Over the years, we have received a lot of questions about the difference between Root Beer and Sarsaparilla and even more questions about the difference between Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla. When it comes to the difference between Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla there’s a simple answer – aside from the label, there isn’t one. To help bury the hatchet, we’re tackling this question head-on!
The Difference Between Root Beer and Sarsaparilla
The Bundaberg Brewniverse stretches far and wide, meaning some members of the brew crew will see their brews a little differently to others. In America and the United Kingdom for example, you will find Bundaberg Root Beer on the shelves of supermarkets, whereas in Australia and New Zealand you will find Bundaberg Sarsaparilla. Even though these brews do not share a name, they are the same – both crafted over three days using real liquorice root, sarsaparilla root, molasses and vanilla beans. In fact, no matter what the brew is called, it was brewed right here in our hometown of Bundaberg, Australia to the exact same recipe.
While Root Beer and Sarsaparilla might be alternate names for the same Bundaberg brew, traditionally speaking, they are two different drinks that have a separate and distinct history. So, we decided to have a look back through the history books…
The history of Root Beer and Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla and Root Beer were founded by the Native Americans before arriving in Europe. Both beverages are named after their distinct differences in ingredients when they were first made. Sarsaparilla was made from the Sarsaparilla vine, while Root Beer, roots of the sassafras tree. These days, Root Beer recipes do not include sassafras as the plant has been found to cause serious health issues. The vine was banned by the American Food and Drug Administration for commercial food production in 1960.
Sarsaparilla
While they can appear similar and often be confused, there has always been a difference between the beverages, traditionally Sarsaparilla was made from the sarsaparilla root alone. The extract made from sarsaparilla root has a slightly bitter flavour profile, which is why most producers now include ingredients like liquorice to try and reduce the bold flavour.
Check out our Berry Sarsaparilla recipe here.
The Bundaberg Difference
The difference between our Sarsaparilla and the rest of the worlds’ is in the brewing. Our Sarsaparilla is a rich, complex drink using liquorice root, ginger root, vanilla bean, sarsaparilla root and molasses. We take these real ingredients and brew them over three days, creating a unique and wonderful flavour!
Interesting Fact
The name “Sarsaparilla” originated from the Spanish word “zarzaparrilla.” Native Americans taught the Spaniards about the plant, who brought it back to Europe. Some people believe Sarsaparilla has been around for much longer than Root Beer and people’s dislike for the strong taste of the Sarsaparilla led to the creation of Root Beer. We have heard rumours our ‘Sars’ is a key ingredient for making the world’s best barbecue sauce.
You can find our Root Beer barbecue sauce recipe here.
Root Beer
Root Beer is heavily engrained in American culture, becoming prominent in the 19th century, having been sold in stores since the 1840s and recipes documented since the 1860s. Some describe root beer as an ‘adulterated sarsaparilla’ because it contains a mix of flavour enhancing ingredients. Most brewers choose to add vanilla, wintergreen, liquorice root, nutmeg, acacia, anise, molasses, cinnamon, clove or honey to their recipes.
The Bundaberg Difference
As Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla are the same brew, you already know about the real ingredients and brewing process. Our ingredients are locally sourced ingredients, meaning our brew has a distinctive flavour, which stands out from most root beers. Producing this remarkable combination of flavours is often compared to making tea – using a three-day process to extract a range of complex flavours. We have it on good authority our brew is perfect for a Root Beer Float and this Root Beer Float with alcohol is a very popular recipe.
Interesting Fact
In 1875, Charles Elmer Hires introduced the first commercial brand of root beer, named Hires Root Beer. Hires initially wanted to name the product to be “Root Tea,” but chose “Root Beer,” to make the beverage attractive to Pennsylvanian coal miners. Hires, who did not drink alcohol, marketed root beer as an alternative to alcohol.
Leave Comment
- Sheri YarbroughJune 21, 2020, 11:22 amI am in America and was looking for Sarsaparilla drink. We purchased some a few years ago from Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati Ohio. Recently we went back and they did not have it. Is there anywhere in Ohio or USA we can purchase it?
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- Annie PiccoJune 27, 2020, 1:58 amDear BundabergI live in Pueblo west, Colorado and I bought your Bundaberg Root Beer at a Safeway Store. I love root beer and ohhh my it’s delicious I love it. Thank for a great the best of the best root beer.Sincerely,Annie Picco
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- Rita KeenanSeptember 8, 2020, 11:00 pmWhat was my family drinking in the UK from 1945 onwards? First in stone Jars then bottles. I thought it was non alcaholic sarparella. Where can I buy non alcaholic sarsparella in Melbourne?
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- Andrew G CiraldoSeptember 28, 2020, 5:35 amYour root beer is very unique and by far the best I have ever had.
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- BarbaraJanuary 9, 2021, 7:01 amThanks so much for this very interesting and informative post. Is your brand sold in the US and who are the retailers??
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- Patricia rayJanuary 14, 2021, 7:35 amWhere can I buy your product. I shop at Albertsons in Hamilton Montana. Do you know if they carry it?
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- LoriFebruary 5, 2021, 8:49 amGood morning - I live in Melbourne South East. I note that you brew Root Beer - but just wondering if it has sugar in it. I am wanting to make a marinade containing Root Beer. Unfortunately I am diabetic. Is your product made with sugar and do you sell it at Woolworths liquor store? Is it non alcoholic or alcoholic. Thank you Lori
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- Douglas Domingo-ForastéFebruary 7, 2021, 5:12 pmVery informative. I doubt I have ever had sarsaparilla.
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