Root beer… it’s fizzy, sweet, and strangely named. But what exactly is root beer? And why is it called “beer” when there’s usually no alcohol in it? In this episode of History of Simple Things, we uncover the surprising herbal roots, quirky history, and evolving ingredients behind this iconic American beverage. From sassafras and sarsaparilla to Charles Hires and the Prohibition era, we’re bubbling over with fascinating facts you probably never knew about root beer.

Whether you're a longtime fan or trying to understand why it tastes like wintergreen and nostalgia, this episode’s for you!

🧉 Spoiler alert: It used to be beer… kinda.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Why Root Beer Is So Mysterious
00:53 – What Is Root Beer Made Of?
01:51 – The Real Roots of Root Beer
02:57 – So… Why Is It Called “Beer”?
03:59 – Charles Hires u0026 The Rise of Commercial Root Beer
05:11 – What Makes Root Beer Taste Like That?
06:18 – Root Beer Around the World
07:00 – Is Root Beer Still “Beer”?
07:38 – Final Thoughts: The Sweet u0026 Foamy Legacy

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