole. Since it has banned the use of sassafras in food and beverages. However, sassafras can be used it has been through a removal process for the safrole. In addition, a sassafras flavoring can be used in beverages.

How many different kinds of root beer are there?

At last count, there were over 200 brands/flavors of root beer available in the United States.

How is root beer carbonated?

Root beer can be carbonated in two ways: artificial and yeast. Most mass-produced root beer is carbonated by artificial means. This usually occurs by a machine that injects carbon-dioxide into the can or bottle before it is sealed. The other method is yeast carbonation which involves some type of active yeast: ale, brewer's, champagne, bread, or liquid. Each type of yeast gives the root beer a unique flavor and is used for homebrewing root beer. The yeast is activated by placing in warm water (100 to 110 degrees Celcius) for a few minutes. The root beer is then bottled and placed in the dark for 1-3 days while the yeast naturally carbonates the drink.

Is root beer hard to make at home?

Actually, root beer is easy to make at home when using root beer concentrate. It requires only the mixing of the concentrate with water, yeast, and sugar. The mixture then ferments in the dark for 1-3 days, and is then placed in the refriderator until ready to drink.

What is in the Bottler line?

Plant bottling lines usually consist of a bottle cleaner, a filling machine and capper, a mixing machine, and labeler. The process is usually very automated except for quality control. Bottlers usually articially carbonate the root beer after the product is mixed. Although, this process varies among manufacturers, especially between mass producers and more specialized brewers like Fitz's Bottling Company.

How about those Recipes For Home Made Root Beer?