Root Beer Cocktails: Strong Alcohols For A Hard Kick

what alc to mix w root beer strong drink

Root beer is a beloved soft drink with a complex flavour profile that includes vanilla, mint, ginger, juniper, and anise. It's no surprise, then, that it makes a terrific mixer for spirits, adding a unique twist to cocktails. The fizzy soda's distinctive bite pairs well with several types of alcohol, creating a range of grown-up drinks with a nostalgic kick. From boozy floats to a twist on the classic Jack and Coke, there are many ways to mix a strong drink with root beer.

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Root beer and spiced rum

A root beer and spiced rum cocktail is a great choice for a fun and unique drink. This combination works well because root beer and rum share a sweet, vanilla-like flavour. The lighter, fizzy root beer complements the darker, richer flavour of a strong spiced rum like The Kraken.

Ingredients:

  • Ice cubes
  • 3/4 cup root beer
  • 1 shot (1.5 oz) spiced rum
  • 1 shot (1.5 oz) vanilla coffee creamer (or heavy cream for a less sweet drink)

Method:

  • Fill your glass with ice and pour in the root beer.
  • Add the spiced rum.
  • Pour in the creamer and stir to combine.

You can also make this drink as a boozy float by replacing the creamer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you want to get more creative, you can add a drop of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur to make a Root Beer Rum Cream cocktail. This drink is like a dessert in a glass and is perfect for happy hour or as an after-dinner treat.

So, the next time you're looking for a fun and delicious cocktail, give root beer and spiced rum a try!

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Root beer and Jägermeister

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink that is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free. It is made using the root bark of the sassafras tree or the vine of Smilax ornata, with other common flavourings including vanilla, caramel, wintergreen, black cherry bark, and licorice root. It is particularly popular in North America.

Jägermeister, on the other hand, is a strong, herbal liqueur from Germany. It is thick and deep in flavour, with a strong anise taste.

When mixed, the spicy notes of the root beer complement the herbal notes of Jägermeister. The root beer also lightens the Jägermeister, giving it a gingery taste.

How to Serve

The recommended ratio for a root beer and Jägermeister cocktail is around 4 parts root beer to 1 part Jägermeister. This cocktail is best served chilled, with ice.

Variations

For a stronger drink, you could try increasing the ratio of Jägermeister to root beer, or adding a dash of cinnamon or whipped cream vodka.

For a more complex cocktail, you could try adding a dash of bitters or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the mix.

Similar Cocktails

Other spirits that pair well with root beer include rum, vodka, bourbon, and whiskey. Root beer is also a popular ingredient in floats, where it is combined with ice cream and sometimes a spirit, such as rum or vodka.

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Root beer and vodka

For an extra indulgent twist, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a "Voot Beer Float". You can also experiment with different types of vodka, such as whipped, cake-flavoured, or cinnamon roll-flavoured vodka. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could even try swapping out the root beer for cream soda.

If you're looking for a pre-made option, you can also purchase a root beer and vodka tall can from Canadian Coolers.

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Root beer and Fireball Whiskey

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink that also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, in particular, adds a spicy kick to the root beer, creating a drink that is very popular in American bars and clubs.

The Red Hot Root Beer Cocktail

A simple recipe for this drink is to mix 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with a can of cold root beer over ice. You can also add 1 ounce of each into a shooter glass to "shoot" with your friends.

The Fireball Root Beer Float

For an adult twist on a childhood favourite, you can make a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and hard root beer. To make two mugs, put your mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes, then add 2-3 scoops of good-quality vanilla ice cream to each. Pour in 1 ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, then # Root Beer and Fireball Whiskey

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink that also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, in particular, adds a spicy kick to the root beer, creating a drink that is very popular in American bars and clubs.

The Red Hot Root Beer Cocktail

A simple recipe for this drink is to mix 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with a can of cold root beer over ice. You can also add 1 ounce of each into a shooter glass to "shoot" with your friends.

The Fireball Root Beer Float

For an adult twist on a childhood favourite, you can make a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and hard root beer. To make two mugs, put your mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes, then add 2-3 scoops of good-quality vanilla ice cream to each. Pour in 1 ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, then tip the mug and pour in the hard root beer. You can add a straw and spoon for any leftover ice cream at the bottom of the mug, and top with whipped cream and a cherry if you like.

Other Options

If you're looking for a stronger drink, you can try a Fireball and Root Beer shot, using 1 part root beer and all parts Fireball. You can also mix them together and pour over ice.# Root Beer and Fireball Whiskey

Root beer is an iconic American soft drink that also makes a terrific mixer for spirits. Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, in particular, adds a spicy kick to the root beer, creating a drink that is very popular in American bars and clubs.

The Red Hot Root Beer Cocktail

A simple recipe for this drink is to mix 2 ounces of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with a can of cold root beer over ice. You can also add 1 ounce of each into a shooter glass to "shoot" with your friends.

The Fireball Root Beer Float

For an adult twist on a childhood favourite, you can make a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and hard root beer. To make two mugs, put your mugs in the freezer for 30 minutes, then add 2-3 scoops of good-quality vanilla ice cream to each. Pour in 1 ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, then tip the mug and pour in the hard root beer. You can add a straw and spoon for any leftover ice cream at the bottom of the mug, and top with whipped cream and a cherry if you like.

Other Options

If you're looking for a stronger drink, you can try a Fireball and Root Beer shot, using 1 part root beer and all parts Fireball. You can also mix them together and pour over ice.

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Root beer and bourbon

History of Root Beer

Root beer has a long history that dates back to Medieval Europe. It evolved from small beer, a low-ABV brew that provided a safer alternative to contaminated water. Early root beers were at least 2% alcoholic, but it was eventually produced commercially as a soft drink by a teetotaler, and its association with alcohol was further diminished during Prohibition.

The Perfect Pairing

The distinctive bite of root beer, derived from sassafras root, helps to balance the sweetness of bourbon. The soda's earthy and spicy notes, including hints of anise and vanilla, bring out the more nuanced aromas of the bourbon. The result is a creamy, well-rounded drink that is both sippable and complex.

Crafting the Cocktail

When crafting a root beer and bourbon cocktail, it's important to use high-quality ingredients. Bartenders recommend using craft root beer that is as high-caliber as the whiskey being used. The ratio of bourbon to root beer can vary depending on taste, but a good starting point is to fill a Collins glass with ice, add bourbon to taste, and then top it off with 6 ounces of chilled root beer, stirring slowly to combine.

Variations and Similar Drinks

For those who enjoy the combination of root beer and bourbon, there are several variations worth exploring. One popular option is to create a boozy root beer float by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the cocktail. This creates a creamy, indulgent treat that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Additionally, experimenting with different types of bourbon, such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, can add new dimensions of flavour to the drink.

For those who are feeling adventurous, there are also similar drinks that pair root beer with other types of alcohol. For example, root beer can be combined with rum, particularly a strong, spiced rum like The Kraken, which complements the soda's lighter, fizzy profile. Another option is to pair root beer with Jägermeister, a herbal liqueur that gains a light, gingery taste when mixed with root beer.

Frequently asked questions

Try an alcoholic root beer float, a fun twist on a classic. Combine vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka, and root beer.

Root beer is a great mixer for spirits like rum, Jägermeister, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon.

Try a boozy root beer float. Combine vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka, and root beer. You can also add peanut butter ice cream and peanut butter whiskey for a peanut butter twist.

A pirate's float cocktail is a bright and tangy root beer-based cocktail that can be made in advance and served to a large group. It uses a generous pour of Captain Morgan's spiced rum.

Try a mulled spice cherry punch. This is a warm cocktail that combines bourbon whiskey, cherry juice, holiday spices, and root beer. Serve it hot with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.

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