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Root beer and sarsaparilla has been around for quite a while. The name root beer and sarsaparilla was coined from the ingredients of which they were first made from.
In as much as there are some similarities, this article points out the dissimilarity between these two drinks.
Major Difference Between Root Beer and Sarsaparilla
There are several clear differences between these two drinks. Explore the following to put yourself on track;
1. Ingredients
Both root beer and sarsaparilla are made from natural ingredients, but they differ in their key components. Root beer is made from a combination of vanilla, sassafras, and wintergreen.
Sarsaparilla is made from sarsaparilla root, which is native to Central and South America. The root is boiled to extract its flavor and medicinal properties.
Other ingredients, such as vanilla and licorice, may also be added to enhance the taste of the drink.
2. Flavor
The difference in ingredients leads to a difference in flavor. Root beer has a distinct flavor that is sweet and creamy with a hint of wintergreen.
Sarsaparilla, on the other hand, has a more medicinal taste that is often described as bitter or slightly sweet. Sarsaparilla is also known for having a stronger aftertaste compared to root beer.
3. History
Both root beer and sarsaparilla have a rich history, but they have different origins. Root beer was first made in the United States in the mid-19th century as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer.
It was initially made by fermenting a mixture of herbs and roots, but modern root beer is typically made using carbonated water and natural or artificial flavors.
Sarsaparilla, on the other hand, has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Central and South America for its medicinal properties.
It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and eventually made its way to the United States. Sarsaparilla was a popular tonic in the late 19th century and was believed to have a variety of health benefits.
4. Health benefits
Both root beer and sarsaparilla were originally made for their medicinal properties. Sarsaparilla was believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and anti-bacterial properties.
It was also thought to be a natural aphrodisiac. Root beer was believed to be a digestive aid and was often used to settle upset stomachs.
Today, both drinks are primarily consumed for their taste, but they still contain some of the health benefits of their original ingredients.
Sarsaparilla is still believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Root beer is still used as a digestive aid and may help to alleviate nausea.
5. Alcohol content
Traditionally, both root beer and sarsaparilla were non-alcoholic drinks. However, some versions of sarsaparilla contain a small amount of alcohol.
This is because sarsaparilla root naturally contains yeast, which can ferment the drink and produce a small amount of alcohol. Some brands of root beer also contain a small amount of alcohol, but most modern root beers are completely alcohol-free.
While root beer and sarsaparilla may seem similar, they are different drinks with unique histories, ingredients, and flavors.
Root beer has a sweet, creamy taste with a hint of wintergreen, while sarsaparilla has a more medicinal taste that is slightly bitter or sweet. Both drinks have health benefits, but these are less pronounced in modern versions of the drinks.
Finally, both drinks were traditionally non-alcoholic, but some versions of sarsaparilla may contain a small amount of alcohol due to the natural fermentation process.
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