The Surprising History of Root Beer and Alcohol
The confusion surrounding whether or not root beer counts as alcohol dates back to its very origins. The popular soft drink we know today evolved from a tradition of brewing low-alcohol 'small beers' using roots, herbs, and barks. These beverages were fermented, which naturally produced a small amount of alcohol. This fermentation process gave the drink its characteristic foam and fizz, leading early manufacturers to retain the name 'beer' even when modern techniques eliminated the alcohol.
In the late 1800s, Charles E. Hires, a pharmacist and teetotaler, was instrumental in popularizing a commercial version of root beer as a non-alcoholic alternative to alcoholic beverages. His version, and the others that followed, were marketed as family-friendly drinks. With the advent of modern commercial soda production, brewers switched from fermentation to forced carbonation to achieve the bubbles, ensuring the final product contained no alcohol.
The FDA and the Modern Formula
A significant shift in root beer production occurred in 1960 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras root extract for commercial products. This was because a key component of sassafras, safrole, was found to be carcinogenic in lab studies involving high doses in rats. As a result, most modern commercial root beers use artificial sassafras flavoring or other natural extracts like wintergreen or birch bark to achieve the familiar taste, ensuring it is a safe, non-alcoholic soda.
Modern Production and Labeling
Today, the production of commercial root beer is very different from its historical counterpart. It is essentially a flavored soda, a syrup mixed with carbonated water. For most people purchasing root beer in a grocery store, there is no alcohol content to be concerned with. The key distinction lies in the labeling and the product type. Hard root beer is a separate and specific alcoholic beverage, marketed and sold in the alcohol section alongside other beers and ciders.
Modern vs. Hard Root Beer: A Comparison
| Feature | Commercial Root Beer (Soda) | Hard Root Beer (Alcoholic Beverage) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Typically 0.0% ABV | Usually 5-6% ABV |
| Production Method | Force carbonated and flavored with extracts or artificial flavors | Fermented with yeast like traditional beer, then flavored |
| Availability | Sold in regular grocery store and restaurant beverage sections | Sold in liquor stores or the beer and wine section of markets |
| Target Audience | A family-friendly beverage for all ages | An adult-only beverage, sold to individuals of legal drinking age |
| Flavoring | Made with artificial or safrole-free flavorings since 1960 | Can use similar flavor profiles but is often more complex with bourbon or oak notes |
Can Drinks with 'Trace' Alcohol Count as Alcohol?
It is important to understand the regulations around trace alcohol content, especially for those with religious restrictions, medical conditions, or who are pregnant. In many countries, beverages labeled as 'non-alcoholic' can contain a very small amount of alcohol, typically up to 0.5% ABV. This minimal level is usually the result of natural fermentation processes. For a beverage to be truly 'alcohol-free,' it must state 0.0% ABV on the label. Standard commercial root beers from brands like A&W or Mug contain 0.0% alcohol and are considered completely non-alcoholic, but homemade or naturally fermented versions may contain trace amounts.
Conclusion: So, Does Root Beer Count as Alcohol?
In short, standard commercial root beer available today does not count as alcohol. It is a soft drink. The confusion stems from the beverage's historical roots as a fermented, low-alcohol tonic and its name, which was initially a marketing tactic. Modern manufacturing processes have made it a truly non-alcoholic beverage suitable for all ages. The key takeaway is to read the label carefully: if you want a beverage with alcohol, look for 'hard root beer,' which will clearly list its alcohol by volume (ABV). Otherwise, you can enjoy a regular root beer float with confidence that it is an alcohol-free treat.
For more information on the history of this popular drink, you can read the Wikipedia article on root beer.
