Root beer has always been popular across the pond in the USA. Now a growing number of UK bartenders are looking to root beer to add something interesting to cocktails. It’s strong herbal, almost medicinal, taste creates something that really stands out for UK drinkers. It mixes well with flavours such as vanilla which is why a good rum works so well with it. So does the more complex flavours of liqueurs such as Jagermeister.
Root beer is traditionally made from the tree Sassafras albidum which was apparently the first plant exported from North America to Europe in the 1500’s. It was used extensively by the North American Indians for medicinal and culinary purposes.
In celebration of root beer here’s some of the best cocktails we’ve come across. Also have a look at this video of one of our customers who uses root beer for his popular ‘Doctors Ice Tea’.
Root Beer Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp superfine Sugar
- 4 oz Root Beer
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
How-to:
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the root beer. Stir well. Garnish with the cherry.
The Stormtrooper
Ingredients:
- 2oz dark rum
- 4oz Root Beer
- Lots of ice
How to:
Combine rum and root beer in an old fashioned glass and add lots of ice
Drunk German
Ingredients:
- 2oz Jagermeister
- 12oz Root Beer
- Ice
How to:
Combine into tall glass and serve with ice.
Auntie Emm
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Jameson Whiskey
- 2 oz Root Beer
- 2 oz Cream Soda
How to:
Combine and serve – simplicity itself
Black Cow (non alcoholic)
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- 10 oz Root Beer
- 1 tblsp Chocolate Syrup
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherry
How-to:
Pour root beer over ice cream and chocolate syrup in a large tumbler glass. Garnish with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve with a straw and a long spoon.