What is root beer?

Root beer is a sweet, bubbly beverage that is traditionally flavored with the roots of certain trees and plants. These include the root of the sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum), as well as the roots of ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, licorice, and wintergreen. Most commercial root beers also contain artificial flavors and additives. The drink is usually produced as a soft drink (non-alcoholic), though alcoholic versions were common once and exist even to this day.