Imagine the delight of serving chilled, frothy root beer straight from a keg at your next party or family gathering. Maybe you’re planning a unique celebration, or you’re just craving the authentic soda shop experience at home.
Figuring out how to keg root beer might seem tricky, but getting it right makes a big difference in taste and fun. In this article, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide plus handy tips for delicious, hassle-free results.
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How to Get and Serve Root Beer from a Keg
Enjoying root beer from a keg brings a nostalgic and festive touch to any event, making it a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even just for a unique home treat. If you’ve ever wondered “How do you get a root beer keg?”, “How do you serve it?”, or “Where do you buy one?”, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down step by step to make your root beer keg experience smooth and delicious.
Can You Actually Get a Keg of Root Beer?
Absolutely! Kegs of root beer—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are widely available for purchase or rental in many areas. They’re commonly used for birthdays, corporate events, graduation parties, picnics, weddings, and soda-loving enthusiasts who want to enjoy root beer on tap.
You can find root beer kegs at:
- Specialty beverage retailers and local breweries
- Some national soda brands
- Certain party supply stores
- Breweries or soda makers offering keg rentals
- Select supermarkets and beverage distributors
Most root beer kegs contain non-alcoholic, classic soda, but a few craft breweries may offer alcoholic versions. Always double-check what you’re getting!
Types of Root Beer Kegs Available
Before making a purchase, it helps to know your options:
Keg Sizes
- Mini or Pony Keg (5 liters): Perfect for small gatherings; about 10-14 servings.
- Sixth Barrel (5.16 gallons/20 liters): Good for mid-sized parties; about 55 servings.
- Quarter Barrel (7.75 gallons): Suitable for larger groups; about 82 servings.
- Half Barrel (15.5 gallons): The standard “full keg”; great for big events, with up to 165 servings.
Root Beer Styles
- Classic Non-alcoholic: What most people expect—sweet, aromatic, smooth.
- Craft and Small-Batch: Fuller flavors, sometimes with natural ingredients.
- Alcoholic Root Beer: Hard root beer with varying alcohol content for adult celebrations.
Steps to Getting Your Own Root Beer Keg
Here’s how to secure the perfect root beer keg for your occasion:
1. Decide on the Size
Consider your guest list and choose an appropriate keg size. For children’s parties or family events, a 5-liter pony keg or a sixth barrel often works well.
2. Find a Supplier
Options include:
- Local breweries with soda offerings
- Specialty beverage stores
- Soda manufacturers and bottling companies
- Event rental companies
- Grocery stores with beverage services
Make sure to call ahead, as kegs may need to be reserved in advance.
3. Reserve or Purchase in Advance
Especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays), it’s wise to:
- Call your chosen store or brewery a week or more before your event.
- Specify if you want alcoholic or non-alcoholic root beer.
- Confirm pick-up or delivery details.
4. Plan for Tap Rentals or Purchases
To serve root beer from a keg, you’ll need a tapping system. There are two popular setups:
- Hand Pumps: Simple, affordable, good for short events. However, these introduce air, which can make the root beer go flat after a day or two.
- CO2 System (Kegerator/tap): Keeps root beer fizzy longer, perfect for parties over several days or for home kegerators.
Rental companies often provide tap systems for a nominal fee.
5. Prepare for Pick-Up or Delivery
Coordinate logistics:
- Ensure your vehicle can safely transport a keg (they can weigh up to 160 pounds full).
- Some shops offer delivery for a fee—ask if you need this service.
How to Serve Root Beer from a Keg
Serving root beer from a keg is fun and easy if you follow these basic steps:
1. Chill the Keg
- Keep the keg refrigerated for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Aim for a serving temperature around 38°F (3°C)—cold enough to stay fizzy.
2. Set Up Your Tap System
- Attach the tap or CO2 system as directed.
- If using a hand pump, only tap it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Pour and Enjoy!
- Use clean cups or mugs.
- Pour slowly, as root beer can foam quickly (even more so than beer).
- For an extra treat, offer vanilla ice cream for DIY root beer floats.
Benefits of Using Root Beer Kegs
There are plenty of reasons to love root beer in a keg:
- Festive: Enjoying drinks on tap feels special and memorable.
- Eco-friendly: Less waste than individual bottles or cans.
- Convenient: Serve large groups with minimal hassle.
- Cost-effective: Often cheaper per serving.
- Customizable: Serve it plain, as a float, or mix up creative root beer cocktails.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While root beer kegs are fun, a few challenges may arise:
- Availability: Not every store stocks root beer kegs; always check in advance.
- Deposit and Rental Fees: Be prepared for a per-keg deposit and possible fees for tap equipment.
- Shelf Life: Once tapped (especially with a hand pump), finish the root beer within a few days for best taste.
- Space: Kegs are bulky! Ensure you have storage and serving space.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Enjoy a smooth root beer keg experience with these tips:
- Reserve Early: Especially in summer months, demand is high.
- Ask About Returns: Most kegs and taps require a deposit; clarify return windows and costs.
- Keep it Cold: Use a large tub with ice, a dedicated keg cooler, or a kegerator.
- Foam Control: Root beer’s high carbonation causes lots of foam. Chill glasses beforehand and tilt at a 45-degree angle when pouring.
- Leftovers: If root beer remains, use it quickly—try making floats, baking, or even homemade BBQ sauce.
Cost Tips for Root Beer Kegs and Shipping
Root beer kegs can be cost-effective, but prices vary:
- Keg Price: Mini kegs start around $25; full-size kegs can range from $70–$150+.
- Deposit: Expect a $30–$100 refundable deposit for the keg shell and tap.
- Tap Rental: Fees are typically $10–$25 for hand pumps.
- Delivery/Shipping: Some suppliers offer local delivery for a fee; shipping root beer kegs can be expensive and is often restricted to certain regions.
To save money:
- Compare prices from multiple suppliers.
- Ask about package deals (keg, tap, cups, ice).
- Consider local pickup to avoid delivery or shipping fees.
Conclusion
Root beer kegs are a fantastic addition to any event, offering nostalgia, convenience, and great taste. While you’ll need to plan ahead—reserving your keg, ensuring you have the right tapping equipment, and keeping everything cold—the process is straightforward and rewarding. With the right preparation, your guests are sure to love the experience of sipping delicious root beer straight from the tap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many people does a root beer keg serve?
A standard half-barrel keg (15.5 gallons) serves around 150-165 people, while smaller kegs like pony (5 liters) serve about 10-14. Choose the size based on your guest count.
2. Do I need special equipment to serve root beer from a keg?
Yes, you need a tap system—either a hand pump (for short-term use) or a CO2 system (for longer events or ongoing use). Many suppliers rent this equipment with the keg.
3. How long does root beer stay fresh in a keg?
If you use a CO2 tap and keep the keg cold and sealed, root beer can stay fresh for several weeks. Once tapped with a hand pump, it’s best consumed within 2-3 days.
4. Can kids drink root beer from a keg?
Definitely! Most root beer kegs are non-alcoholic, making them perfect for kids’ parties. Just double-check with your supplier to confirm the root beer is alcohol-free.
5. Can I transport and store the keg myself?
Yes, but kegs can be heavy (up to 160 pounds when full), so use a suitable vehicle and handle with care. Always store the keg upright and keep it cold before your event.
With these tips and answers, you’re well on your way to serving root beer like a pro—keg, tap, and all! Enjoy your next frothy, festive pour!