If you’ve ever stood in front of our soda cooler looking for something cool to drink and wondered what separates a root beer from a sarsaparilla — or what that “birch beer” label is all about — you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we get most. Here’s the definitive answer.
What Is Root Beer?
Root beer is the classic American original. Traditionally brewed from the bark of the sassafras tree, today’s root beers are crafted from a blend of herbs, spices, and natural or artificial flavors that give it that familiar sweet, creamy, slightly vanilla taste. Expect notes of anise, wintergreen, vanilla, and licorice. It’s smooth, sweet, and endlessly drinkable — which is why it’s been an American staple since the 1800s.
What Is Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla is often mistaken for root beer — and honestly, the two are cousins. Sarsaparilla comes from the sarsaparilla plant root and has a flavor profile that’s a bit more herbal, earthy, and less sweet than traditional root beer. Think of it as root beer’s more adventurous sibling. In old Westerns, when a cowboy bellied up to the bar and ordered a “sarsaparilla,” this is what he got.
What Is Birch Beer?
Birch beer is made from the oil extracted from birch tree bark, giving it a distinctly sharper, mintier, more medicinal flavor than root beer or sarsaparilla. It’s popular in the Northeast U.S. and comes in red, clear, and brown varieties — each with a slightly different taste profile. If you like something crisp and refreshing with an herbal kick, birch beer might be your new favorite.
Quick Comparison: Root Beer vs. Sarsaparilla vs. Birch Beer
Root Beer — Sweet, creamy, vanilla-forward. The American crowd-pleaser.
Sarsaparilla — Earthier, more herbal, slightly less sweet. The old-school original.
Birch Beer — Minty, crisp, and sharp. A Northeast regional treasure.
Try All Three at Rocket Fizz Rehoboth Beach
The best way to settle the debate? Taste them side by side. At Rocket Fizz Rehoboth Beach, located inside Tanger Outlets, we carry over 500 specialty sodas — including multiple brands of root beer, sarsaparilla, and birch beer. Stop in and let your taste buds decide.