ROOT BEER ROUTE - UTAH, USA
One for the road is OK … usually
Head to Salt Lake City and set your co-ordinates for ‘Thirsty’. This voyage into the best of Utah’s root beer emporiums takes in mom-and-pop stores, old-school diners, and new wave dirty soda stops galore for a little taste of Americana.
Hires Big H, Salt Lake City
Start with a classic. Make yours a root beer float, served in a frosted mug and piled high with a whip of soft serve. It’s been a favourite since the 1950s for a reason.
The Root Beer Store, Salt Lake City
Stock up with some for the road at this store which claims to boast the world’s largest selection of root beers. Truly get to know the differences between recipes as you sip your way through historic, new, and experimental brews from across the world.
Swig, St. George
This dirty soda wonderland is the place to craft the root beer of your dreams. Go wild. Don’t worry if the endless possibilities cloud your decision-making skills; there’s some permanent fixtures on the market. Try a Buttery Beer with butterscotch and vanilla crème, or the Happy Camper with toasted marshmallow and half and half (a mix of milk and light cream).
The Soda Fountain, Kanab
Point your trusty stead in the direction of true old Hollywood. This canyon-wrapped town was once a huge filming hub for early Westerns. And it’s here at Kanab Drug you’ll find a proper old fashioned soda fountain. Beyond the pharmacy counter, sweet treats await, piled high with cream and toppings. Make yours a float before you drive on to nearby natural wonders such as Bryce Canyon National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes National Park, or the Grand Staircase-Escalante with a drive-up Scenic Byway 12 to Torrey.
Moab Brewery, Moab
Head over to this quirky town just beyond Arches National Park. Its brewery has the best root beer in town, made in-house. Sip as is, or ask for a dollop of Häagen-Dazs vanilla if you want to do it right. Maybe do your white-water rafting adventure with NAVTEC, or ATV thrill ride with High Point Hummer Tours beforehand?
On your way to Green River, pop by Jackass Joe’s Gas and Go garage to fill the tank, stop at its flashing loos, and buy alien poo sweets, of course.
Vernal Brewing Company, Vernal
After rafting the Green River and scoffing on the city’s famous watermelons, head on to Vernal. The Brewing Company makes its own root beer on the premises. Don’t leave without a visit to Dinosaurland, home to the largest quarry of prehistoric Jurassic dinosaur bones.
Flaming Gorge Resort, Flaming Gorge
Any day is a good day for a root beer at the Flaming Gorge. But Root Beer Day held annually on 6 August, might just be the best. Surrounded by steep red rock cliffs, a cruise down the calm waters of the gorge itself is a must.
Roosters Brewing, Ogden
On your last stop before Salt Lake City, you deserve to be a little naughty. Roosters makes its own root beer, but it’s the Loaded Root Beer you want, laced with vanilla vodka and butterscotch schnapps. Walk this quirky historic downtown, surrounded by mountains, for eclectic shops and live music. Head for a hike in the summer, or hit the slopes in winter, before making for the bright city lights. Cheers!
Click here for the full route map.
For the story behind this drink, be sure to grab a copy of TONIC Volume 8.
Billie Joel - Root Beer Ragtime