In the world of carbonated beverages, there are two drinks that often get lumped together: root beer and sarsaparilla. Both are brown, both are typically sweetened with sugar or honey, and both can be enjoyed either with or without alcohol. But that’s where the similarities end.
Let’s take a closer look at root beer vs sarsaparilla to see what sets these two drinks apart.
On the surface, sarsaparilla and root beer may seem very similar. They both have a rich, earthy flavor that is sweet and slightly spicy. But if you look more closely, you’ll notice some key differences between these two beverages.
First of all, while they are often marketed as being complementary flavors, many people actually find that sarsaparilla has a distinctly different taste from root beer. Some say it’s more bitter or even slightly floral, while others detect hints of vanilla or licorice.
Another key difference is the sweetness level of these drinks. Root beer is typically on the sweeter side, with most commercial brands using a substantial amount of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to achieve the right flavor and mouthfeel. Meanwhile, sarsaparilla is usually less sweet, using a combination of sugar and spices to add just enough sweetness without being cloying or overpowering.
The Origins of Root Beer vs Sarsaparilla
Root beer is a North American beverage that gets its name from the roots and bark of the sassafras tree, which was used as an early flavoring ingredient. These days, most commercially-produced root beers no longer contain sassafras due to concerns about food safety.
Sarsaparilla, on the other hand, is an herbal drink that originated in South America and gets its distinctive flavor from the sarsaparilla root. This makes sarsaparilla somewhat of a misnomer since it does not actually contain any sarsaparilla root, but rather uses a variety of other herbs and spices.
So while there are some similarities between these two beverages, it’s clear that they have very different origins and flavor profiles. Both root beer and sarsaparilla can be delicious on their own, but they are truly best enjoyed together to highlight the unique differences in each drink.
Do sarsaparilla and root beer taste the same?
So how do these two drinks taste? Root beer is usually sweeter and less complex than sarsaparilla, with a flavor that has been described as “creamy” or “rooty.”
Sarsaparilla is often described as earthy, with a flavor that can be likened to licorice or vanilla. Many people find that sarsaparilla is more complex and rich than root beer, with a flavor that truly stands out on its own.
So while some people prefer the distinctive sweetness of root beer, others enjoy the bold flavors and complexities of sarsaparilla.
If you’re looking for a soda that’s on the lighter side, go for root beer. But if you’re in the mood for something with a more distinct flavor, sarsaparilla is the way to go. Both drinks are delicious in their own way, and they’re a great pairing when enjoyed together.
Flavor profiles
Root beer is typically made with a combination of artificial and natural flavors, including vanilla, nutmeg, anise, wintergreen, cloves, molasses, and honey. Sarsaparilla’s flavor profile is similar but also includes notes of licorice and cinnamon.
Today, root beer is far more popular than sarsaparilla; in fact, you’re probably more likely to find root beer in your local grocery store than you are sarsaparilla.
This wasn’t always the case, though. In fact, sarsaparilla was once a much more popular drink than root beer, with many medicinal claims surrounding its healing properties. Once the mass production of soda became possible, root beer began to usurp sarsaparilla in popularity.
Today, it’s most commonly enjoyed as a nostalgic beverage or for its unique flavor and complex taste.
Final Thoughts
While root beer and sasparilla may resemble each other, they are two entirely different beverages. Root beer originated in North America while Sasparilla originated in South America.
Both root beers and sarsaparillas are typically dark in color and have a somewhat syrupy consistency. In terms of taste, root beers are typically sweeter than sarsaparillas and have a more mild flavor.
If you’re looking for a historical perspective, sarsaparilla has the edge; if you’re looking for the flavor profile, root beer comes out on top; if you’re looking for popularity, there’s no doubt that root beer is the winner.
