Sarsaparilla Root Powder 4 oz (Zarzaparrilla, Smilax) for Sarsaparilla Tea and Root Beer

Sarsaparilla is the root of the Smilax vine, a climbing plant of tropical Central and South America. Ours is Smilax aristolochiifolia, milled from organic or wildcrafted roots grown and harvested in Mexico, with the warm, sweet, woody flavor that gives old fashioned root beer and sarsaparilla soda their signature taste. In Spanish it is called zarzaparrilla. Each bag contains 4 oz.

For generations sarsaparilla root was the backbone of homemade root beer, sarsaparilla soda and herbal cordials, prized for a taste that is both sweet and earthy. The powder steeps and dissolves easily, so you can brew it into a simple tea, blend it into a syrup for sodas, or add it to your own root beer recipe. A little carries a lot of flavor.

Milled root, not an extract
Worth saying plainly, because the two get confused. This is the whole root, dried and milled. It is not a concentrated extract and not a standardized one. If a recipe calls for sarsaparilla extract, this is a different thing and you will need more of it.

How fine is it?
Fine and even, a soft mid brown with a slightly golden cast, with no visible fiber or chips. That is the photograph on this page. It stirs into hot water rather than needing a long steep, which is why the label directs an herbal shot rather than a fifteen minute brew.

How to make sarsaparilla tea
As an herbal shot, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sarsaparilla root powder to 4 fl oz of boiling water. Mix well, cover and steep for 2 to 3 minutes, then drink. For a larger cup, use 1 teaspoon to 8 fl oz and steep a little longer. To flavor a homemade soda, stir the powder into a simple syrup and strain.

The other way it is used
Beyond the shot, the label lists sarsaparilla tincture.

What is in the bag
Milled sarsaparilla root and nothing else. One ingredient, no fillers, no additives, no flavoring. Naturally caffeine free.

Where it comes from
Organic or wildcrafted. Country of origin Mexico, printed on the bag.

How to store it
Tightly closed in a dry place at room temperature, 59 to 86°F (15 to 30°C), as printed on the bag.

Frequently asked questions

What is sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla is the root of the Smilax vine, a climbing plant of Central and South America, with a sweet, woody, root beer like flavor. Ours is Smilax aristolochiifolia, milled into a fine powder.

Is this an extract?
No. It is the whole root, dried and milled. An extract is concentrated and this is not, so a recipe written for extract will need adjusting.

Does sarsaparilla taste like root beer?
Yes. Sarsaparilla is one of the classic flavors behind old fashioned root beer and sarsaparilla soda, sweet and earthy at once.

How do you make sarsaparilla tea?
Stir 1 teaspoon of sarsaparilla root powder into 8 fl oz of boiling water. Cover and steep 2 to 3 minutes, then strain. Use a little more and steep longer for a stronger cup.

Can I use it to make homemade root beer or soda?
Yes. Stir the powder into a simple syrup, strain it, and mix with sparkling water for a homemade sarsaparilla soda or root beer base.

Does sarsaparilla tea have caffeine?
No. Sarsaparilla is naturally caffeine free.

Where can I buy sarsaparilla root?
Here. This is 4 oz of organic or wildcrafted milled sarsaparilla root from Mexico, one ingredient. Orders leave in 1 to 2 business days, and we ship worldwide with duty pre paid for most countries. If you would rather take it as a capsule than taste it, our Sarsaparilla Capsules are 90 vegetable capsules of the same root.

¿Qué es la zarzaparrilla?
La zarzaparrilla es la raíz de la planta Smilax aristolochiifolia. Tiene un sabor dulce y amaderado, parecido al root beer. En inglés se llama sarsaparilla. Nuestra bolsa trae 4 oz de raíz de zarzaparrilla molida, orgánica o silvestre, de México, un solo ingrediente, sin cafeína.

PRECAUTIONS

• Not for use during pregnancy or nursing.
• Not recommended for anyone under 18.
• Individuals with known medical conditions should consult a physician before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

DIRECTIONS:

As an herbal shot, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sarsaparilla root powder to 4 fl oz of boiling water. Mix well, cover and steep for 2 to 3 minutes, then enjoy. For a larger cup of tea, use 1 teaspoon to 8 fl oz and steep a little longer. To flavor a homemade soda, stir the powder into a simple syrup and strain. Sarsaparilla root is also traditionally prepared as a tincture.

Store tightly closed in a dry place at room temperature, 59 to 86°F (15 to 30°C).

• Processing Time: Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days.
• Refunds: 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact within 30 days of receipt, return unused portions at your expense, and receive a full refund upon receipt.
• Customs Duty Tax: Pre-paid and covered for most countries.