The All-American History of Root Beer & How You Can Brew Your Own
Root Beer is a true American classic, rivaling apple pie and baseball in its cultural significance. While many associate it with modern soda fountains, its roots stretch back to the indigenous tribes of North America. Over time, these early concoctions evolved, intertwining with American brewing traditions. While root beer may not be beer in the traditional sense, its origins share the same fermentation processes that gave rise to homebrewed ales and small beers. Today you can embrace this legacy with the Mr. RootBeer Kit, which brings the fun of brewing into your home.
A Brew with Deep Roots
Before European settlers arrived, indigenous communities brewed herbal infusions featuring ingredients like sarsaparilla and sassafras for their medical benefits. Over time these drinks inspired early American settlers to experiment with small-batch brews that included ginger beer, birch beer, and what would eventually become root beer.
These early fermented drinks, often called "small beers," were popular in colonial America due to their relatively low alcohol content and the perception that they were safer to drink than potentially contaminated water. With the rise of 19th-century pharmacists creating medicinal tonics, root beer evolved into a flavorful and widely enjoyed beverage.
The Evolution of Root Beer
Charles E. Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, is credited with bringing root beer to the masses. Inspired by an herbal tea blend he encountered on his honeymoon. Hires developed a special mix of roots, berries, and spices. Initially selling it as "Hires' Root Tea," he later rebranded it as "root beer" to appeal to working-class Americans.
Hires introduced his creation at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, where it quickly gained fans. By 1893, bottles of root beer were being mass-produced and sold across the country. Early versions of root beer were naturally carbonated through fermentation, but as soda production modernized, carbonation was introduced artificially, making it a non-alcoholic drink.
In 1960, the FDA banned the use of true sassafras in commercial root beer due to concerns over safrole, a substance found in the root that can increase your risk of cancer. However, modern root beers use artificial sassafras flavoring to maintain its classic taste.
Brew Your Own with Mr. RootBeer
Just like traditional beer brewing, making root beer at home is a rewarding hands-on experience. The Mr. RootBeer Kit allows you to recreate this classic beverage using natural fermentation, much like early brewers did. The result? A delicious, homemade root beer with rich, creamy flavor, bringing the quintessential taste right to your kitchen.
What's Inside the Kit?
- 2 Packets Root Beer Mix
- 2 Packets Flavor Crystals
- 1 Packet Root Beer Yeast
- 1 Packet No-Rinse Cleanser
- 4 Plastic 1-liter Bottles (PET)
- 4 Bottle Caps and Gaskets
- 1 Plastic Funnel
- 4 Root Beer Bottle Labels
- Easy to follow Instructions/Science Fun
Why Homebrew Root Beer?
- Fun for All Ages: Unlike traditional beer brewing, root beer can be enjoyed by the whole family. The Mr. RootBeer Kit makes it easy to introduce your kids to the delicious fun of homebrewing.
- Quick and Reusable: In just three days, you can brew up two gallons of delicious, homemade root beer! And the best part? Once you’ve finished your first batch, you can keep the fun going with refill kits.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different sweeteners and spices to create your own root beer recipe.
- Experience the Brewing Process: Learn about fermentation, carbonation, and how early brewers crafted beverages.
*Brewing Safety Tip*
Always use the specially designed bottles and caps provided in the kit. Standard PET or glass bottles can burst due to pressure buildup!
Start Brewing Today!
Whether you're a homebrewing enthusiast or just love the nostalgic taste of root beer, the Mr. RootBeer Kit makes it easy to create your own fizzy flavorful drink. Dive into the fun of brewing and enjoy a sip of American history!