Root Beer Extract Recipes You Can Make At Home

Have you ever wanted to make your own soda at home? There’s nothing quite like the rich and unique taste of real homemade root beer, and it can be surprisingly simple to create. Below, you’ll find a delightful way to make this fizzy beverage using natural herbs. Let’s get started!

Image of Root Beer

To set the mood for our homemade root beer adventure, here’s a crisp image to inspire you:

Ingredients

Before we dive into the brewing process, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sassafras root
1/4 cup sarsaparilla root
1/4 cup birch bark
1 tsp vanilla extract
Yeast (1/4 tsp dry yeast or a pinch of brewer’s yeast)
Additional flavoring (optional: wintergreen, anise, or other herbs)
4 cups carbonated water

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps to create your own root beer:

Begin by combining the 2 cups of water and sugar in a pot. Heat the mixture on medium until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the sassafras root, sarsaparilla root, and birch bark to the sugar-water mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the herbs to release their flavors.
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove the herbs.
Once strained, add one teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir well. Allow the mixture to cool down until it’s just warm but not hot.
Sprinkle the dry yeast into the cooled root beer mix. Stir gently to combine, then cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit for about 30 minutes to activate the yeast.
Once the yeast is activated, slowly mix in the 4 cups of carbonated water. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause fizzing and overflow.
Transfer your homemade root beer into clean bottles, leaving some space at the top. Seal them carefully.
Place the bottles in a cool, dark place for about 2-3 days to allow fermentation to occur. Check them daily to ensure they are not over-carbonating. You can open the caps to release some pressure if needed.
After the fermentation period, move your root beer to the refrigerator to chill before serving.
Now, kick back, pour yourself a glass of your homemade root beer, and enjoy!

Experiment with the flavorings until you find the perfect blend that suits your taste. Cheers to your brewing adventures!