Dandelion and burdock
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Dandelion and burdock is a traditional British flavoured soft drink with a pungent aftertaste. Traditionally it is made from fermented dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and burdock (Arctium lappa) roots, and is naturally fizzy.
However the "Dandelion and Burdock" drink for sale in many retail outlets usually contains neither plant. The retail drink is often carbonated and contains artificial sweeteners.
Dandelion and Burdock shares a historical origin with a number of drinks originally made from lightly fermented root extracts, such as root beer and sarsaparilla. None of the main ingredients in these drinks has any notable flavour, and they were included rather for a supposed health benefit, which is detoxifying or cleansing. The dominant flavour in these drinks is usually sassafras or wintergreen, both now derived artificially rather than from the plant itself, in part because during the 1960s safrole, the major component of the volatile oil of sassafras was found to be carcinogenic. All these drinks, while tasting similar, do have their own distinct flavour. Dandelion and Burdock is most similar in flavour to sarsaparilla. Dandelion and burdock is best served chilled and is a light refreshing soft drink popular amongst children.
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