National Root Beer Day: A Celebration of a Classic American Beverage
National Root Beer Day is a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring the rich history and unique flavor of root beer, a quintessentially North American soft drink. This day provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy this frothy, sweet beverage, whether on its own or as part of a creamy root beer float.
Quick Facts
- When is it? June 17
- Tagged as: Beverage, Soda, Celebration
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalRootBeerDay
- When was it founded? The exact founding date is unclear but celebrates root beer’s long-standing tradition.
- Who founded it? Likely inspired by soda manufacturers or enthusiasts of this iconic drink.
History of National Root Beer Day
Root beer has deep roots in American history. Originally consumed for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and early settlers, it evolved into a beloved beverage. Charles Elmer Hires popularized root beer in 1876 when he introduced his version at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Over the years, brands like A&W and Stewart’s have contributed to its legacy, making root beer synonymous with American culture.
Timeline
- Pre-Colonial Era: Native Americans brew early forms of root beer for medicinal use.
- 1830s: Written recipes for root beer emerge.
- 1876: Charles Hires debuts commercial root beer at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
- 1919: Roy Allen opens his first A&W Root Beer stand in California.
- 1960: The FDA bans safrole, a key ingredient in traditional root beer, due to health concerns.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 17 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | June 17 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | June 17 | Thursday |
| 2028 | June 17 | Saturday |
| 2029 | June 17 | Sunday |
| 2030 | June 17 | Monday |
Observed
National Root Beer Day is celebrated by enjoying frosty mugs of root beer, visiting classic soda fountains, or trying different varieties of this nostalgic drink. Many fans also indulge in root beer floats or host tasting events to compare brands.
Fun Facts About Root Beer
- Root beer was originally marketed as “root tea” by Charles Hires.
- It is almost exclusively a North American drink.
- The first ice cream soda (a precursor to the root beer float) was sold in 1874.
- A&W is the top-selling brand of root beer in America.
Quiz
- Who popularized commercial root beer in the U.S.?
- What year was safrole banned by the FDA?
- What is another name for a root beer float?
(Answers: Charles Elmer Hires; 1960; Black Cow)
FAQs
Q: Is National Root Beer Day the same as National Root Beer Float Day?
A: No, National Root Beer Float Day is celebrated on August 6th.
Q: Can I make homemade root beer?
A: Yes! Many recipes use natural extracts and sugar for a DIY experience.
Q: Why was safrole banned from root beer?
A: It was found to cause liver damage and cancer in laboratory animals.
Related
- National Root Beer Float Day (August 6)
- National Soda Pop Day (June 30)
- International Soft Drink Days