#awrootbeer

Sodas have been an integral part of our lives, offering a refreshing burst of flavors and a delightful beverage experience. Among the wide range of soda options available, A&W Root Beer and Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink have gained a special place in the hearts of soda enthusiasts. Both these beverages offer unique and distinct taste profiles that have captivated consumers for decades. In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey and characteristics of these two beloved sodas.

A&W Root Beer: A Timeless Classic

A&W Root Beer is a name that has become synonymous with delicious root beer flavor. It all began in 1919 when Roy W. Allen opened his first root beer stand in Lodi, California. The recipe, featuring a blend of sassafras bark, vanilla, and other secret ingredients, quickly became a hit among customers. The success of A&W Root Beer led to the establishment of A&W Restaurants, known for their signature root beer floats, which further solidified the brand's reputation.

What sets A&W Root Beer apart is its smooth, creamy texture and rich, full-bodied taste. It delivers a nostalgic experience with its classic root beer flavor, characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices. The distinct taste of A&W Root Beer, coupled with its frothy head and carbonation, makes it a favorite choice for soda enthusiasts of all ages.

Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink: A Refreshing Twist

Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink offers a unique take on the traditional root beer experience. Sarsaparilla, a plant native to Central and South America, serves as the primary ingredient in this intriguing beverage. Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink stands out for its distinct herbal notes and robust flavor profile.

With its earthy and slightly bitter undertones, Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink provides a refreshing and invigorating taste experience. The drink often features additional ingredients like birch bark, wintergreen, or licorice to enhance the complexity of flavors. Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink has garnered a dedicated following among those seeking a more herbal and unique soda experience.

A&W Root Beer vs. Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink: A Clash of Flavors

While both A&W Root Beer and Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink fall under the root beer category, they offer distinct flavor profiles that cater to different preferences. A&W Root Beer delivers a smooth, creamy, and nostalgic taste, reminiscent of traditional root beer. On the other hand, Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink provides a refreshing twist with its herbal and robust flavor, appealing to those who enjoy a more adventurous soda experience.

It's important to note that personal taste plays a significant role in determining one's preference for either A&W Root Beer or Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink. Some may gravitate towards the familiarity and classic charm of A&W Root Beer, while others may appreciate the unique and invigorating flavors offered by Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink.

Conclusion:

A&W Root Beer and Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink have secured their positions as beloved sodas, each offering its own distinct flavor experience. A&W Root Beer's timeless classic taste and creamy texture have won the hearts of soda enthusiasts for over a century. Rasa Sarsaparilla Soft Drink, with its refreshing twist and herbal notes, provides an exciting alternative for those seeking a more adventurous soda choice.

“But the reasons against going to New Orleansvthat spicy southern city known for jazz and Mardi Gras and hospitality were the very reasons we had to go.” - Author: Howard Schultz

    Now Gator’s isn’t in New Orleans but it does its damnedest to channel that soul into this place with it’s clever cuisine and aesthetic. 

    I got tired of moving furniture and getting turned down for bar positions on account of lack of experience.  I sent in my resume for a line cook and sat down with the owners for my interview.  It was very pleasant and fairly informal. Within a few minutes I was asked, “How is it only now that you’re coming to us?” Seems like I had the job before I was even offered it.  We talked a bit more and I told them what I really wanted to do was kick off my career as a bartender.  I leveraged that I would work in their kitchen if they would give me time behind the bar to gain some experiences that I need to get to where I want to go. They accepted. It seems having me there lends a bit to their authenticity. 

    With Covid-19 restrictions being lifted more and more people are coming out seeking a good time.  For special occasions Gator’s hosts live music, Friday nights are for the karaoke fans, and then there’s the comedy nights with Yuk Yuks!  This place is fantastic.  

I don’t think he’s real.

Those are possibly real.

This is where the Karaoke in Yuk Yuks happens. 

    The food is a nice mashup of pub food with a southern flare. Cajun seasoning here and there, catfish, shrimp, Po' Boys, Jambalaya, and even a gumbo! They have daily specials and I personally enjoy their breaded wings.

There's an advantage to working both Back of the House and Front. I get to know the food well and I get the chance to bond with the entire staff. The comradery of a kitchen is a lot of fun, and this staff works very well together. They seem to look after one another. I'm really happy to be a part of their team.

I’ve enjoyed meeting the regulars and getting to know them.  This place is an emporium of craft beers, but in my humble opnion is not where you come for craft cocktails.  I think one other bartender knows what are and how to use bitters.  But thats just fine.  This place knows what it is and is just that unapologetically. 

    My first night working bar was during a Yuk Yuks and I told the owner I wanted to make her a cocktail and she accepted.  She was quite impressed and I’m hoping to continue impressing them.  

   Here’s the drink, and it’s an easy one you can use to impress folks too. Also, a word on rootbeer: I’m a personal fan of Barq’s and would prefer to use it almost in any situation, with the exception of this recipe.  AW is the way to go for this cocktail. Just my suggestion. 

Peanut Butter Rootbeer Float

1.5 oz Skrewball Whiskey 

.5 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream

3 oz AW Rootbeer

Fill your collins glass with ice. 

Pour in whiskey, and irish cream, topping up with AW rootbeer. 

Garnish with a marachino cherry and serve with a straw.