Root Beer And Alcohol: Perfect Pairings

Root beer is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer for cocktails. Its sweet, vanilla-y flavour pairs well with a variety of spirits, including rum, vodka, bourbon, and Jägermeister. One popular cocktail is the Root Beer Old Fashioned, which combines root beer with brandy or bourbon. Another option is the Root Beer White Russian, which includes vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. For a spicy kick, Fireball Whiskey can be added to root beer, or for a more herbal taste, Jägermeister is a good choice. With its unique flavour profile and versatility, root beer is an excellent base for a range of alcoholic beverages, offering a grown-up twist on a classic soft drink.

Root beer and bourbon

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, which definitively turned root beer into a soft drink.

To make a root beer and bourbon cocktail, fill a Collins glass with ice and add the bourbon. Top with root beer and stir slowly to combine.

While root beer isn't as ubiquitous as it should be, it's definitely a natural addition to spirits, and bartenders around the country are beginning to tap into its unrealised potential. So, if you can't find a root beer cocktail near you, give this recipe a try and join the charge in asking bartenders for bourbon with root beer until it becomes a common option!

Root beer and rum

Ingredients

To make a creamy root beer rum cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• Root beer
• Spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan)
• Vanilla coffee creamer or heavy cream
• Ice

Optional Ingredients

For an extra indulgent twist, you can also add:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• A cherry

Method

Making this delicious drink is simple! Just follow these steps:

• Gather your ingredients.
• Fill your glass with ice.
• Pour in your root beer.
• Add your spiced rum.
• Finally, pour in the creamer or cream and stir to combine.
• Adjust the quantities of each ingredient to your liking.

Tips

• You can use any brand of root beer you prefer.
• If you don't have spiced rum, regular rum will also work.
• For a non-alcoholic version, you can use rum extract instead of rum.

Root beer and vodka

Ingredients

To make a root beer and vodka cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• Root beer (chilled)
• Vodka (vanilla, whipped cream-flavoured, or plain)
• Ice
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Method

Making this cocktail is simple. First, fill a glass with ice. You can use any type of glass, but a tall glass or a Collins glass is recommended. Then, pour in your root beer, filling the glass about halfway. Add a shot or two of vodka, and stir slowly to combine. If you want to make an adult root beer float, add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to the glass before pouring in the root beer and vodka.

Variations

There are many ways to customise this drink to your liking. Here are some suggestions:

• For a boozy float, replace the ice cream with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream.
• For a non-alcoholic version, use rum extract instead of vodka.
• Try using different types of root beer, such as diet root beer or cream soda.
• Experiment with different brands of vodka to find your favourite.
• Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.

So, there you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make root beer and vodka cocktail that's perfect for a hot summer day or a relaxing night in. Enjoy responsibly!

Root beer and whiskey

Root beer has a long history of being paired with alcohol. The earliest versions of the drink were at least 2% alcoholic, evolving from the tradition of small beer—low-ABV brews that were safer to drink than the contaminated water of Medieval Europe. Today, bartenders are rediscovering root beer's potential as a cocktail mixer, particularly with whiskey.

The Root Beer Rickey

One cocktail that combines root beer and whiskey is the Root Beer Rickey, created by bartender Jim Meehan for Cicoria, a pizzeria in Portland, Oregon. The drink is a variation of the classic rickey, which typically includes liquor, lime juice, and carbonated water. To make a Root Beer Rickey, simply replace the soda water with root beer and the liquor with rye whiskey. The result is a drink that is woodsy, minty, and caramelly, with a hint of lime.

The Root Beer Bourbon

Another option is to pair root beer with bourbon. The fizzy soda's distinctive bite, imparted by sassafras root, helps to balance out the bourbon's sweetness, while the soda's earthy notes bring out more nuanced aromas. The combination also has a hint of anise and a strong vanilla flavor that gives it a creamy texture.

Additional Variations

For those who enjoy experimenting with drinks, there are numerous variations that can be made by adding different ingredients to the root beer and whiskey base. Here are some suggestions:

• Root Beer Floatini: Combine root beer, whiskey, vanilla vodka, and cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with a cherry.
• Whiskey Root: In a rocks glass, combine root beer, whiskey, and cola. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge.
• The Bootlegger: Combine root beer, whiskey, raspberry liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale and garnish with fresh raspberries.
• The Dirty Root: Combine root beer, whiskey, and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a coffee bean.
• Root Beer Bourbon Slushie: Blend root beer, whiskey, and lemonade with ice until smooth, and pour into a glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Root beer and Kahlua

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that can be used to make a delicious root beer cocktail. Here are some ideas for cocktails that combine root beer and Kahlua:

The Adult Root Beer Float

This fun twist on a classic root beer float combines three ingredients: good root beer, vanilla bean ice cream, and vanilla vodka. However, you can swap the vanilla vodka for Kahlua to give it a coffee kick. Here's how to make it:

• Place 2-3 scoops (about 4 ounces) of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.
• Fill halfway up with 4 ounces of root beer.
• Pour 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of Kahlua, and then top with the remaining 4 ounces of root beer to fill the glass.
• Top with whipped cream and a cherry (optional).

The Root Beer Cocktail

This cocktail combines the sweetness of root beer with a hint of creaminess from whipped vodka and a cinnamon taste from Rumchata. However, you can swap the Rumchata for Kahlua and heavy cream. Here's the recipe:

• Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
• Pour in 6-8 ounces of root beer and 2 ounces of dark spiced rum. Stir to combine.
• Top with 2 ounces of Kahlua and heavy cream. Mix again until combined.
• Serve immediately.

The Boozy Root Beer Float

This cocktail is a fun and boozy twist on the classic root beer float. You can use Kahlua instead of vanilla vodka for a coffee-flavoured kick. Here's the recipe:

• Place 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall glass.
• Fill halfway up with root beer.
• Pour 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of Kahlua, then top with more root beer.

Frequently asked questions