•  National Stewart’s Root Beer Day

National Stewart’s Root Beer Day is celebrated on June 17th each year to honor the rich history and nostalgic taste of Stewart’s Root Beer, one of America's most iconic handcrafted sodas.

Date:

June 17

What is Stewart’s Root Beer?

• Stewart’s Root Beer originated in 1924 in Mansfield, Ohio, when Frank Stewart, a teacher, started selling root beer to make extra money during the summer.

• It became known for its smooth, creamy flavor, served cold in frosty mugs at classic drive-in restaurants.

• Over the years, Stewart’s expanded into a full line of nostalgic sodas, but root beer remained the signature flavor.

Purpose of the Day:

• Celebrate 100 years of Stewart’s tradition (2024 marks its centennial).

• Appreciate the classic American root beer culture.

• Encourage people to enjoy a cold bottle of Stewart’s Root Beer with friends and family.

How People Celebrate:

• Drinking Stewart’s Root Beer—especially in vintage glass bottles or with vanilla ice cream as a root beer float.

• Sharing memories of drive-ins and soda fountains.

• Restaurants and retailers may offer special deals or giveaways.

• Social media posts using hashtags like #StewartsRootBeerDay or #NationalRootBeerDay.

Fun Fact:

Stewart’s Root Beer is known for not being overly fizzy, with a vanilla-forward flavor and a rich, nostalgic taste that has helped it stay popular for a century.

• National Stewart’s Root Beer Day – In-Depth

The History of Stewart’s Root Beer

• Founded in 1924 by Frank Stewart, a schoolteacher in Ohio.

• His idea was to create a high-quality, handcrafted root beer to sell during summer months.

• It became a hit due to its authentic recipe, made with real sugar and rich herbal flavors.

• Stewart’s quickly expanded into a chain of drive-in restaurants across the U.S. during the 1940s–60s.

• In the 1990s, Stewart’s brand was revived and bottled for retail, eventually joining the Cadbury Schweppes (later Keurig Dr Pepper) portfolio.

Flavor Profile of Stewart’s Root Beer

• Creamy vanilla base

•  Hints of licorice, wintergreen, birch bark, and sarsaparilla

•  Less carbonated than many sodas, giving it a smooth, frothy mouthfeel

•  Best served ice cold or in a root beer float with vanilla ice cream

Cultural Importance

• Stewart’s Root Beer is a symbol of 20th-century American soda fountain culture.

• It evokes nostalgia for:

  • Classic drive-ins

  • 1950s diners

  • Carhop service with frosty mugs

• The brand stands alongside other heritage sodas like A&W, Barq’s, and IBC—but Stewart’s is often praised for staying true to its craft-style formula.

How to Celebrate Stewart’s Root Beer Day

1. Host a Root Beer Float Party 
   Invite friends over and serve Stewart’s Root Beer with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

2. Visit a Retro Diner or Drive-In
   Some classic spots still serve Stewart’s in frosty mugs.

3. Try Stewart’s Variety Pack 
   Explore other flavors like:

   • Orange ’n Cream

   • Key Lime

   • Black Cherry

4. Share Your Memories 
   Post a photo or story on social media with #StewartsRootBeerDay

Fun Facts

•  Stewart’s has won multiple craft soda taste awards.

•  The glass bottle design is a throwback to the 1930s, offering a nostalgic experience.

• 🇺🇸 It is considered a true American classic, still produced in the U.S.

•  In 2024, Stewart’s celebrates its 100th anniversary, making this year’s observance extra special.