Sarsaparilla soda - commonly mispronounced as "sasparilla" - can trace its roots to pre-colonial times. Over the centuries, its popularity waxed and waned, and it's been credited with - and then discredited as - being a method for resolving countless medical conditions. While it's spent much of the past 50 years declining in popularity, companies like Rocky Mountain Soda Co., with our South Park Sarsaparilla soda, have recently led a resurgence in interest in this most historic of all soft drinks.
The Origins and Precursors of Sarsaparilla Pop
The people in those areas had been consuming sarsaparilla for centuries. They believed the root of the sarsaparilla plant had potent medicinal qualities, and used the kind of sarsaparilla root tea they brewed to treat everything from impotence to flatulence. It was touted as an effective remedy for common skin conditions and digestive disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatism. While the majority of these claims weren't supported by eventual scientific research, many settlers swore by its effectiveness as a cure-all remedy – and their initial conviction of its medicinal value likely contributed to their feelings of relief.
It was not European colonizers but rather the native peoples of North America who would be the first to understand and enjoy the benefits of the sarsaparilla plant. Historical records indicate that Westerners first encountered sarsaparilla beverages in what are now Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
The Conquistadors and their entourage who first encountered the drink in the 16th century paid attention when local healers ascribed all manner of miraculous qualities to the sarsaparilla root. As a result, it wasn't long before they were sending it home to receptive Europeans willing to believe just about anything related to things that originated in the exotic "New World."
But as medical claim after medical claim fell by the wayside, a new appreciation for the taste of sarsaparilla developed, and it was that which remains to this day.
From Carminative to Soda Counter Stalwart
Once most of the hubbub surrounding sarsaparilla as a potential cure-all faded away, people were reluctant to give up their sarsaparilla beverages because, frankly, they liked the way the stuff tasted. But it wasn't until the invention of carbonation by Englishman Joseph Priestley in the late 18th century that sarsaparilla's ultimate fate as a modern soft drink was sealed.
Like most soft drinks at the time, sarsaparilla soda first appeared at drug store soda counters in the 19th century. Why? People at the time believed that carbonated water had, you guessed it, health benefits and soda water was sold in pharmacies alongside prescription drugs.
"Soda jerks" of the time (the people who dispensed soda at pharmacy counters) soon took to mixing sarsaparilla syrup with various flavorings such as vanilla and caramel increasing its appeal and setting the stage for an explosion in popularity. But sarsaparilla's popularity was not confined to the pharmacy soda counter. As unlikely as it may seem, it was simultaneously spreading throughout the saloons and taverns of the Wild West. That's right, in between rustling cattle and spending their ill-gotten gains at the local brothel, many a Wild West outlaw depended on sarsaparilla to cure their hangovers, calm their upset stomachs, and generally provide a non-alcoholic alternative beverage.
The Wild West Embraces Sarsaparilla
Lots of Wild West icons, including Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp, have been depicted in movies and TV shows enjoying sarsaparilla during their 'quiet time.' Did they drink the stuff? Hard to say. They likely tried sarsaparilla at some point. Whether they or other Wild West personalities actually took a shine to it is unknown. But claiming so certainly helped market the drink during the first half of the 20th century.
The Fall of Sarsaparilla
As the country moved into the 1920s and 1930s, new soda flavors were emerging seemingly every week. With so much competition and a growing preference among young Americans for the latest everything, sarsaparilla pop began to seem old-fashioned and quaint and began to experience a long, inexorable decline in popularity and sales. In time it became a niche beverage and was eventually almost completely overshadowed by its close relative, root beer.
Up From the Ashes
But just as soft drink industry experts were beginning to sound the death knell for sarsaparilla, visionary beverage makers like those at Rocky Mountain Soda Co. took an interest in it and developed their own spin on this historic bit of liquid refreshment. Their spin on sarsaparilla incorporates a more enlightened mindset by being vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and containing no GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
Similarities to Root Beer
Sarsaparilla and root beer have more than a passing acquaintance. It is actually sarsaparilla root that provides the ingredient that creates the distinctive foamy head on root beer. So, while sarsaparilla and root beer are technically different drinks, they share common roots, so to speak. The table below highlights some key differences between the two classic beverages.
| Aspect | Sarsaparilla Soda | Root Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flavor Source | Sarsaparilla vine (Smilax ornata) | Blend of roots, spices, and herbs (often includes sassafras) |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, woody, slightly bitter | Sweet, creamy, spiced |
| Popularity | More niche, often associated with specialty or old-fashioned sodas | Widespread in mainstream soft drink markets |
| Appearance | Dark brown, similar to cola | Dark brown, often with a foamy head when poured |
Whether you prefer the earthy boldness of sarsaparilla or the sweet, spiced taste of root beer, both drinks offer a nostalgic nod to traditional soda making. Each has its own unique charm worth exploring.
Order South Park Sarsaparilla Soda
Order our natural, full-flavored South Park Sarsaparilla through the Rocky Mountain Soda Co. online soda shop - available in packs of 12 to 48 bottles or cans.Order Sarsaparilla Soda
Sarsaparilla in Modern Pop Culture
In 1981, the Smurfs debuted as a cartoon series based on a popular 1950s comic strip. Fans of the series know that smurfs subsisted primarily on a dish they called "Smurf berries." The creator of the Smurfs, Pierre Culliford, modeled Smurf berries on the fruit of the wild sarsaparilla plant. In Europe, this wasn't an issue, but when the Smurfs became popular in the US, he made subtle changes to Smurf berries because he thought American audiences would recognize the plant.
Sarsaparilla earned a pop culture revival through films like The Big Lebowski (1998) –, where a character orders a sarsaparilla at the bar and is asked if it's "a good sarsparilla" by Sam Elliot's cowboy character. Its mention in movies and TV shows has helped sustain a quirky, nostalgic image for the drink even among younger generations.
Conclusion
Like sarsaparilla, ginger beer, and root beer, birch beer is one of those historical beverages that has somehow managed to carve out a niche in the digital age. And why not? It's earthy, spicy, and sweet, with a delightful aftertaste featuring notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.
If you want to try birch beer, pick up some all-natural Rocky Mountain Boulder Birch Beer. It's vegan, gluten-free, and contains no GMOs so that you can enjoy it to your heart's content. Whether you savor it on its own or mix it into creative cocktails, birch beer is a refreshing taste of history in every sip.
