Top 10 Root Beers: As the sun gets higher and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like an ice-cold root beer to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. But with so many brands on the market, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming.
- 1. A&W Root Beer
- 2. Mug Root Beer
- 3. Sprecher Root Beer
- 4. IBC Root Beer
- 5. Dad's Root Beer
- 6. Not Your Father's Root Beer
- 7. Abita Root Beer
- 8. Sioux City Sarsaparilla
- 9. Henry Weinhard's Root Beer
- 10. OLIOPOP Classic Root Beer
- Summer Root Beer Fun!
- Conclusion: Top 10 Root Beers to Beat the Summer Heat in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Worry not, root beer aficionados! This guide dives into the top 10 root beer brands you should try this summer, offering a variety of flavors and styles to tantalize your palate. From classic favorites to unique craft brews, we’ve got you covered.
1. A&W Root Beer

A household name for a reason, A&W Root Beer delivers a smooth, creamy taste with a touch of sweetness. Their use of real aged vanilla adds a depth of flavor that makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced root beer.
2. Mug Root Beer
Craving a root beer with some oomph? Mug Root Beer is your answer. Unlike A&W’s smooth creaminess, Mug boasts a bold, foamy head and a spicy kick. This assertive flavor profile packs a punch, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more excitement in their root beer.
3. Sprecher Root Beer
Sprecher’s Root Beer, hailing from Wisconsin, isn’t your average root beer. They elevate the game by fermenting it in bourbon barrels. This unique process imbues the drink with a whole new dimension of flavor. Gone is the simple sweetness of some root beers. Instead, Sprecher’s boasts a complex profile, rich with hints of vanilla and oak gleaned from the bourbon barrels. It’s a perfect choice for adventurous palates seeking a root beer experience that’s anything but ordinary.
4. IBC Root Beer

If you enjoy a balanced root beer experience, IBC is a perfect choice. This classic brand uses pure cane sugar for a touch of sweetness that isn’t overpowering. The result? A refreshing sarsaparilla flavor that hits all the right notes without going overboard on sugary intensity.
Also Read: A Chocolate Cocktail Perfect for Before Midnight: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Style
5. Dad’s Root Beer
Dad’s Root Beer stands out on this list for its unapologetically sweet and nostalgic flavor profile. Imagine a summer afternoon, sunshine dappling through the trees, and the pure joy of indulging in a creamy dessert. That’s the essence captured in a bottle of Dad’s. Unlike some root beers that focus on a balance of sweet and spicy, Dad’s leans heavily into the vanilla side. The first sip is a symphony of rich, smooth vanilla that coats your tongue, followed by subtle hints of caramel and spice.
6. Not Your Father’s Root Beer
Dad’s Root Beer is the ultimate indulgence for those with a sweet tooth. Imagine a creamy vanilla dessert in soda form—that’s Dad’s. Rich vanilla takes center stage, with hints of caramel and spice adding complexity. Unlike some root beers seeking balance, Dad’s leans into sweetness, making it perfect for nostalgic floats or a decadent treat on its own. For a more grown-up experience, Not Your Father’s Root Beer offers a 5.9% ABV twist. The familiar root beer flavor profile gets a smooth and satisfying upgrade with a touch of alcohol warmth, perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or enjoying with friends for a unique and flavorful adult beverage.
7. Abita Root Beer

Escape the ordinary with Abita Root Beer! This New Orleans brewery crafts a unique twist on the classic beverage. Unlike standard root beers, Abita’s boasts hints of cinnamon and clove, adding a layer of complexity and warmth to the familiar sarsaparilla flavor. It’s a perfect choice for adventurous taste buds seeking a more spiced and interesting soda experience. Imagine a cool, refreshing drink with a touch of holiday cheer – that’s the magic of Abita Root Beer.
8. Sioux City Sarsaparilla
For a subtle and refreshing root beer experience, look no further than Sioux City Sarsaparilla. This small-batch brand prioritizes smoothness with a hint of sweetness. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a lighter bodied root beer that lets the classic sarsaparilla flavor shine through.
9. Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer
This classic brand uses cane sugar for a natural sweetness and boasts a creamy vanilla flavor. Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer is a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and nostalgic root beer experience.
10. OLIOPOP Classic Root Beer

This brand takes a health-conscious approach to root beer, offering a prebiotic soda with less sugar and added gut-friendly ingredients. OLIPOP Classic Root Beer is a great option for those who enjoy a delicious root beer experience without all the sugar.
Summer Root Beer Fun!
With this diverse selection of root beers at your fingertips, you’re sure to find the perfect one to beat the summer heat. Here are some additional tips to elevate your root beer enjoyment:
- Root Beer Floats: The classic pairing of root beer and vanilla ice cream creates a delightful and refreshing summer treat.
- Root Beer Cocktails: For a boozy twist, experiment with root beer cocktails like the “Root Beer Mule” or the “Floaty.”
Conclusion: Top 10 Root Beers to Beat the Summer Heat in 2024
As summer approaches, quench your thirst with a classic favorite—root beer! From creamy A&W to spicy Mug, this guide explores 10 delicious brands to tantalize your taste buds. Prefer a complex flavor? Sprecher’s bourbon barrel-aged root beer offers a unique twist. For a lighter option, try Sioux City Sarsaparilla or IBC. Feeling fancy? Not Your Father’s Root Beer packs a boozy punch.
So grab your favorite root beer, experiment with floats and cocktails, and create unforgettable summer memories with this delightful beverage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is root beer made of?
Root beer traditionally contains sassafras root, along with other spices and flavorings like wintergreen, licorice, and vanilla. However, due to safety concerns, most modern root beers no longer contain sassafras.
Is root beer alcoholic?
Most root beers are non-alcoholic. However, there are some hard root beers available, like Not Your Father’s Root Beer, which contain alcohol.
What is the difference between root beer and sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla is a type of root beer that is primarily flavored with sassafras root. Many modern root beers no longer contain sassafras, making the distinction between the two beverages somewhat blurred.