Root beer color?

[strahmhv]

What gives root beer its darker color? I made my first batch and its very light in color. Used dark brown sugar and honey as the sugars... would molasses darken it?

Tastes great otherwise

 

[lschiavo]

"Ingredients in Barq's Root Beer. Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, sodium benzoate (to protect taste), citric acid, caffeine, artificial and natural flavors, acacia."

Looks like caramel color. Who needs that if it doesn't add to the flavor?