99 Root Beer is a smooth, rich, and flavorful liqueur that blends the classic taste of root beer with an alcoholic kick. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or simply a casual enthusiast looking for a new drink to try, knowing what to mix with 99 Root Beer can open up a world of exciting cocktail possibilities. This article explores the best mixers, drinks, and combinations to create fantastic beverages with 99 Root Beer.
Introduction: Understanding 99 Root Beer
Before diving into the world of mixers, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of 99 Root Beer. This liqueur stands out in the world of flavored spirits due to its unique fusion of rich, sweet, and aromatic root beer flavors with a potent alcohol content, typically 49% ABV. The drink is often enjoyed on its own, served chilled, or over ice, but it truly shines when combined with other ingredients to create balanced and exciting cocktails.
99 Root Beer brings the nostalgic, familiar taste of root beer with the unmistakable warmth of alcohol. When mixed properly, it can be the foundation of both casual drinks and sophisticated cocktails. The key to making great drinks with 99 Root Beer is choosing mixers that complement and enhance its flavors, whether you’re aiming for a sweeter, bolder, or more complex profile.
This article will examine the best mixers for 99 Root Beer and provide a variety of drink ideas suited for different occasions, flavor preferences, and skill levels.
Best Mixers for 99 Root Beer
Classic Cola
One of the easiest and most popular mixers for 99 Root Beer is cola. Mixing cola with 99 Root Beer is an excellent way to create a familiar yet slightly more complex drink. The deep caramel flavors of the cola pair well with the sweet, herbal taste of root beer, and the result is a slightly more subdued sweetness than when 99 Root Beer is consumed alone.
Why it works:
The combination of cola and 99 Root Beer balances out the sweetness of the root beer with the sharpness of cola, creating a drink that’s both rich and refreshing. The bubbly effervescence from the cola also enhances the drink’s texture, making it easy to sip and enjoy.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Float Cocktail
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 4 oz Cola
- Ice cubes
Pour 99 Root Beer and cola into a tall glass filled with ice. Stir gently, and garnish with a slice of lime or a maraschino cherry for an added touch of color.
Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
If you’re a fan of spicier, bolder drinks, ginger ale or ginger beer can be an excellent choice for mixing with 99 Root Beer. The zesty, peppery kick of ginger complements the smooth sweetness of the root beer liqueur, creating a cocktail that is both spicy and refreshing. Ginger beer, with its more pronounced spiciness, can take your drink to a whole new level of complexity.
Why it works:
The effervescence of ginger ale or ginger beer adds a refreshing element to the drink while balancing the richness of the 99 Root Beer. The spiciness of the ginger also cuts through the sweetness, making the drink feel more rounded and flavorful.
Recommended Drink: Spicy Root Beer Fizz
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 4 oz Ginger ale (or ginger beer)
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Fill a glass with ice, add 99 Root Beer, top with ginger ale or ginger beer, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge for a zesty finish.
Cream Soda
For a richer, dessert-like drink, cream soda is another fantastic mixer for 99 Root Beer. The smooth and creamy notes of cream soda complement the vanilla-like undertones found in the root beer liqueur. This combination creates a smooth, indulgent cocktail that’s perfect for dessert or a nightcap.
Why it works:
Cream soda brings a velvety texture to the drink, enhancing the root beer’s natural sweetness. The blend of flavors creates a delicious, nostalgic vibe that will remind you of childhood root beer floats, but with an adult twist.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Float with a Twist
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 4 oz Cream soda
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Ice cubes
Combine the 99 Root Beer and cream soda in a glass with ice. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that classic float experience, and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Unique Mixers to Elevate Your 99 Root Beer Cocktail
Apple Cider
Apple cider might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of mixers for 99 Root Beer, but this combo creates a surprising and delightful drink. The tartness of the apple cider cuts through the sweetness of the root beer, while the earthy, fruity notes of apple pair exceptionally well with the herbal flavor of the root beer.
Why it works:
Apple cider brings a crisp, slightly tart balance to the rich sweetness of 99 Root Beer. The fruitiness of the apple accents the deeper notes of the root beer, creating a cocktail with a bit of complexity and depth.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Apple Fizz
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 4 oz Apple cider
- A dash of cinnamon
- Ice cubes
In a shaker, mix the 99 Root Beer and apple cider with ice. Pour into a glass filled with ice, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for a festive finish.
Coffee or Cold Brew
For those who enjoy darker, bolder flavors, coffee or cold brew coffee can be a fantastic addition to 99 Root Beer. The bitterness and depth of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet, creamy notes of root beer, creating a cocktail that feels sophisticated and rich.
Why it works:
Coffee’s robust flavor and slightly bitter profile balance out the sweetness of the root beer liqueur, making for an intriguing and smooth cocktail. This mixer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to experiment with a new twist on traditional coffee-based cocktails.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Coffee Cooler
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 4 oz Cold brew coffee
- 1 oz Milk or cream (optional)
- Ice cubes
Pour the cold brew coffee into a glass filled with ice, followed by the 99 Root Beer. Stir gently, and add milk or cream if desired for a smoother texture. Garnish with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Citrus Juices (Orange or Lemon)
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can brighten up a 99 Root Beer cocktail with their zesty, tangy flavors. Adding orange or lemon juice can create a refreshing, sharp contrast to the sweetness of the root beer liqueur, resulting in a well-balanced, lively drink.
Why it works:
The acidity of citrus juices helps to balance the sugary sweetness of 99 Root Beer. The zesty flavor also enhances the complexity of the root beer, giving the cocktail a burst of freshness. Whether you choose orange for a sweeter note or lemon for a sharper edge, both citrus fruits pair beautifully with root beer liqueur.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Citrus Smash
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- 2 oz Fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)
- A dash of simple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Mix the 99 Root Beer and citrus juice in a glass filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh orange or lemon slice for a bright, vibrant drink.
Advanced Mixers for the Experienced Mixologist
Whiskey or Bourbon
For cocktail enthusiasts looking to create a more sophisticated drink, adding whiskey or bourbon to 99 Root Beer can add depth, warmth, and complexity. The smoky, oak-forward flavors of whiskey complement the root beer liqueur’s smooth sweetness, while the alcohol content gives the drink a more robust profile.
Why it works:
Whiskey and bourbon bring a mature, full-bodied flavor that helps balance the sweetness of the root beer liqueur. This combination creates a deeper, richer cocktail that’s perfect for sipping slowly.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Old Fashioned
- 1.5 oz Whiskey or Bourbon
- 1.5 oz 99 Root Beer
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Combine whiskey or bourbon with 99 Root Beer in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well, then strain into a glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for a sophisticated, old-fashioned-style cocktail.
Spiced Rum
Spiced rum is another bold choice for mixing with 99 Root Beer. The warm, aromatic flavors of spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and clove in spiced rum pair perfectly with the herbal, sweet taste of the root beer. This combo results in a cocktail with layers of flavor that feels cozy and inviting.
Why it works:
Spiced rum enhances the warm, vanilla notes of 99 Root Beer while adding its own layer of spice. The blend of these two flavors creates a complex yet smooth cocktail, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Recommended Drink: Root Beer Spice
- 2 oz Spiced rum
- 2 oz 99 Root Beer
- A splash of ginger beer
- Ice cubes
In a shaker, combine the spiced rum and 99 Root Beer. Shake well, then strain into a glass with ice. Top with a splash of ginger beer for a hint of effervescence and spice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise.
Conclusion
99 Root Beer is an incredibly versatile liqueur that can be mixed with a wide variety of ingredients to create exciting, unique cocktails. Whether you prefer a simple, refreshing drink or something more complex and daring, the combinations outlined in this article will give you the tools to craft the perfect drink for any occasion. From classic cola and cream soda to the bold flavors of whiskey and spiced rum, the possibilities are endless.
By experimenting with different mixers, you can unlock new and exciting flavor profiles, all while enjoying the rich, nostalgic taste of root beer with an adult twist. Whether you’re hosting a party, unwinding after a long day, or simply trying something new, these mixers for 99 Root Beer will elevate your drinking experience and ensure you never run out of creative drink ideas.
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