Root Beer Cocktails: The Ultimate Mixology Twist?

Root beer is a well-known soft drink, but it also makes a great mixer for spirits. Its sweet, vanilla-like flavour and spicy notes complement a variety of liquors, from rum to Jägermeister. The fizziness of root beer is especially good at dampening the sweetness of bourbon, while its earthy notes bring out more nuanced aromas. Its unique viscosity and herbaceous quality also make it a superior mixer for whiskey when compared to conventional mixers like ginger ale.

Root beer and rum

To make this delicious concoction, simply grab your favourite bottle of root beer and a bottle of spiced rum. For the rum, you can go with a well-known option like Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, or opt for something darker and richer like The Kraken.

Here's a simple recipe for a root beer and rum cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of dark spiced rum
• 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) of root beer (chilled)
• Ice cubes

Optional:

• A dash of cinnamon
• A squeeze of lime
• A cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice.
• Add the rum and root beer.
• If you're feeling adventurous, add a dash of cinnamon and a squeeze of lime to give it an extra kick.
• Shake or stir well to combine.
• Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice cubes.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
• Enjoy responsibly!

This cocktail is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the proportions to your taste preferences and even add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur for a more indulgent, dessert-like drink.

So, whether you're looking for a fun happy hour cocktail or a boozy dessert drink, root beer and rum is a fantastic combination that's sure to impress.

Root beer and Jägermeister

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink that originated in North America. It is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free, with a thick and foamy head. While it is commonly consumed on its own, root beer can also be used as a mixer for cocktails. Its sweet and spicy notes make it a great pairing with several spirits, including Jägermeister.

Jägermeister is a traditional German liqueur that is thick, deep, and herby. When mixed with root beer, the root beer's spicy notes complement Jägermeister's herbal flavours, giving the drink a light and gingery taste. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy the unique flavour of Jägermeister but want something a little lighter and more refreshing.

To make this cocktail, start by filling a glass with ice. Add one part Jägermeister and four parts root beer, adjusting the proportions to your taste preferences. Gently stir the ingredients to mix them together. Finally, add a squeeze of lime or a dash of bitters to enhance the flavours.

For a fun twist on this cocktail, try using a flavoured root beer, such as a winter spice or cinnamon variety. You can also experiment with different types of glassware to enhance the drinking experience. Try serving this cocktail in a tall, frosted mug or a cocktail glass with a wide brim to showcase the drink's beautiful colour and frothy head.

Whether you're looking for a unique cocktail to serve at your next party or simply want to explore new flavour combinations, the root beer and Jägermeister combination is definitely worth trying!

Root beer and vodka

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink that also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Its sweet and vanilla-y flavour pairs well with vodka, which has a light and subtle flavour and goes with almost everything.

The Voot Beer

The Voot Beer is a fun and unique twist on the classic root beer float. It is made by pouring 1 to 2 ounces of vodka over ice, topping it off with chilled root beer, and adding whipped cream and a cherry on top. For an extra twist, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it a Voot Beer Float.

The Root Beer White Russian

The Root Beer White Russian is a fun twist on the classic White Russian cocktail. It is made by combining Kahlua and vodka in a shaker filled with ice, shaking vigorously, and then dividing the mixture between two rocks glasses filled with ice. The glasses are then topped off with root beer and drizzled with heavy cream. This cocktail is best served immediately.

Tito's and Root Beer

This cocktail is made by adding Tito's Handmade Vodka and root beer to a pint glass with ice and garnishing with a cherry. For an added bonus, you can turn this cocktail into a frozen treat by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This drink is a grown-up version of the classic root beer float. It can be made by adding a shot of chocolate or whipped cream vodka to a glass of root beer and vanilla ice cream.

Root beer and Fireball Whiskey

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink that also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Its sweet, vanilla-y flavour goes well with spiced rum, Jägermeister, vodka, bourbon, and Fireball Whiskey.

Fireball Whiskey is a hot cinnamon whiskey that adds an amazing spicy kick to root beer. In the US, this combination is very popular in bars and clubs.

To make a Red Hot Root Beer, you will need:

• 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
• 1 can of cold root beer

Pour the ingredients over ice, and you're done! You can also add 1 ounce of each into a shooter glass and shoot with your friends.

For an adult version of a childhood favourite, you can make a Fireball Root Beer Float. You will need:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fireball cinnamon whiskey
• Hard root beer

Chill your mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes, then add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream. Pour in 1 ounce of Fireball cinnamon whiskey and then tip the mug and pour in the hard root beer. You can also add a straw and spoon for any leftover ice cream at the bottom of the mug.

Root beer and bourbon

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink, but it also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Its distinctive bite, imparted by sassafras root, helps dampen bourbon's sweetness, while the soda's earthy notes bring out more nuanced aromas. There's a hint of anise, reminiscent of a Sazerac, and a strong vanilla flavour that gives it a lovely creaminess.

History

The method of brewing root beer evolved from the tradition of small beer—low-ABV brews that offered a safer alternative to the contaminated water of Medieval Europe. Early root beers were at least 2% alcoholic. A teetotaler produced the first commercial root beer, and then there was Prohibition, and thus root beer became a soft drink.

The Perfect Bourbon Mixer?

Bartenders across the country are beginning to tap into root beer's potential as a mixer. Juyoung Kang, the lead bartender of The Dorsey at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, praises the "great baking spice notes" that echo and enhance the flavours imparted by whiskey barrels. Kristin Lozano, a bartender and consultant in Northern California, agrees that root beer is the perfect match for whiskey, especially a high-proof bourbon. Nashville bartender Jonathan Howard also finds root beer superior to more conventional whiskey mixers like ginger ale, citing root beer's herbaceous quality, vanilla notes, and unique viscosity.

These bartenders all use craft root beer for their cocktails and recommend choosing one that's as high-caliber as the whiskey in question.

Recipe

If you can't find a root beer cocktail near you, here's a recipe to try at home:

Fill a Collins glass with ice and add the bourbon. Top with 6 ounces of chilled root beer and stir slowly to combine.

Precautions

Be careful—this combination doesn't taste very alcoholic, so you might end up drinking more than you realise!

Frequently asked questions