From Sassafras to Vanilla: The Root Beer Float's Unexpected Story

The piece traces root beer’s origins to colonial-era ferments using sassafras, notes safrole’s carcinogenic risk led to its ban in the 1960s and the use of safrole-free extracts in modern versions, and explores the root beer float’s uncertain birth—with myths about inventor Frank J. Wisner likely unfounded and the more plausible rise at early chains like A&W around 1919—before the drink became a mid‑century staple and then faded with younger palates. It also highlights lingering nostalgia, generational taste differences (younger people favor other fizzy drinks), and National Root Beer Float Day promotions by A&W.