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The people at Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction have just introduced a new (or rather, a revival of an old) spirit, Root, which traces its origins to “root tea” brewed by Native Americans. Made with sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch bark, and other wild roots and herbs, the colonists took a liking to the root tea recipe, and in the hands of their descendents (especially in Pennsylvania), it grew in popularity as its alcohol content gradually increased over the years. Once the similar, but non-alcoholic, root beer was introduced by Philly’s own Charles Hires and the anti-alcohol Temperance Movement gained strength in the late 1800s, root tea fell out of favor. Art in the Age’s Root seeks to rectify that situation. Root uses distilled sugarcane in a recipe similar to that of the original root tea to create a liqueur that can be served either by itself or used as a mixer. In celebration of its launch, there will be a cocktail competition at Silk City’s beer garden on Tuesday, July 28 from 7-9PM. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and $5 Root specialty cocktails available as local bartenders compete to create the best cocktail that uses Root. Judging the cocktails will be Philadelphia Magazine’s Victor Fiorillo, world renowned sommelier Marnie Old, Southwark’s George Costa, and Foobooz editor Arthur Etchells. The event is free if you RSVP to info@artintheage.com, and more info about the event is available here.