1. Plant:
* This is the most common meaning. Sarsaparilla refers to a group of climbing plants belonging to the genus *Smilax* (and sometimes other genera). These plants are native to the Americas and have a long history of use in traditional medicine.
* The most well-known species is *Smilax medica*, but many other *Smilax* species are also referred to as sarsaparilla.
2. Beverage:
* Sarsaparilla is also the name of a non-alcoholic beverage traditionally made from the roots of sarsaparilla plants.
* It has a distinctive sweet and slightly spicy flavor and is often described as tasting like root beer.
* Nowadays, most sarsaparilla drinks are commercially produced and often contain artificial flavors and coloring.
3. Flavor:
* "Sarsaparilla" is also used to describe a flavor profile similar to the beverage, characterized by a sweet, spicy, and often slightly licorice-like taste.
In summary:
Sarsaparilla usually refers to a type of plant, but it can also refer to a beverage or a flavor.