Definition & Meaning of "root beer"

What is "root beer"?

Root beer is a type of carbonated soft drink that is typically brown in color and has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. It is made from a combination of herbs, roots, and spices, including sarsaparilla, wintergreen, vanilla, licorice root, and cinnamon, among others. The exact recipe can vary depending on the brand and region, but generally, the ingredients are steeped in hot water to extract their flavors, and then combined with sugar and carbonated water. Root beer has been a popular drink in the United States since the 19th century, and it is often associated with summer barbecues, carnivals, and other outdoor events. It can be served chilled over ice, and is sometimes enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a root beer float.