Root beer is a popular carbonated soft drink that has its origins in traditional herbal remedies. The name comes from the use of sassafras root as one of the primary ingredients, which was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to make tea by early settlers in North America. Over time, other flavors were added to create a unique taste that is now associated with this drink. While it does not contain alcohol like beer, its name comes from the use of sassafras root which gives it a distinctive flavor similar to beer.