Last Updated: November 9, 2026
Root beer is a uniquely American soft drink, built on a base of sassafras-style or wintergreen-style flavors with vanilla, caramel, and spices layered on top. Brands differ in sweetness, creaminess, and how much they lean on herbal notes. Some are made for float night, others for sipping straight from a frosty mug.
This countdown ranks ten brands that are commonly sold in the United States. Regional brands and craft sodas vary by location, so availability depends on where you shop.
Ranking Criteria
The order avoids personal tasting claims and uses four factors:
- Flavor profile: How complex and balanced the root beer flavor is, from vanilla to spice.
- Float performance: How well the soda holds up with vanilla ice cream.
- Wide appeal: How likely a mixed crowd is to enjoy it.
- Heritage and availability: How long the brand has existed and how widely it is sold.
The Countdown
10. Boylan
Boylan makes small-batch style sodas using cane sugar. Its root beer is smooth, a bit sweet, and easy to drink. It is a neat choice for people who like glass-bottle soda.
9. Hires
Hires is among the older names in the category, with a history dating back to the nineteenth century. The flavor is traditional, and the brand is valued for nostalgia. It can be less common on shelves than others in this list.
8. Stewart’s
Stewart’s is known for its glass bottles and a creamy, vanilla-leaning profile. It is often found in diners and fountain-style shops. The sweetness is noticeable, which makes it popular in floats.
7. Virgil’s
Virgil’s markets itself as a craft root beer, with spice and a richer body than mass-market versions. Its more complex flavor suits drinkers who like depth. The style is less sugary-sweet than many.
6. Sprecher
Sprecher is a Wisconsin craft brand famous for its honey-based approach to root beer. The flavor is full-bodied and has a distinctive sweetness. It is a favorite among craft soda fans.
5. IBC
IBC is a long-running brand with a robust flavor and a strong following in many regions. It has a rounded, creamy taste and a thick mouthfeel. It performs well in floats.
4. Mug
Mug is recognized for its smooth, sweet flavor and creamy character, and it is often associated with a classic frosted mug image. It is widely available and a common float choice. It is also caffeine-free, according to the brand.
3. Dad’s
Dad’s has a mellow, vanilla-rich flavor that makes it easy to sip. It has been around for decades and remains well known. Its mild approach works for those who prefer less spice.
2. Barq’s
Barq’s is known for a sharper, spicier bite than many other root beers, along with strong carbonation. The distinctive edge makes it stand out from creamier competitors. It is widely stocked.
1. A&W
A&W is one of the most recognizable root beer brands in the country and has a long history tied to drive-in restaurants. The flavor is creamy, balanced, and easy to like, and it is especially popular for floats. Wide availability and strong brand recognition earn the top ranking.
Quick-Reference Table
| Rank | Brand | Style | Creaminess | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A&W | Creamy, balanced | High | Floats |
| 2 | Barq’s | Sharp, spicy | Low | Bold bite |
| 3 | Dad’s | Mellow, vanilla | Medium | Easy sipping |
| 4 | Mug | Smooth, sweet | High | Floats |
| 5 | IBC | Robust, thick | High | Floats |
| 6 | Sprecher | Honey, full-bodied | Medium | Craft fans |
| 7 | Virgil’s | Spiced, rich | Medium | Complex flavor |
| 8 | Stewart’s | Vanilla-leaning | High | Diner style |
| 9 | Hires | Traditional | Medium | Nostalgia |
| 10 | Boylan | Cane sugar, smooth | Medium | Glass bottles |
A Short History of Root Beer
Root beer traces its origins to herbal beverages made from roots, bark, and spices in colonial America. Historic recipes used sassafras, and later versions moved away from it because of safety concerns about one of its compounds. Modern root beers typically rely on other flavorings such as wintergreen, vanilla, licorice, and anise to build the familiar taste.
Building a Better Float
- Chill the mug or tall glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Pour the root beer slowly down the side to limit foaming.
- Serve with a straw and a long spoon.
Creamier, vanilla-forward root beers tend to produce smoother floats, while spicy ones add contrast against sweet ice cream.
Cane Sugar Versus Corn Syrup
Many craft root beers advertise cane sugar, while larger brands more commonly use corn syrup. The difference is often described in terms of mouthfeel and finish, with cane sugar sodas feeling slightly cleaner. Whether that matters depends on the drinker, and sweetness levels can differ in either direction. Checking the ingredient list shows which sweetener is used.
Some root beers add honey, molasses, or additional spices. These touches often show up in craft bottlings and help explain why the flavors vary so widely from one brand to the next.
Serving Ideas Beyond the Float
- Pour over crushed ice with a splash of cream for a quick cream soda-style drink.
- Use in a barbecue sauce or glaze, where the sweetness and spice pair with smoky flavors.
- Freeze into popsicles for a simple summer treat.
- Serve in a chilled mug for a classic diner presentation.
Regional Favorites Worth Knowing
Root beer is one of the most regional sodas in the country. Small bottlers in different states have developed local followings, and many diners and ice cream shops serve their own house versions. Visiting a local soda shop or checking a grocery store’s craft aisle can introduce flavors that never appear on national rankings. Because these brands are small, their recipes and availability can change, but they are a good way to explore the category more widely.
If you find a regional bottle you like, note the brand name, since shelves rotate and the same bottle may not appear again.
FAQ
Does root beer contain alcohol?
Commercial soft-drink root beer is non-alcoholic. Craft hard root beers are a separate category and are labeled accordingly.
Is root beer caffeine-free?
Many brands are caffeine-free, but not all. Barq’s, for example, has historically been sold with caffeine in some versions, so check the label.
What gives root beer its taste?
A mix of flavorings, often including vanilla, wintergreen, anise, licorice, and caramel, creates the signature taste.
What is the difference between root beer and birch beer?
Birch beer uses birch bark flavoring and tastes closer to wintergreen, while root beer has a broader blend of flavors.
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