The drink you can only buy in the United States: it's not available anywhere else

Root Beer is a unique beverage that's only found in the United States with such popularity. With an earthy and spicy flavor, it has managed to become a symbol of American culture.

Originally from indigenous peoples, Root Beer began as an infusion of sassafras root. Used for medicinal purposes, the beverage became a tradition in America. European colonizers adopted this mixture, but it wasn't until the nineteenth century that it became popular.

Over the years, Root Beer grew in popularity, especially in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At that time, it began to be sold in stores and became a reference point of popular culture. The "Root Beer float," a mix of Root Beer with vanilla ice cream, was also born and remained a classic American treat.

The Beverage You Only Find in the United States

What makes Root Beer so special is its flavor, since it's different from any other carbonated beverage. Instead of the common fruity flavors, it has an earthy and spicy taste. The mix of sassafras, licorice, and vanilla makes it unique. This, without a doubt, is the reason for its success in the United States, but it's also what has made it unknown in the rest of the world.

In countries outside the United States, carbonated beverages are usually fruity or sweeter. Root Beer doesn't fit those tastes, since its strong and peculiar flavor has kept it from becoming a popular option in other nations. Although there are similar beverages, such as sarsaparilla, none have the same cultural impact as Root Beer in America.

The history of Root Beer is closely linked to the United States. From the early days of colonization, this beverage was integrated into social traditions. Over the years, the beverage became a companion at family gatherings, festivities, and celebrations. This caused it, over time, to be associated with American identity.

However, Root Beer has also faced challenges. In 1960, the United States Food and Drug Administration banned the use of sassafras root in the production of food products. This happened because it was discovered that sassafras could have carcinogenic effects. As a result, brands began to use artificial substitutes, but the flavor of the beverage remained intact.

A Popular Beverage in the United States

Despite these changes, Root Beer didn't lose its popularity. Over the years, brands like A&W and Barq's have continued to be widely consumed throughout the United States. The beverage remains a classic. Americans keep choosing it in bars, restaurants, and stores.

In other countries, Root Beer has had a limited impact. Although some brands are available in international markets, they don't have the same popularity. In places like Europe or Latin America, Root Beer is seen as a curiosity rather than a common beverage. It's rare and doesn't manage to compete with the traditional soft drinks of those regions.