Sarsaparilla and sassafras, while often confused, are distinct in their origins and flavor profiles. Sarsaparilla is a drink traditionally made from the sarsaparilla vine, while root beer, which can be confused with sarsaparilla, is made from the sassafras tree root. [1, 2, 3]
Here's a more detailed comparison: [1, 4]

• Sarsaparilla: [1, 4]
  • Traditionally made from the sarsaparilla vine (Smilax spp.). [1, 4]
  • Has a slightly bitter flavor profile. [5]
  • Some sarsaparilla drinks are made with only sarsaparilla root, while others combine it with other ingredients, such as liquorice, to reduce the bitterness. [5, 6]
  • Sarsaparilla is known for its sharp, refreshing taste. [7, 8]
  • Some brands, like Barq's, are known for their sarsaparilla-based root beers. [9]
• Sassafras: [1, 2, 3]
  • Root beer is traditionally made from the sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum). [1, 2, 3]
  • Sassafras has a flavor that is described as spicy and earthy, with notes of vanilla, licorice, and/or anise. [3, 10, 11]
  • Sassafras was used in the past for medicinal purposes, including as a home remedy and in the creation of patent medicines. [3]
  • The FDA banned sassafras oil in commercially mass-produced foods and drugs in 1960 due to safrole, a compound found in sassafras, being carcinogenic. [9, 12]
  • Modern root beer often uses artificial flavors or natural extracts with safrole removed, rather than sassafras. [9]
• Root Beer: [1, 2, 3]
  • Root beer is a beverage that is often confused with sarsaparilla, but it is traditionally made from sassafras tree root, and other flavorings. [1, 2, 3]
  • Root beer is known for its sweet and enhanced flavor. [2]
  • Modern root beer often contains a mix of ingredients, including artificial flavors, to create a unique flavor profile. [1, 2]

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[1] https://www.bundaberg.com/en-us/the-difference-between-root-beer-and-sarsaparilla/
[2] https://beverageuniverse.com/blog/post/root-beer-vs-sarsaparilla.html
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsaparilla_(drink)
[4] https://growables.com/informationVeg/documents/Sarsaparilla.pdf
[5] https://www.bundaberg.com/en-GB/root-beer-sarsaparilla-whats-the-difference/
[6] https://www.bundaberg.com/the-difference-between-root-beer-and-sarsaparilla/
[7] https://rainbow-flavors.com/product/sarsaparilla/
[8] https://www.naturesflavors.com/products/sarsaparilla-flavor-extract-natural
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_beer
[10] https://www.pinkhousealchemy.com/syrups/sarsaparilla-syrup
[11] https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/sassafras/
[12] https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/did-you-know/root-root-beer-sassafras
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