Stewart’s Root Beer Day

Stewart’s Root Beer Day is an American celebration of root beer, a great refreshing drink that, despite the “beer” in the name, is non-alcoholic. The holiday is observed annually on June 17.

History

The history of Stewart’s Root Beer Day is not well-documented, but the holiday honors Stewart’s Fountain Company, which was founded in 1924. To boost his business, entrepreneur F. Stewart began selling root beer in his store. Sales thrived, especially during the hot summer months, as the drink was a perfect refreshment. Over time, the flavor lineup expanded to include fruit and berry versions of root beer.

Root beer is traditionally made from sassafras root. Researchers believe Native Americans used sassafras as a healing remedy. The commercial sale of root beer began in the 19th century when C.E. Hires developed a special dry mixture that could be diluted with water, simplifying production and increasing accessibility.

Interesting Facts

• Modern root beer often uses a flavoring agent instead of sassafras, as sassafras bark was banned in the 1960s due to its carcinogenic properties and misuse in drug production.
• The most popular root beer brands in the U.S. are A&W and Barq’s.
• In Australia, root beer includes a variety of herbal ingredients, such as coriander, nutmeg, and ginger.

How to Celebrate

Enjoy a refreshing root beer to celebrate the day. Experiment with different brands or flavors to discover your favorite. If possible, try making your own root beer using a dry mix and explore how different herbal ingredients affect its taste.

Share the holiday on social media by asking friends and followers if they’ve tried root beer and what they think about it. Engage in discussions about favorite brands and unique flavors.

When is Stewart’s Root Beer Day in 2025?

Stewart’s Root Beer Day is observed annually on June 17.

Observations