Root Beer
Experience the nostalgic charm of homemade root beer with this delightful recipe, crafted from aromatic herbs and spices that deliver an irresistible depth of flavor. Combining sassafras root bark, wintergreen leaves, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, this effervescent treat captures the essence of old-fashioned soda while allowing you to tailor the sweetness with sugar or licorice root. Using natural fermentation with dry active yeast, this recipe produces a lightly carbonated beverage that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a playful twist on dessert. With simple prep and a rewarding fermentation process, you can enjoy chilled bottles of handcrafted root beer that burst with bold, herbal notes. Perfect for root beer enthusiasts and DIY drink lovers alike, this recipe ensures every sip is brimming with authentic, handcrafted goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Water
- 6 tablespoons Sassafras root bark (dried or shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Wintergreen leaves or mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon Licorice root (optional, for added sweetness)
- 2 pods Star anise
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3 Cloves
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Dry active yeast
- 8 cups Cold water
Instructions
In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water, sassafras root bark, wintergreen leaves or mint leaves, licorice root (if using), star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher to remove the solids.
While the liquid is still warm, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and stir well.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then sprinkle the dry active yeast evenly over the surface. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the root beer mixture into sterilized bottles, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top of each bottle.
Seal the bottles tightly and place them in a cool, dark place to ferment for 36 to 48 hours. Check the bottles periodically by gently squeezing them; they should feel firm but not hard.
Once the root beer has carbonated, transfer the bottles to the refrigerator to slow fermentation. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.
Serve chilled, and enjoy your homemade root beer! Open bottles carefully as the carbonation may cause them to fizz.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.5 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 250.9 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 238.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 333 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 258 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
