Best Substitutes for Sarsaparilla
Out of Sarsaparilla? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.
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Original Ingredient
Sarsaparilla
Other
Earthy, root-beer-like nose with sassafras, licorice, and herbal bitterness. Palate is bittersweet with woody depth, vanilla, and wintergreen character. Long, medicinal, herbaceous finish.
Recommended Substitutes
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Root beer
Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.
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Dr. Pepper
Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.
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Coca-Cola
Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.
General Substitution Tips
- → Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
- → For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
- → Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
- → For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.