How Root Beer Is Made – America’s First Soda

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How Root Beer Is Made – America’s First Soda | THE PROCESS

Root beer wasn’t invented in a factory — it started as a homemade medicinal drink brewed from roots, bark, herbs, and spices. In this episode of THE PROCESS, we break down how real root beer is made, from sassafras and sarsaparilla to modern extracts, carbonation, and bottling. We explore its surprising origin story, why early Americans considered it a “healthy tonic,” and how it became the country’s first iconic soda long before colas arrived. A blend of history, chemistry, and old-school craft that shaped American beverage culture.

0:00 – America’s Original Sweet Drink
0:49 – The Roots, Herbs & Early Recipes
3:13 – From Medicinal Brew to Modern Soda
5:23 – Choosing Real vs Artificial Root Beer
6:54 – How Craft Root Beer Is Made Today
8:09 – The Drink That Started America’s Soda Culture