American Soda
A&W Root Beer in the UK from AmericanSodas.com
A&W Root Beer in the UK
In America, Root Beer is unquestionably one of the most famous drinks going. They have thousands of different brands, from international brands, down to local brands that are only sold in a few shops in one area.
Some of the most well known brands are A+W, Mug, Barqs, IBC and Stewarts. Although they are all similar drinks, made mainly from sassafras, each brand is made slightly differently with added favors ranging from vanilla, ginger, honey and many many more.
Normally Root Beer is caffeine free there are one or two brands that add caffeine to their drinks such as Braqs.
In the UK however, Root Beer hasn't made such an impact. It is available in many shops around the country but it doesn't seem to have ever quite caught on. During 1992-1993 McDonalds started selling Root Beer in several stores throughout the UK but due to lack of demand it was later taken off their menus. There is currently a petition to try and get Root Beer back onto the UK McDonalds menu but so far nothing has happened.
The Root Beer known today is based mainly on the drink invented by Charles Hires, he made a drink containing around 25 herbs, roots and berries, and in 1876 he started selling it commercially at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. However before this time there were many similar drinks available worldwide that have similar qualities. For example Dandelion and Burdock, this has been around in the UK since 1265 and is said by some (not me!) to be similar and by others to be either superior or worse depending on individual taste. Root Beer is also similar to Ginger Beer, Birch Beer and many others in concept and following.
One big change that has happened recently is that in 1973, the main ingredient of Root Beer, Sassafras, was determined to be a carcinogenic. For this reason they now use artificial flavourings in the drink.
In America it's probably safe to say that most people enjoy Root Beer, it's been around well over 100 years and it seems like nothing will change that. Parents have said they prefer their children to drink Root Beer as it is caffeine free, unlike many other drinks. For generations now Root Beer has been a drink they have known all their lives. As many people have said there are so many different brands, all tasting different, that there's something for everyone. Some people even drink Root Beer as a hobby, travelling and ordering different brands from all over America and the world.
After looking around online, it seems that the most popular brand in the US is A&W, which sells for around $1.39 for a 2l bottle. In the UK however its hard to come by and can cost more than £1.00 a can. Sainsbury's however do sell a brand of Root Beer called 'Carters', sold in packs of 6 for £1.16 (under 20p per can). It's up to you if the import is that much better.
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