ROOT Tasting at the Bitter Bar, Boulder

I was honored to be invited by Art in the Age to a Pre-Pohibition era tasting preview of ROOT at Boulder’s Bitter Bar. I had never heard of this spirit and was quite intrigued after reading that what we know as the non-alcoholic beverage root beer actually shares historical roots with a delicious spirit that has been re-created and is now available in Colorado: ROOT.

The Bitter Bar’s illustrious mixologist Mark Stoddard created some noteworthy cocktails featuring ROOT that I am eager to return and try over and over and over…

The evening started with a taste of ROOT on its own and my root beer-loving taste buds were pleased. I love the flavor of root beer, but, being someone who does not drink soda, never drink it. Not to sound like an alcoholic, but, I am so glad that ROOT, a fine spirit, now can fill that flavor-space in my life. (big smile here!)

After the first taste of ROOT on its own, came Stoddard’s creation of ROOT, fresh lime, mint, and ginger beer. Perfect.

Next came his ROOT, yellow chartreuse, spiced cranberry compote, and maple bitters. Perfect again.

(The Happy Noodle was serving us some ROOT-inspired delicious food with these drinks, by the way…)

Then came ROOT with rye whiskey served over and allspice dram and local apple cider ice cube. Genius. Make ice cubes with apple cider. I am going to do this really soon. Probably as soon as I buy my first bottle of ROOT, which is likely to be tonight or tomorrow at Liquor Mart.

And the cream of the crop was probably the BEST root beer float I’ve ever had (or ROOT float?)

ROOT over Fernet Branca ice cream, topped with fresh grated nutmeg. I’d like to serve this at Thanksgiving.

Now, ROOT is a certified organic natural spirit of 80 proof. This will explain why my photos are a bit blurry. It was an eventful, fun, thirst-quenching evening.

If you’d like to try ROOT, served by a professional mixologist, head on over to The Bitter Bar and taste some of Mark’s creations. You can also get some ideas to inspire your own creations on the ROOT website: Art in the Age.

Enjoy responsibly, of course.