Mixed drink supplies drinks, distilled beverages (e.g., vodka, gin, and whiskey and fermented beverages (e.g., beer, wine, and sake) form the base of the drink. Alcoholic or not, mixed drinks incorporate some type of drink mixer, which adds sweet or sour tones (e.g., simple syrup, sour mix, and grenadine), carbonation (e.g., soda or seltzer water), or a combination of both (e.g., sodapop and tonic water). Fruit juices, dairy products, coffee, tea, and several other beverages are used, too. While certainly not required, a cocktail garnish adds a festive touch to any mixed drink. Generally, the more fruit flavors in a drink, the more
Sarsaparilla (soft drink) Sarsaparilla (soft drink) Sarsaparilla is a soft drink, originally made from the "Smilax ornata" plant, but now sometimes made with artificial flavors. Sarsaparilla was popular in the United States in the 19th century. According to advertisements for patent medicines of the period, it was considered to be a remedy for skin and blood problems. Ruth Tobias notes that it evokes images of "languid belles and parched cowboys". Sarsaparilla is sometimes considered to be a type of root beer. There are dozens of brands of sarsaparilla beverages made by microbreweries, mainly in the United States. Sarsaparilla is not readily available in