Go Back

Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Delightful Homemade Root Beer

Making homemade root beer is a delightful process that transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, fizzy drink perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Root Ingredients
  • ½ cup sassafras root bark
  • ¼ cup sarsaparilla root
  • ¼ cup birch bark
Group: Sweetening and Fermentation
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp. dry active yeast Preferred
Group: Miscellaneous
  • 1 gallon water
  • Ice For serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Large glass container Like a gallon jar or a food-grade bucket
  • Clean bottles

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, combine the sassafras root bark, sarsaparilla root, and birch bark with 1 gallon of water. Bring it to a slow boil over medium heat and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into another pot to eliminate any gritty bits.
  3. Add 2 cups of sugar to the strained liquid while it's still warm, stirring until it's fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.
  4. Let the root beer mixture cool to room temperature. Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of dry active yeast in about ¼ cup of lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  5. Combine the yeast mixture with your cooled root beer and pour it into a large glass container, leaving space at the top for bubbles.
  6. After about 24 hours, bottle your root beer using a funnel, seal tightly, and place them in the refrigerator to halt fermentation.
  7. Chill your homemade root beer and serve it over ice for a refreshing treat.

Notes

A delightful process that connects with childhood traditions while creating something enjoyable for gatherings.