Allways Drops Root Beer Sparkling Water vs Root Beer Flavored: Which Tastes Better?
Allways Drops root beer sparkling water delivers a lighter, crisp finish with clean carbonation, while the root beer flavored option brings a richer, sweeter profile closer to traditional soda. Both nail the sassafras and vanilla notes that define classic root beer, but your pick depends on whether you want refreshment or nostalgia in a glass.
We tested both versions side by side to help you decide which one fits your taste, lifestyle, and hydration goals. Here's what we found.
What Sets Root Beer Sparkling Water Apart from Root Beer Flavored
The root beer sparkling water uses zero-calorie flavoring with a focus on carbonation and a clean finish. You get the signature root beer taste without the sugar crash or heavy sweetness. The sparkling water base keeps it light, making it a solid swap for soda when you want something fizzy but not syrupy.
The root beer flavored version leans into a fuller, more traditional soda profile. It's sweeter, with a bolder vanilla and wintergreen kick that mimics what you'd pour from a bottle of classic root beer. If you're chasing that soda-shop vibe, this one hits closer to the mark.
Both options avoid artificial colors and use natural flavoring, so you're not trading taste for ingredients you can't pronounce. Grab the current discount code to try both and see which one wins your glass.
Taste Comparison: Carbonation, Sweetness, and Aftertaste
Carbonation The sparkling water version delivers sharper, more aggressive bubbles. It's refreshing and works well over ice or mixed with a splash of citrus. The root beer flavored option has softer carbonation, closer to a traditional soda's mouthfeel.
Sweetness Root beer sparkling water keeps sweetness subtle, relying on natural flavor compounds rather than sugar or high-intensity sweeteners. Root beer flavored amps up the sweetness with a caramel-forward finish that coats your palate. If you're weaning off sugary drinks, the sparkling water eases the transition. If you want dessert in a can, go flavored.
Aftertaste Sparkling water leaves almost no aftertaste—just a faint hint of sassafras. The flavored version lingers longer, with vanilla and a touch of spice hanging around for a few seconds. Neither version leaves a bitter or chemical note, which is a win compared to some sparkling ice root beer alternatives we've tested.
Which One Works Better for Mixing and Recipes
Root beer sparkling water shines in cocktails and mocktails where you need fizz without overpowering other ingredients. We mixed it with a shot of vanilla extract and a squeeze of lime for a zero-calorie take on a root beer float base. It also pairs well with bourbon or spiced rum if you're building a grown-up root beer cocktail.
The root beer flavored version works better in recipes that call for soda as an ingredient—think root beer pulled pork glaze, barbecue sauce, or baked goods. The extra sweetness and body hold up when you reduce it down or bake with it.
If you're experimenting with other Allways Drops flavors, the raspberry lemon drop and ginger drops also mix well with sparkling water for custom fizzy blends. You can check the latest prices and our exclusive code to stock up on a variety pack.
Comparing Allways Drops to Other Sparkling Root Beer Options
We stacked both versions against sparkling ice root beer where to buy searches often lead. Sparkling Ice tends to lean heavily sweet with a pronounced aftertaste, while Allways Drops keeps flavor profiles cleaner and more balanced. The texture is also lighter—less syrupy, more drinkable over a full glass.
Here's how they compare on key factors:
| Feature | Root Beer Sparkling Water | Root Beer Flavored | Sparkling Ice Root Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Low, natural | Medium-high | High |
| Carbonation | Sharp, crisp | Soft, soda-like | Moderate |
| Aftertaste | Minimal | Vanilla-forward | Lingering, sweet |
| Calories | 0 | Low | 0 |
If you're hunting for sparkling ice root beer where to buy and not finding it locally, Allways Drops ships directly and offers more flavor variety. You can also grab orange cream soda or strawberry drops in the same order.
Who Should Choose Root Beer Sparkling Water vs Root Beer Flavored
Choose root beer sparkling water if you:
- Want a zero-calorie fizzy drink that hydrates without sweetness overload
- Prefer crisp, aggressive carbonation over a soda-like mouthfeel
- Mix drinks regularly or need a neutral base for cocktails
- Are cutting back on sugar but still crave the root beer flavor
Choose root beer flavored if you:
- Miss the full-bodied sweetness of traditional root beer soda
- Want a treat that feels indulgent without going full-sugar
- Use root beer as a cooking or baking ingredient
- Prefer softer bubbles and a dessert-like finish
Both options work year-round, but we reach for the sparkling water more often during summer or post-workout, while the flavored version feels right for cozy evenings or pairing with comfort food.
How to Get the Best Price on Both Versions
Allways Drops runs regular promotions, and right now you can save 20% off all orders when you visit the coupon page. The discount stacks on bundles, so ordering both the root beer sparkling water and root beer flavored together gets you the best per-can price.
We also recommend trying a sampler pack that includes apple drops, pineapple drop, and meon drops so you can rotate flavors and avoid burnout on one profile. Shipping is free on orders over a set threshold, which makes stocking up more cost-effective than buying single cans at retail.
If you're curious about how root beer stacks up against other classic soda flavors, the drops coconut and lemon drop raspberry offer tropical and tart alternatives that pair well with the root beer options in a variety pack.
Our Verdict: Which One Tastes Better?
For everyday drinking, we lean toward the root beer sparkling water. It's lighter, more versatile, and doesn't leave you feeling weighed down after a full glass. The carbonation feels more refreshing, and it's easier to drink multiple cans without sweetness fatigue.
But if you're replacing soda entirely and need that nostalgic kick, the root beer flavored version wins on taste accuracy. It's the closer match to what you remember from childhood root beer floats, and the extra sweetness makes it feel like a treat rather than just hydration.
The good news? You don't have to pick one. Both versions are affordable, especially with the current discount code, and they serve different moods and occasions. Try both, keep your favorite stocked, and reach for the other when the craving shifts.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between root beer sparkling water and root beer flavored drinks?
Root beer sparkling water focuses on crisp carbonation and lighter flavor with zero calories, while root beer flavored drinks deliver a sweeter, fuller-bodied taste closer to traditional soda. The sparkling water is more refreshing; the flavored version is more indulgent.
Does Allways Drops root beer taste like real root beer?
Yes, both versions capture the sassafras, vanilla, and wintergreen notes that define classic root beer. The sparkling water is subtler, while the root beer flavored option delivers a bolder, more traditional soda taste.
Can I use root beer sparkling water in cocktails?
Absolutely. Root beer sparkling water works great in cocktails and mocktails because the sharp carbonation and minimal sweetness won't overpower other ingredients. It pairs especially well with vanilla, citrus, bourbon, and spiced rum.
Where can I buy Allways Drops root beer with a discount?
You can order directly from Allways Drops and save 20% off all orders using the code on our coupon page. The discount applies to single cans, bundles, and variety packs.
Is root beer sparkling water better than Sparkling Ice root beer?
Allways Drops root beer sparkling water has cleaner flavor, sharper carbonation, and less aftertaste compared to Sparkling Ice. It's also easier to find online and ships directly, so you don't have to hunt for it in stores.
Which Allways Drops root beer is better for cutting sugar?
Root beer sparkling water is the better choice if you're cutting sugar. It has zero calories, minimal sweetness, and still delivers the root beer flavor you want without the sugar crash.