For most Koreans who first drink root beer in America, the initial reaction is often, "What is this, a drink? Isn't it toothpaste?" This confusion arises when they expect a taste similar to cola or Sprite, only to be met with a sweet herbal aroma and a toothpaste-like aftertaste, leading them to wonder why anyone would drink this. However, many Americans are enthusiastic about this beverage, with some even claiming that enjoying it as a 'root beer float' topped with vanilla ice cream is the best dessert of their lives. So what exactly is this drink?

The original root beer is, as the name suggests, a beer made from roots. However, the 'beer' here refers to a beverage that has little to no alcohol. The origins of root beer trace back to herbal drinks and root teas used by Native Americans, which were later adopted by European immigrants who boiled roots like sassafras and sarsaparilla to create a refreshing drink.

In the mid-19th century, influenced by religious movements that prohibited alcohol, it became popularized as a "health drink that can be enjoyed instead of alcohol," and with the addition of sugar and carbonation, the sweet root beer we know today was created. Essentially, root beer was originally an alternative alcoholic and herbal beverage.

So what do Americans actually enjoy about the taste of root beer?

People who like root beer do not simply enjoy it for its sweetness and refreshment; they appreciate the herbal notes, wintergreen flavor, vanilla, caramel, and bark-like nuances it contains. In simple terms, they enjoy the 'spicy and forest-like flavors within the drink.' Just as we savor the nuttiness that lingers after the bitterness of coffee or the bittersweet aftertaste of dark chocolate, root beer fans claim it has a "once you get used to it, it becomes addictive" aroma.

One might think that root beer tastes similar to Korean kudzu juice, but to conclude, they are not the same drink, although they do share some peculiar similarities.

The commonality lies in the 'aroma and medicinal feel derived from plant roots.' Korean kudzu juice has a scent of earthy, grassy, and cool-rooted flavors, and rather than being sweet, it has a savory and herbal taste, while root beer hides a bitter root aroma and herbal notes within its sweet carbonation.

As a result, many Koreans who dislike kudzu juice often find root beer challenging as well, while those who have enjoyed kudzu juice as a health drink since childhood may approach root beer with curiosity.

However, the differences are also distinct. Root beer is much sweeter and has a stronger aroma due to the combination of 'flavors + sweetness + carbonation.' Additionally, the wintergreen flavor (known for its toothpaste-like quality) can make the refreshing taste feel overwhelming. If kudzu juice is a "healthy taste," root beer is closer to a "herbal-flavored dessert drink covered in sweetness." This sweetness allows many to enjoy it without hesitation, and mixing it with ice cream creates another layer of flavor.

Ultimately, root beer is not just a simple carbonated drink but a traditional herbal-based beverage that carries traces of American culture. The toothpaste flavor, herbal taste, and bark aroma... it can be off-putting at first. Yet, Americans enjoy this peculiar taste as a nostalgic flavor, reminiscent of home.

Memories of floating ice cream in a root beer float or the feeling of having a root beer after BBQ while camping make this unique drink special. Just as Koreans enjoy the taste of McCol or Sikhye with memories, root beer is also a beverage that carries the essence of life for some.

Thus, root beer is somewhat ambiguous to label as just a 'delicious drink' and insufficient to call it a 'bad drink.'

Once you get used to it, it becomes addictive, but if it doesn't suit you, you might stay away from it for life. It's a unique drink that divides people's tastes along that boundary. Those who love root beer are drinking culture and memories from that strange aroma, while newcomers from Korea might catch a glimpse of the American palate through this drink.

Of course, I like root beer; I enjoy drinking it chilled with Chinese food alongside my kids. Perhaps it's because of the memories from my college days when I often had it.