06/17/2026
NATIONAL ROOT BEER DAY
June 17, National Root Beer Day, gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the refreshingly frosty soda known as root beer.
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.