Rum and root beer is a cocktail made by mixing spiced rum with root beer soda. It’s sometimes called a root beer float with a kick. The drink has grown in popularity in recent years, especially during the summer months. But is combining rum and root beer actually tasty? Or is it just a weird flavor combination?
The Appeal of Rum and Root Beer
There are a few reasons why rum and root beer has become a thing:
- It’s an adult twist on a classic root beer float – By adding rum, you put an alcoholic spin on a nostalgic ice cream shoppe treat.
- The flavors pair well together – Spiced rums like Captain Morgan have vanilla, caramel and wintergreen notes that complement the sweet, sarsaparilla flavor of root beer.
- It’s different – Part of the draw is that it’s an unconventional cocktail recipe people may not have tried before.
- Rum is popular – Rum sales have been steadily increasing in the U.S. in recent years. People are exploring new ways to consume it.
The combination of beloved root beer and on-trend rum makes rum and root beer an intriguing cocktail to try for many drinkers.
Taste and Flavor Profile
So what does rum and root beer actually taste like? Here’s a flavor breakdown of the cocktail:
- Sweetness – The root beer provides a sweet, sugary flavor. Using an alcoholic version like Not Your Father’s Root Beer will make it even sweeter.
- Warm baking spices – The rum’s notes of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice add warmth.
- Bittersweetness – Root beer’s distinctive sassafras flavor has a bittersweet, licorice-like taste.
- Bubbly carbonation – The carbonation from the soda gives the cocktail a refreshing fizz.
- Boozy rum flavor – The rum provides an alcoholic kick and molasses-like richness.
Overall the taste is sweet and spicy with an intriguing interplay between the distinct flavors. The carbonation helps cut through the sweetness. Using a rum with a higher proof will make the rum flavor more assertive.
Making Rum and Root Beer
While there’s no single definitive recipe, here is one way to make simple yet delicious rum and root beer:
Ingredients
- 2 oz spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry)
- 6 oz root beer (preferably a craft root beer like Virgil’s)
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a chilled highball or pint glass with ice.
- Pour in the rum.
- Top with root beer and gently stir to combine.
- Add more ice to fill the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice or maraschino cherry (optional).
- Enjoy sipping your cocktail through a straw!
For boozier rum and root beer, you can increase the rum to 3 oz or even 4 oz. Garnish ideas besides orange or cherry include a cinnamon stick or lime wedge.
Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips for making stellar rum and root beer every time:
- Use a quality spiced rum like Sailor Jerry or Kraken for bold flavor.
- Go for a craft root beer like Virgil’s or Maine Root for more complexity.
- Add a dash of bitters like Angostura to further enhance the spice.
- Shake it up by using a vanilla rum like Malibu for a creamier taste.
- Make it an ice cream float by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Homemade root beer concentrate adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish with a cinnamon sugar rim for a sweet twist.
Rum and Root Beer Variations
While rum and root beer is good on its own, there are lots of ways to riff on the basic recipe:
Rum Root Beer Float
For an alcoholic twist on a classic root beer float, top rum and root beer with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly.
Spicy Root Beer Margarita
Make it a spicy margarita-style cocktail by using tequila instead of rum and adding lime juice and hot sauce.
Root Beer Old Fashioned
For a spirit-forward version, make it an old fashioned with rum, root beer, bitters and a sugar cube.
Mexican Root Beer
Use an anejo tequila, add chili-lime rim and garnish with a lime wedge for a south of the border riff.
Root Beer Colada
Pina colada-inspired tropical flavors by using coconut rum and topping with pineapple juice.
Non-Alcoholic Rum and Root Beer
You can also make non-alcoholic rum and root beer by using:
- Root beer
- Cream soda
- Vanilla syrup or extract
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice
Mix everything together in the proportions you like best. The vanilla and spices will mimic the flavor of spiced rum without the alcohol.
Where to Find Rum and Root Beer
You can find rum and root beer at:
- Bars – Many bartenders know how to make basic rum and root beer, especially at bars with large rum selections.
- Restaurants – Some restaurants list rum and root beer cocktails on their menus, usually under signature cocktails.
- Home – Make it yourself at home with root beer, rum and ice.
You may need to request it if you don’t see it on a drink menu. It’s not as common as staples like a rum and coke. But part of the appeal is ordering an off-menu drink!
Benefits of Rum and Root Beer
Some potential benefits of rum and root beer include:
- Unique flavor combination – It’s different from everyday cocktails.
- Nostalgic taste – Reminiscent of old-fashioned soda fountains.
- Conversation starter – Intrigues and interests people.
- Highly customizable – Open to many riffs and variations.
- Refreshing – The root beer gives it a fizzy, soda-like taste.
Downsides of Mixing Root Beer and Rum
Some possible downsides of rum and root beer to consider:
- Very sweet taste – Potentially too sugary for some.
- Heavy feeling – Carbonation and alcohol can cause bloating.
- Strong flavor – Overwhelming if you use a spicy, high-proof rum.
- Not a classic – Won’t appeal to purist cocktail aficionados.
- Difficult to find – Not widely available on cocktail menus.
Health Impacts
Like any cocktail, rum and root beer should be enjoyed in moderation. Potential health impacts include:
- Alcohol content – Standard servings contain 1-2 oz of rum with alcohol content around 40%.
- Sugar content – Root beer is high in sugar, which means empty calories.
- Caffeine – Root beer contains caffeine, which can cause jitteriness.
- Carbonation – Can cause bloating, gas or upset stomach in some people.
There are no specific health warnings against rum and root beer. But rum’s alcohol content and root beer’s sugar content should be consumed moderately as part of a balanced diet.
Fun Facts About Rum and Root Beer
- Early root beers were actually alcoholic beverages produced by fermenting sugar, yeast and roots.
- Prohibition in the 1920s helped shift root beer to a non-alcoholic soda.
- The tradition of adding ice cream to root beer for a float started in the late 19th century.
- Traditional root beer contains sassafras root, but most modern brands use artificial sassafras flavoring instead.
- Captain Morgan rum helped popularize spiced rum in North America in the 1980s.
- Spiced rums get their flavor from spices like vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
Rum and Root Beer Reviews
Here’s what people have to say about the taste of rum and root beer:
“It tastes like a next level, adult root beer float. The spicy vanilla rum complements the root beer’s flavor so well. It’s sweet but not too sweet.” – Sarah H.
“I was surprised by how smooth it is. The bubbly root beer cuts the booziness of the rum. Way better than just a boring rum and coke.” – Mark T.
“It’s very nostalgic but also refreshing and fun. The mix of flavors keeps your tastebuds excited with the sweetness, spice and carbonation.” – Julia C.
“I’ll be honest – I wasn’t a fan. I found it too sugary. The rum flavor overpowered the root beer instead of blending. Not my thing but worth trying if it sounds good to you.” – Chris S.
Conclusion
Rum and root beer is an interesting cocktail combo with a sweet yet spicy flavor profile. It offers a nostalgic throwback vibe along with an adult twist. While not for everyone, it’s worth trying if you enjoy both rum and root beer. Just keep in mind the high sugar content from the soda and moderate your consumption to avoid potential health impacts. Sip slowly and savor the unique interplay of spice, vanilla, bubbliness and bittersweetness. What do you think – is rum and root beer a weird but tasty libation, or just plain weird? Decide for yourself after tasting this old-school cocktail with a modern cult following.