Alcoholic Root Beer: Quench Your Thirst With The Best Hard Root Beers
Are you tired of the same old alcoholic beverages and searching for something new and exciting? Have you ever thought of combining the nostalgia of a classic root beer with the thrill of a boozy beverage?
Well, look no further! The world of alcoholic root beer is here to tickle your taste buds and bring back cherished childhood memories while offering a fun adult twist.
In this journey through the world of alcoholic root beer, we’ll explore different brands, flavors, recipes, and even delve into the art of brewing your own hard root beer.
So sit back, grab a cold one, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of hard root beer!
Short Summary
- Explore the world of hard root beer for unique flavors and ABVs from 4-7%.
- Try top brands like Mission Brewery’s, Not Your Father’s Root Beer, or Coney Island Brewing Co.’s Hard Root Beer.
- Enjoy a boozy twist on classic treats with alcoholic root beer floats & pair it with food to enhance your meal!
Exploring the World of Alcoholic Root Beer
Alcoholic root beer, also known as hard root beer, is a delightful blend of the classic non-alcoholic root beer we all know and love with the added excitement of alcohol. It offers a brilliant mix of soda and beer, perfect for those seeking an adult twist on a childhood favorite.
With a wide variety of flavors and brands, from the popular Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer to the ever-present Not Your Father’s Root Beer, there’s a hard root beer out there for everyone’s taste buds.
Traditional non-alcoholic root beer is made from sassafras root bark, sugar, and spices, giving it that distinctive flavor we all know and cherish. However, hard root beer takes it to the next level by incorporating alcohol into the mix, typically with an ABV (alcohol by volume) ranging from 4% to 7%.
But how did this boozy concoction come into existence? Let’s find out!
The First Hard Root Beer
The first hard root beer emerged in 2013, taking the beverage industry by storm. Since then, a plethora of brands and flavor profiles have surfaced, from Root Sellers Row Hard Root Beer (6.7% ABV) to the iconic Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer (7.5% ABV).
These unique flavors cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a sweet, creamy beverage or a more adventurous, spicy kick.
The key to a great hard root beer lies in the perfect blend of flavors and aromas. Each brand has its distinct flavor notes, such as Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer with its delightful mix of vanilla, caramelized sugar, and sarsaparilla.
So whether you’re a sweet tooth or a craft beer aficionado, there’s a hard root beer out there that’s sure to please your palate.
Flavor Profiles of Alcoholic Root Beers
When it comes to alcoholic root beer, no two brands are the same. The distinct flavors of each hard root beer brand cater to different taste preferences, making it an exciting adventure for the senses.
For instance, Not Your Father’s Root Beer boasts a 5.8% ABV and a taste profile that includes vanilla, anise, sarsaparilla, clove, and caramel.
On the other hand, Sprecher Fire Brewed Hard Root Beer has a 5% ABV and a mellow, well-balanced spice taste with notes of licorice.
With such a diverse range of flavors and textures, finding your perfect hard root beer might seem daunting. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a guide to the top hard root beer brands, so you can confidently grab your new favorite boozy beverage.
Top Hard Root Beer Brands to Try
If you’re eager to dive into the world of hard root beer, we have some recommendations for you. Some of the top brands to try include Coney Island Brewing Co.’s Hard Root Beer, Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer, and Not Your Father’s Root Beer.
Each of these brands offers a unique flavor profile that will surely satisfy your boozy root beer cravings.
Coney Island Brewing Co.’s Hard Root Beer is a craft root beer made with natural ingredients and boasts a smooth, creamy flavor.
Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer, on the other hand, offers a classic root beer taste with flavors of sarsaparilla, making it an excellent choice for boozy root beer floats.
And, of course, we can’t forget the popular Not Your Father’s Root Beer, a flavored malt beverages made with natural spices and flavors, perfect for those seeking a sweet, malty taste.
Be sure to check out the top root beer brands here (non-alcoholic).
Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer
Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer is a crafty adult version of a classic soda with a 7.5% ABV. It’s creamy, smooth, and sweet, but not too sweet, with all the traditional root beer flavors of sarsaparilla.
This adult root beer is perfect for those who want to reminisce about their childhood while enjoying a hard root beer beverage.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer
Not Your Father’s Root Beer, made by Small Town Brewery in Wauconda, IL, is a craft specialty ale with some special spices.
Brewed with a mix of malted barley, hops, and spices, this hard root beer offers a sweet, creamy taste with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices, making it a full-bodied beer with a smooth finish.
You can find Not Your Father’s Root Beer at select stores, online retailers, and even on tap at some bars and restaurants.
Coney Island Brewing Co.’s Hard Root Beer
Coney Island Brewing Co.’s Hard Root Beer is a herb and spice beer style with hints of vanilla, licorice, and birch. This 5.8% ABV hard root beer offers a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for those who prefer a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy taste in their beverages.
It has a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly sweet finish that lingers on the tongue. The beer is brewed with natural ingredients, including real root beer extract, and is free of artificial colors and flavors.
Alcoholic Root Beer Floats: A Boozy Twist on a Classic Treat
What better way to enjoy hard root beer than by combining it with another classic treat – the root beer float? Alcoholic root beer floats are a fun, creative, and delicious way to savor your favorite hard root beer while adding a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your hard root beer, these boozy twists on the classic root beer float will surely bring a smile to your face. Let’s explore some scrumptious recipes that you can whip up in no time!
Classic Alcoholic Root Beer Float
For a classic alcoholic root beer float, all you need is your favorite hard root beer, a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, and a tall glass. Simply pour the hard root beer over the ice cream, and watch as the creamy magic unfolds while adding ice cream enhances the overall experience.
This timeless treat is perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy night in, offering a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and fizzy sensations that will leave you craving more.
Spiked Chocolate Root Beer Float
If you’re looking to take your alcoholic root beer float game up a notch, why not try a spiked chocolate root beer float? Combine your preferred hard root beer with a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and add a splash of chocolate liqueur for an extra kick.
This decadent dessert cocktail is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the unique flavors of hard root beer.
Pairing Hard Root Beer with Food
While hard root beer is a delicious treat on its own, it can also make a fantastic companion to a variety of foods. Depending on the flavor profile of the hard root beer, you can pair it with savory dishes, sweet treats, or even use it as an ingredient in your cooking.
So, whether you’re enjoying a burger and fries or indulging in a slice of chocolate cake, here are some food pairing ideas to help you get the most out of your hard root beer experience.
Savory Pairings
Hard root beer’s unique flavor profile lends itself well to savory pairings, such as grilled meats, spicy foods, and BBQ dishes. The sweet and malty notes of the hard root beer can complement and enhance the flavors of these dishes, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
So, the next time you’re firing up the grill or whipping up a spicy feast, consider grabbing a cold hard root beer to complete the meal.
Sweet Pairings
When it comes to sweet pairings, hard root beer works exceptionally well with chocolate and vanilla flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to desserts like chocolate cheesecake or dark chocolate fudge cake.
The sweetness of the hard root beer can help balance out the richness of the dessert, while the unique flavors of the beverage add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the experience.
So, go ahead and treat yourself to a dessert and hard root beer pairing – your taste buds will thank you!
Finding the Perfect Hard Root Beer for Your Taste
With so many hard root beer brands and flavors to choose from, finding the perfect one for your taste can seem like a daunting task. But fear not! We’re here to help you navigate the world of hard root beer and find the perfect brew that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Whether you prefer a sweeter hard root beer or a more craft beer-like experience, let’s explore some options to help you find the perfect hard root beer for your taste.
For the Sweet Tooth
If you have a sweet tooth and love the classic flavors of root beer, Jed’s Hard Root Beer and Best Damn Root Beer are excellent choices. These brands offer a sweet, malty taste that will satisfy your cravings while still providing a unique hard root beer experience.
So, go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful hard root beer options, a unique alternative to the traditional soft drink.
For the Craft Beer Lover
For craft beer enthusiasts, brands like AB-InBev Best Damn Root Beer, Stewart’s Root Beer Spiked Seltzer, Sprecher Fire Brewed Hard Root Beer, and Fitz’s Hard Root Beer offer a more complex flavor profile with unique ingredients and brewing techniques.
These hard root beers cater to those who appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of craft brewing while still offering a delightful hard root beer experience.
So grab a bottle and enjoy the best of both worlds – craft beer and hard root beer combined!
Where to Buy Alcoholic Root Beer
Now that you’re well-versed in the world of hard root beer, you might be wondering where to find these delightful beverages. While availability may vary depending on your location, many stores carry a variety of hard root beer brands, making it easy for you to get your hands on a bottle (or two).
You can find hard root beer at major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger, as well as at your local liquor store. Additionally, you can also order hard root beer online from various retailers or directly from the brewery’s website.
So, go ahead and start exploring the world of hard root beer – your taste buds are in for a treat!
DIY Hard Root Beer: Brewing Your Own
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and want to take your hard root beer journey to the next level, why not try brewing your own? With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create your very own hard root beer, tailor-made to your taste preferences.
Before you start brewing, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients and the brewing process to give you a better understanding of how hard root beer comes to life.
Essential Ingredients
To brew your own hard root beer, you’ll need light dried malt extract, sugar, lactose, Cascade hops, sassafras root bark, licorice, vanilla, birch, star anise, and sarsaparilla.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor and aroma profile of hard root beer, making it essential to source fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
By using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious hard root beer that is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can become an expert at brewing your own hard root beer. It’s really not that different from making your own regular root beer.
Brewing Process
The brewing process for hard root beer involves boiling sugar, molasses, and water, then adding yeast nutrient and yeast. Once the mixture is cooled and fermented, you’ll add extra sugars and ale yeast before filtering the mixture to obtain the root beer base.
It’s important to follow the yeast packet instructions and use sanitized equipment to ensure a safe and successful brewing experience.
And, of course, don’t forget to have fun and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your very own unique hard root beer!
Summary
In this journey through the world of hard root beer, we’ve explored different brands, flavors, recipes, and even the art of brewing your own. From the sweet and creamy Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer to the spicy and complex Sprecher Fire Brewed Hard Root Beer, there’s a hard root beer out there for everyone.
So whether you’re a sweet tooth or a craft beer aficionado, step outside your comfort zone and dive into the exciting world of alcoholic root beer.
Rediscover the nostalgic flavors of your childhood while enjoying a thrilling adult twist – your taste buds will never be the same!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an alcoholic version of root beer?
Yes, there is an alcoholic version of root beer. Sprecher released the popular hard root beer in 2013, so you can now enjoy a boozy twist to your favorite childhood drink.
What alcohol to mix with root beer?
If you’re looking for the classic, easy-to-mix combination of root beer and alcohol, try rum! It adds a smooth sweetness that pairs perfectly with the already sweet taste of root beer.
But, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for whiskey or bourbon for a more bold flavor profile.
Does alcoholic root beer taste like root beer?
Yes, alcoholic root beer does taste like root beer! It has the same classic flavor with added carbonation and subtle notes of spices such as clove or cinnamon.
However, it does contain more alcohol than traditional root beer, so it will have a stronger taste.
What kind of alcohol is in Not Your Father’s Rootbeer?
Not Your Father’s Root Beer is an alcoholic root beer made with a traditional brewing process, which includes botanicals, spices, and herbs like wintergreen, sarsaparilla bark, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean, and honey.
It has two alcohol levels – 5.9% and 10.7% ABV – and is available nationally.