How is sarsaparilla soda consumed around the world?

How is sarsaparilla soda drunk?

Mostly the simple way: cold, from the bottle or can, with or without ice. Many people drink it with food, and in the US it also turns up as an ice cream float, the same way root beer does. The flavor is often described as close to root beer, but it varies a lot between makers.

What is sarsaparilla soda?

It is a sweet, carbonated soft drink whose name comes from the sarsaparilla plant. Recipes differ a lot between makers, so check the ingredient list if you want to know what is in the bottle.

Sarsi in the Philippines

One well-documented example is Sarsi. According to the Coca-Cola Philippines history page, Cosmos Sarsaparilla was renamed and rebranded as Sarsi in 1966, and it became a staple at meriendas (afternoon snacks), gatherings and family celebrations. Sarsaparilla-style drinks are made by many different producers, so a bottle from one maker will not taste the same as another.

How to serve it

• Chilled: the usual way, from the fridge or over ice.
• As a float: a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass with the soda poured slowly down the side.
• With a wedge of citrus: optional; some people like a squeeze of lime to cut the sweetness.
• With food: it goes well with burgers, barbecue, fried food and snacks.

Where to find it

Look in the root beer section of large supermarkets, in specialty and craft soda shops, in Asian grocery stores and online. If you are not sure which type to buy, a single bottle is a low-risk first try.

Check the label

Sugar content and caffeine vary by brand. Most are caffeine-free but not all, and sugar levels can be high, so use the nutrition panel rather than assumptions.