Dr. McGillicuddy's Root Beer
Dr. McGillicuddy's Root Beer is the soda-shop classic turned grown-up: a 42-proof (21% ABV) flavored liqueur from the Sazerac Company that captures the rich, creamy, spiced taste of old-fashioned root beer candy and soda in a 750mL bottle. Vanilla, wintergreen, brown sugar and soft baking spice ride over a creamy root-beer core, smooth and sweet enough to sip ice-cold straight — and built for the ultimate adult root beer float. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 21% (42 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: root beer flavored liqueur — creamy, sweet, soda-shop inspired
- Producer: Dr. McGillicuddy's, from the Sazerac Company (the house behind Fireball's origins)
- Best use: chilled shots, adult root beer floats, playful dessert cocktails
- Origin: United States (brand rooted in New Orleans)
The Doctor's Soda-Fountain Prescription
According to brand lore, Dr. Aloysius Percival McGillicuddy mixed his first concoctions as a bartender in an old western town in the late 19th century — and the line that bears his name has been delivering "spirited fun" ever since. The Root Beer expression is the lineup's nostalgia play: all the creamy vanilla-wintergreen comfort of a frosty mug, sharpened just enough by 42 proof to remind you it's the adult version. It comes from the Sazerac Company of New Orleans, the same house that first introduced Fireball as "Dr. McGillicuddy's Fireball Whisky" back in the Seagram days before it spun off on its own. Check out more liqueurs and the Dr. McGillicuddy's collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: classic root beer, vanilla, wintergreen, sweet spice, soda-shop aromatics. Palate: creamy root beer, vanilla, brown sugar, soft herbal notes, light baking spice. Finish: smooth and sweet, lingering root beer and vanilla with refreshing herbal sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Serve straight and ice-cold as a shot, pour over ice, or build the signature serve: a tall glass of vanilla ice cream topped with Dr. McGillicuddy's Root Beer for an adult float. It also mixes happily with cola or spiced rum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alcohol content of Dr. McGillicuddy's Root Beer? 21% ABV (42 proof) — easy-drinking and approachable for a flavored liqueur.
Is it actually root beer flavored? Yes — it captures classic old-fashioned root beer candy and soda flavors: creamy, vanilla-forward, with wintergreen and spice.
What cocktails can I make with it? Adult root beer floats (with cream or ice cream) are the signature; it also works over ice, in shots, or mixed with cola and spiced rum.
Stock the home bar with a bottle ordered online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.