How to Brew Homemade Root Beer

Are you a fan of root beer? Do you ever wonder how it’s made? You’ll be happy to know that making root beer at home is actually quite simple and fun. With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can have your very own batch of deliciously unique root beer to enjoy. Here’s how:

First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need water, sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, wintergreen extract, and yeast. Mix together the sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and wintergreen extract in a large pot of boiling water. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature before adding in the yeast. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few hours, and then bottle it up and let it carbonate in the fridge for a few days. And voila! You now have your very own homemade root beer that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Section 1: Ingredients

Step 1: Gather all ingredients

Before you start making root beer, it is important to have all the necessary ingredients at hand. These include water, yeast, cane sugar, sarsaparilla root bark, wintergreen leaf, licorice root, ginger root, vanilla bean, and molasses. These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store or online.

Step 2: Boil the roots and herbs

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add in the sarsaparilla root bark, wintergreen leaf, licorice root, ginger root, and vanilla bean. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This will help to extract the flavors from the roots and herbs.

Step 3: Strain and cool the mixture

After the simmering process is complete, remove the pot from heat and strain out the roots and herbs using a fine mesh strainer. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding any more ingredients.

Section 2: Adding Sweeteners

Step 4: Add sweeteners

Once the root and herb mixture has cooled down, it’s time to sweeten the mix. Add in the cane sugar and molasses, and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remember, you can always adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

Step 5: Add yeast

After sweetening the mixture, it’s time to add the yeast. Make sure the mixture has cooled to a temperature between 70-80°F, as hotter temperatures may kill off the yeast. Stir in the yeast until it is well mixed, cover the mixture with a cloth, and let it sit for about 24-48 hours. During this time, the yeast will ferment the sugars, creating carbonation.

Step 6: Bottle the root beer

Next, pour the root beer mixture into bottles, leaving enough room at the top for carbonation to occur. You may also want to add a bit more sugar here to aid in the carbonation process.

Step 7: Age the root beer

After bottling the root beer, it’s important to let it age for at least a few days. This will allow the carbonation levels to develop, and the flavors to meld together. You can age the root beer in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.

Section 3: Serving Your Root Beer

Step 8: Chill the root beer

Before serving, make sure the root beer is chilled. Carbonation is enhanced when the root beer is really cold. You can achieve this by placing the bottles in the fridge or an ice bucket.

Step 9: Pop the cap

Gingerly open the root beer bottles. If they’ve been properly aged, they should make a satisfying fizz when opening.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Pour the root beer into glasses and have a sip. Ah, that’s refreshing! Root beer is a great beverage to enjoy during hot summer days. Savor the homemade taste of your creation, and don’t forget to share a bottle or two with friends.

Section 2: Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Root Beer

1. Water

The primary ingredient you need to make root beer is water. Make sure to use spring or distilled water as tap water can alter the taste of your root beer due to the minerals and chemicals contained in it. Avoid using any water that has been treated with chlorine or fluoride.

2. Root Beer Extract

Root beer extract is the simplest and easiest way to make root beer. It typically contains herbs, spices, and other flavorings to give you the desired taste that you’re looking for. You can find root beer extract at most grocery stores or online retailers. You can also experiment with different extracts to create your own unique flavor.

3. Sugar

Sugar is essential in making root beer as it helps to ferment the yeast. You can use regular white sugar, brown sugar, or honey to sweeten your root beer. Keep in mind that the type of sugar you use can affect the taste of your root beer.

4. Yeast

Yeast is required to ferment the sugar in the root beer and create carbonation. You can use any type of yeast, including champagne yeast, ale yeast, or bread yeast. Each type of yeast will produce a different flavor profile, so experiment with different types until you find the one you like best.

5. Optional Flavorings

While root beer extract is the main flavoring for making root beer, you can also experiment with other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Adding ingredients like vanilla, clove, cinnamon, or anise can give your root beer a unique twist.

6. Bottles and Caps

You’ll need bottles and caps to store your root beer. Make sure to use bottles that can withstand the pressure of carbonation, such as glass bottles or plastic soda bottles. Caps should be airtight to prevent any carbonation from escaping.

7. Funnel

A funnel is useful while bottling your root beer. It helps to pour the root beer into the bottle without spilling or making a mess.

8. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurately measuring your ingredients is key to making great root beer. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons to measure water, sugar, extract, and other ingredients.

9. Pot or Saucepan

You’ll need a pot or saucepan to boil your water and dissolve the sugar. You’ll also need a pot or saucepan to prepare the extract or make any additional flavorings.

10. Mixing Spoon or Whisk

You’ll need a mixing spoon or whisk to mix the ingredients in the pot or saucepan. Make sure to fully dissolve the sugar in the water, and mix the root beer extract or other flavorings well.

The Equipment You Need to Make Root Beer

Making soda requires some specific equipment to ensure it comes out correctly. Here are some of the must-haves for anyone who wants to start brewing root beer at home:

Glass Bottles or Kegs

You’ll need a container to put your root beer in after it’s finished carbonating. Glass bottles are a popular choice because they’re easy to find and can be reused for future batches of soda. Kegs are also a good option for those who plan to make large batches of soda at once.

Carbonation Equipment

To carbonate your root beer, you’ll need to introduce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the beverage. There are a few ways to do this, including using a soda siphon, a carbonation cap, or a kegging system. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one will work best for your needs.

Brewing Equipment

You’ll need a few basic items to make the root beer itself, including a large pot for boiling the ingredients, a funnel for pouring the soda into your bottles or keg, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture.

Ingredients

Of course, no soda can be made without the proper ingredients. To make root beer, you’ll need things like sarsaparilla root, wintergreen leaf, vanilla bean, and other flavors and spices. You can buy pre-packaged root beer extracts, or create your own recipe from scratch.

Cleaning Supplies

Proper sanitation is crucial to brewing anything, and soda is no exception. Make sure you have a good supply of cleaning solutions, like Star San or PBW, to keep your equipment and bottles clean and free of harmful bacteria.

By having the right equipment on hand, you’ll be able to brew root beer with ease and ensure that it comes out carbonated and delicious every time. Whether you prefer the tangy bite of sarsaparilla or the sweet creaminess of vanilla, there’s nothing quite like a cold glass of homemade root beer on a hot summer day. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?

Bottoms Up! Thanks for joining us on our root beer journey.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about how to make your own homemade root beer. Remember, making root beer isn’t rocket science – all it takes is a bit of patience, some simple ingredients, and a whole lot of love. Try experimenting with different flavor combinations and ingredients to find your perfect recipe. And don’t forget to invite your friends and family over to share your homemade root beer with! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more tasty recipes and fun DIY projects. Cheers!