Matt’s Homemade Soda Co. releases Root Beer for summer

Like watermelon, juicy tomatoes and burgers on the grill, root beer is a summer staple laced with nostalgia. Now, just in time for the peak summer season, Matt’s Homemade Soda Co., has released its own version.

“We’re really proud of our craft soda line, and this season, we’re producing the all-American favorite, made fresh with local ingredients,” said Scott Kammerer, president and CEO of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware-based SoDel Concepts, which owns the artisan soda line. “It’s simple, delicious - like a taste of childhood. We think this flavor will be our best seller yet.”

The company worked on the recipe for more than a year to develop a distinctive taste worthy of the brand, yet still instantly identifiable. “We refused to use any flavorings or extracts,” said Matt Patton, a partner in the soda company. “We used roots, bark, spices, herbs and unrefined sugar.”

Matt’s Homemade Soda Co. in spring released Cherry Lime Thyme, which joined Lemon Berry and Black and White (cracked black pepper, white balsamic vinegar, fresh bay leaves and palm sugar). The line also includes homemade quinine water.

Root Beer is the first flavor in the line that wasn’t designed with a cocktail recipe in mind. “It’s the flavor that every kid loves and most adults also enjoy,” Patton said. “People can enjoy this soda with their meals or in a root beer float for dessert. In summer, what could be better?”

The sodas are available at Fish On in Lewes; Lupo di Mare and Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria in Rehoboth; Matt’s Fish Camp and Bluecoast Seafood Grill in Bethany Beach; NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View; and Catch 54 and the first Papa Grande’s in Fenwick Island.

For more information, go to www.sodelconcepts.com.