Real root beer should taste like more than just "sweet." Ours starts with Indian sarsaparilla root, layered with molasses, star anise, clove, other warm spices, and whole-bean vanilla extract — the kind of complex, slow-built flavor that makes a real root beer taste old-fashioned in the best way. One ounce in sparkling water and you're drinking the version of root beer that pre-dates A&W by a century.
It's the secret weapon behind a New York Root Beer Manhattan that drinks like a grown-up dessert. Splash an ounce into bourbon and bitters for an old fashioned with anise warmth and vanilla depth. Use as the base for the best root beer float ever.
Tasting Notes: warm sarsaparilla root, deep molasses, soft anise warmth, whole vanilla bean finish
The Short Version: A real, old-school root beer syrup made with Indian sarsaparilla root, hand-crushed spices, molasses, and whole-bean vanilla — the kind of root beer that pre-dates the soda fountain.
Ingredients: Filtered water, organic cane sugar, brown sugar, Indian sarsaparilla root, molasses, star anise, clove, other whole spices, real vanilla extract (alcohol, whole bean extractives).
Perfect For: Root beer purists, craft soda fans, ice cream float enthusiasts, bourbon-cocktail makers, and anyone who thinks A&W tastes like sugar water.
Best Enjoyed In: Root beer floats (1 oz syrup + ice cream + sparkling water), Sarsaparilla Old Fashioneds (½ oz + 2 oz bourbon), Root Beer Manhattans, root beer-spiked espresso, or 1 oz syrup + 6 oz sparkling water for a craft root beer soda.
The Portland Syrups Promise: Ethically sourced, carefully brewed, and bottled in glass jars right here in SE Portland, Oregon.
Get Inspired
- A grown-up Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned for evening sipping
- A dessert-leaning New York Root Beer Manhattan for after-dinner cocktails
- A nostalgic Kid-Friendly Root Beer Shake for family treats
- A frosty Root Beer Slushy for hot summer days
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the syrup last after opening?
A: Our syrups are shelf-stable for 24 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 6 months.
Q: What's the difference between Genuine Root Beer Syrup and commercial root beer?
A: A lot, actually. Commercial root beer (A&W, Mug, Barq's) is made with corn syrup, artificial flavors, and a small amount of sarsaparilla flavoring or none at all. Ours is built around real Indian sarsaparilla root, hand-crushed and toasted whole spices (star anise, clove, others), molasses, and whole-bean vanilla extract — with organic cane sugar and brown sugar instead of corn syrup. The result tastes more complex, less candy-sweet, and noticeably less synthetic. Most people read it as "the real version" of root beer, with depth that mass-produced soda doesn't have.
Q: Can I use Root Beer syrup in cooking or baking?
A: Definitely. Brush it onto barbecue ribs or pulled pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a classic root beer glaze. Stir it into chocolate ganache for a root beer truffle. Use it as part of a marinade for beef short ribs (the molasses and anise are unreasonably good with beef). The flavor holds up to heat better than vanilla extract because the spices are already strong.
