Sarsaparilla (IPA: /ˌsæspəˈɹɪlə/ or /ˌsɑːspəˈɹɪlə/ ) Honduran Sarsaparilla, or Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii) is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Central America.[1] Its name (which is zarzaparrilla in Spanish) comes from the Spanish words zarza for "shrub" and parrilla for "little grape vine."[2]
Sweet Sarsparilla (Smilax glyciphylla) is a vine native to East Australia.[3]. It is sometimes confused with Native Sarsparilla (Hardenbergia violacea), an unrelated vine
The primary uses of sarsaparilla include the flavoring of beverages, and in folk medicine. As a medicinal product, sarsaparilla is supposedly a "blood purifier", aid to detox, and a general "pep agent" that is traditionally used in cordials and tonics to invigorate and cleanse the body, although there is no evidence to support its uses.[citation needed]
Sarsaparilla is not readily available in most countries, although some pubs and large supermarket chains in some parts of Australia stock sarsaparilla flavored soft drinks. It is marketed as a refreshing drink, much like Coca-Cola is.[citation needed] Heysong Sasparilla soda in Taiwan is also ubiquitous in convenience stores such as 7-11, vending machines, and other outlets.
Much like root beer, I assume. As it is made from a root of some sort.