ChiliStory by Karen Hart
The real reason root beer was invented wasn't to make root beer floats, although, those frosty ice cream drinks are a nice side benefit from a drink that burgeoned out of colonial settlers' ingenuity to try and make beer sans the hops. While it didn't quite work out as a true beer, over the years, this drink's place in the bevy of beverages consumers can choose from has evolved. Root beer has earned a rightful spot in ice coolers full of soda for backyard celebrations, but surprisingly, it also has a place in your favorite pot of chili. This seemingly unconventional addition may be the secret weapon for making this tailgating staple good for kids and adults.
Root beer adds both a mild sweetness and a snap of spicy, herbal notes to chili that the culinary curious will find titillating to the taste buds. This carbonated drink contains flavors derived from sassafras root, licorice, wintergreen, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, molasses, and sugar — all flavors that can easily complement a bowl of red. The sweetness of this soda is not overpowering and helps tame some of the heat that comes with a good chili recipe. Simply, swap out some of your tomato juices for root beer or use it in place of whatever beer you would normally add.
Check out the rest of the story and recipe HERE
